Sicredi Sul SC and Sicredi Vale do Rio Pardo, two prominent cooperatives in Brazil, have recently distributed significant financial results to their members, highlighting their commitment to cooperative principles and community development.
On April 30, 2025, Sicredi Sul SC announced the distribution of over R$ 20.4 million from its 2024 financial results, marking a notable 13% increase from the previous year. This distribution followed the assembly's approval of the cooperative's distribution model. Of this total, R$ 9.9 million was allocated this week, with R$ 5.92 million directed towards share capital and R$ 3.94 million to current accounts. Additionally, R$ 10.5 million in interest on share capital was previously distributed on December 18, 2024.
Erli Silveira Lima, the executive director of Sicredi Sul SC, emphasized that these results reflect the cooperative's dedication to its members and community. "This growth is a direct consequence of our close relationship with our members and the strengthening of our presence in communities. Everything we do returns to our members and helps develop the communities," Lima stated.
In addition to financial success, Sicredi Sul SC has invested in social initiatives throughout 2024, focusing on cooperative education, financial inclusion, and support for projects through its Social Fund, which benefited 132 initiatives in the region. Looking ahead, the cooperative has allocated R$ 1.04 million for social projects in 2025, reinforcing its belief that financial results should align with human and social development. Aloísio Westrup, president of Sicredi Sul SC, remarked, "This is the essence of cooperativism: to grow together with the community." The cooperative serves 45 municipalities from Imbituba to Passo de Torres, operating 27 agencies for over 50,000 members.
Meanwhile, Sicredi Vale do Rio Pardo held its general assembly on April 25, 2025, at its administrative headquarters in Santa Cruz do Sul. The assembly culminated a series of nucleus meetings held with its members from February to April. Heitor Álvaro Petry, the institution's president, shared that the cooperative achieved a financial result of R$ 74.5 million for 2024. The assembly approved the distribution of R$ 17.1 million to its members, which, when combined with R$ 9.6 million in interest payments credited last December, totals R$ 26.7 million directed to the members. The deposit of this distribution was also made on April 30, 2025.
In addition to member distributions, Sicredi Vale do Rio Pardo allocated R$ 39.7 million to its Reserve Fund for the cooperative's security and strength. Furthermore, R$ 3 million was directed to the Fates Fund, aimed at investments in education and social development, and R$ 1.2 million to the Social Fund for supporting regional projects. These allocations were part of a broader strategy to strengthen the cooperative's impact on its members and the community.
During the assembly, the election of the fiscal council members for the 2025/2028 term took place. The newly appointed councilors include Iloir Carlos Palm, Cristiano Antônio da Silva Krug, Ricardo Fernando Bartz, and Liane Cristina da Silva Toillier.
Heitor Petry also announced the acquisition of a 24-hectare plot of land for R$ 6 million, which aims to enhance the cooperative's infrastructure while preserving historical and cultural heritage and establishing an environmental preservation area. This initiative underscores Sicredi Vale do Rio Pardo's commitment to sustainable development.
After the assembly, Sicredi Vale do Rio Pardo honored the 70th anniversary of the Association of Tobacco Growers of Brazil (Afubra). Petry highlighted the organization's role in representing tobacco growers and its long-standing support for producers through the Mutual System. "Afubra embodies the spirit of cooperativism, mutual aid, and collaboration, which aligns closely with our mission to foster community development and prosperity," Petry noted during the ceremony.
Both cooperatives exemplify how financial success can translate into community benefits, demonstrating the power of cooperative models in fostering economic growth and social responsibility. With ongoing investments in social initiatives and community development, Sicredi Sul SC and Sicredi Vale do Rio Pardo are paving the way for a sustainable future that prioritizes the well-being of their members and the communities they serve.
As these cooperatives continue to thrive, they stand as a testament to the effectiveness of cooperative principles in action, ensuring that success is shared among all members and contributes to the greater good.
