The Austin Co-op Think Tank  and National Cooperative Business Association are co-hosting a regional summit on expanding the cooperative economy in Texas.

The Friday night event, which is free and open to the public, will include a “What is a Co-op” panel and a chance to learn more about the individual co-ops in your community, with food and drinks from local co-ops.

Registration for the Saturday summit begins at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. talk by Jim Hightower, six workshops and panels throughout the day, lunch, and a regional strategic visioning session. Registration is $50 for co-op employees and $25 for the general public.

More information is online.

Location: Friday reception and showcase, Vuka Co-op, 411 W. Monroe, Austin;

Saturday conference, CMA Building on the University of Texas campus, corner of Dean Keeton and Guadalupe