IOWA CITY, Iowa—This September, individuals older than the age of 18 are invited to submit short, up-to-two-minute videos in the My Co-op Rocks Video Contest, a nationwide contest in which food co-op fans share all the reasons their co-op rocks. Submissions will be accepted online through Sept. 30 at with $3,000 in prizes, including two new Apple iPads, to be awarded to the best videos in “People’s Choice" and “Judges’ Choice" categories.
The My Co-op Rocks Video Contest asks co-op members, shoppers and staff across the country to share their favorite co-op moments, memories and stories online. The contest is hosted by National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) and sponsored by Equal Exchange and Frontier Natural Products Co-op in celebration of all the qualities and quirks that make co-ops integral parts of communities.
In love with leeks? Swoon at the smell of spices in the bulk section? Giddy over gluten-free? Falling for a farmer? Participants are encouraged to unleash their sense of humor and creativity. Whether shooting with a cell phone or in high-definition digital video, all skill levels are welcome to shoot, edit and submit their video with an original co-op-related theme.
“Co-op customers are passionate about their local co-op," said Robynn Shrader, chief executive officer for NCGA. “This contest provides an opportunity for members, shoppers and staff to show us why in their own words and actions."
Individuals can submit videos through Sept. 30 and vote through Oct. 15. The public will determine three winners in the "People's Choice" category based on voting. Then, a panel of judges will score entries based on creativity, theme, and overall appeal to determine the three winners in the "Judges' Choice" category. Winners will be announced on Nov. 1. In each category, first place winners receive an Apple iPad, second place winners receive a $500 co-op gift card and third place winners receive a co-op customized HD flip cam. The first 50 individuals who submit a video will also receive a free t-shirt.