It is the intent of the Legislature that the center be operated by the University of California to do the following:
(a)
Assist cooperatives in the state through the provision of the following:
(1)
Board management and staff training.
(2)
Technical assistance regarding startups, ongoing operations, membership development, and new initiatives.
(3)
Advice regarding capitalization, marketing, merchandising, business, economic development, and financial management strategies.
(b)
Serve as a catalyst between the Land Grant University, other higher education programs, and cooperative leaders in the development and support of education, research, and public outreach programs of direct benefit and interest to cooperatives and their members.
(c)
Provide access to market development and changes through industry focused knowledge to the boards, officers, committees, management, and staffs of cooperatives.
(d)
Strengthen the capacity of California’s cooperatives to compete effectively and therefore, create employment opportunities for both the rural and urban population in California.