A Model of Innovation

A Model of Innovation. , The Point Judith Fisherman's Co-op was admired worldwide for the way it brought fishermen together to collectively build a prosperous port., Galilee's world-renown business model , After World War II, Galilee entered its second generation as a significant fishing port. Young fishermen's sons returning from the war with a desire to build on what their fathers had started here. In 1948, they took a bold step: creating a fishermen's cooperative to leverage their collective power and achieve a more unified fleet. Ninety-six members signed up the first year, representing virtually every boat in port. Each member had one vote, whether he was captain or crew. Annual meetings were held at George's of Galilee restaurant., The Point Judith's Fishermen's Cooperative quickly became the envy of fishing ports near and far. It increased profits, cultivated camaraderie, and enhanced fishermen's access to policy making., Fishermen unloaded their catch at the Co-op's fish plant, bought twine, boots, and gloves at the Co-op store, and stocked up their boats at the Co-op's fuel dock and ice plant. The Co-op even had a welfare fund to support out-of-work fishermen and a vessel and health insurance program to protect members and their families., The Co-op mainly bought "food fish", i.e. fish destined for human consumption such as cod, large whiting, scup, swordfish, and flounder. The remaining catch was delivered to the Point Judith Fish Dehydrating Process plant, which bought hake, menhaden, herring, sculpins, and skates, and converted them into poultry feed. The plant made Galilee the #1 port for "industrial fish" landings year after year. It was also famous for the malodorous stench it gave off every summer.