State Workers' Cooperatives
State workers' cooperatives (or SWCs) are the fundamental units of the New Richmonder state microsocialist economy. SWCs are small entities which specialize in a particular industry or trade and serve as a parallel to businesses under capitalism. While the Ministry of Economic Development and Fiscal Affairs (or MEDFA) has the authority to plan and oversee the state economy as a whole, the operation of SWCs is almost entirely autonomous and democratic, and SWC workers have the right to elect and recall their director. SWC directors manage the affairs of an individual SWC, serve as the liaison between their fellow workers and MEDFA, and compile reports on the activities of their SWC to deliver to the Minister as part of the Ministry's semiannual report on the economy.
At present, four SWCs are in operation:
At present, four SWCs are in operation:
- Testerman State Agricultural Workers' Cooperative
Director - Brooklyn Hewitt
Testerman SAWC is responsible for all agriculture within the Republic, also produces various commercial goods from agricultural product such as jams, wines, etc. All good produced by the Cooperative are currently traded domestically within the Republic's borders. - Joe Kennedy State Whiskey Bartenders' Cooperative
Acting Director - W. R. "Joe" Kennedy
Kennedy SWBC operates Kennedy's Bourbon Bar in New Richmond City, an historic bar with a collection of many fine and rare bourbon whiskeys; additionally, the Cooperative acquires and resells bourbon whiskeys to American collectors. - Kristie's Crafts State Printers' Cooperative
Acting Director - Kristie Kennedy
Kristie's Crafts SPC produces home décor, signage, and graphic t-shirts, primarily for sale to American customers in the immediate vicinity of the Republic. - Chakra Deity State Metaphysical Artisans' Cooperative (currently inactive)
Director - Savannah Collins
Chakra Deity produces a variety of metaphysical goods, primarily wire-wraps and jewelry involving crystals as commonly found within the new-age Spiritual movement. The Cooperative operates an Etsy store.