The Northern Karelia Cooperative Society, PKO, is a consumer cooperative owned by its co-op members. That means us – North Karelians! Nine out of ten households in North Karelia are co-op members of PKO.In the cooperative store, you are both the customer and the owner. This dual nature distinguishes the cooperative from other forms of business.As we are both a member community owned by the co-op members and a business, we always look at things from a broader perspective than the pursuit of financial gain. This can be described as a seesaw, the two ends of which must be balanced. From the business perspective, the operation must be financially profitable, and from the member community's perspective, our owners must get the maximum benefit from the use of the services. PKO fulfils its role as a member-based community by contributing to the development of its region. For example, in 2024, PKO allocated EUR 1.4 million to support the employment of young people and individuals requiring special assistance, as well as to promote sports, culture and the work of associations and organisations. Over the course of the year, PKO invested EUR 35 million in maintaining regional vitality by renewing and further developing its service network. In addition, PKO’s co-op members received a record EUR 29.4 million in member benefits in 2024!
