; Whereas many sole proprietor, partnership, or family businesses are converting to worker-owned cooperatives when faced with a potential closure or buyout; Whereas cooperatives have the potential to ease the impending problem of baby boomer small business owners retiring by transitioning employee-owned or consumer-owned cooperatives rather than closing the business when the owner retires; Whereas cooperatives are a proven strategy in helping people build a more inclusive economy that is more equitable, participatory, growing, sustainable, and stable; and Whereas the national apex organization representing people and organizations that use the cooperative business model to build a better world, the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016: Now, therefore, be it