Transforming the Indian Fort Outpost

Alex Sipple of Get Outside KY, Leads the Charge in Establishing the Unify Cooperative at Indian Fort Outpost

Berea, Kentucky – Visionary community leader Alex Sipple of Get Outside KY, is spearheading the development of the Unify Cooperative at the Indian Fort Outpost, an innovative cooperative model that is set to reshape community engagement and environmental stewardship in Berea. Still in its formative stages, the cooperative is calling for new members to join and become co-owners in this promising initiative, aimed at preserving Berea’s heritage, fostering sustainability, and supporting the local economy. 

Alex Sipple, Local Entrepreneur and Social Cooperative Leader

Basic Principles of the Unify Cooperative

The Unify Cooperative is founded on key principles that guide its mission and operations:

Sustainability: The cooperative is dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural landscape of Indian Fort Outpost and open-access property that surrounds it. It promotes environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the forest lands.

Cultural Preservation: The cooperative honors the historical significance of the land, from its Indigenous roots to its connections with early settlers like Daniel Boone. The vision includes a future museum and gallery to educate the public and preserve this rich heritage.

Community Collaboration: The cooperative brings people together to work toward common goals, fostering a spirit of collaboration that has long been a hallmark of Berea's heritage. Local partnerships, including those with Berea College, the Tourism Council, and other local government and non-government nonprofits are central to the cooperative’s success.

Local Economic Support: By emphasizing local activity and community action clubs with green tourism businesses, the cooperative seeks to boost the local economy while promoting sustainable practices.

Co-Ownership and Integrity

One of the standout features of the Unify Cooperative is its member-owned structure. Each member is not just a participant—they are a co-owner, with a stake in the success of the cooperative. This ownership model builds integrity and transparency, ensuring that the cooperative operates with the best interests of its members and the community at heart. Decisions are made collectively, creating a democratic and inclusive environment where everyone’s voice matters.

A Call for New Members

As the Unify Cooperative continues to take shape, there is an urgent need for new members to buy into the idea and help make it a reality. “We are still in the early stages of development, and we need the support of the community to bring this vision to life,” says Alex Sipple. “By becoming a member, you are investing in something bigger than yourself. You are helping to build a cooperative that will serve Berea for years to come.”

Membership in the cooperative is open to anyone who believes in the principles of sustainability, cultural preservation, democracy, and community collaboration. By joining, members as well as associates will have the opportunity to shape the direction of the cooperative and take an active role in its success.

About the Unify Cooperative

The Unify Cooperative at Indian Fort Outpost is a member-owned cooperative in Berea, Kentucky. It is being founded on the principles of cooperation, sustainability, cultural preservation, and community collaboration, the cooperative aims to preserve the natural and historical landscape of the area while promoting a green and vibrant local economy. In partnership with Berea College, the City of Berea, and local stakeholders, the cooperative is dedicated to creating a future where community and sustainability thrive together.

According to the website a person can become a stakeholder (voting member) in the project through purchasing one to ten cooperative shares, for $1,000 each which will be reflected in the title deed of the Indian Fort Outpost when it is fully restored and recognized as a Berea landmark. More details are also available at the Online Campaign started on Friday August 16 called "Reclaiming the Indian Fort Outpost". Alex said, "Our destiny as a landmark depends upon the businesses and the people of Berea."

Associate members (non-voting members) will be recognized as volunteers and welcomed through a myriad of local activity clubs that will be operated from the Indian Fort Outpost site.

Contact Information

 For more information about the Unify Cooperative or to inquire about membership, please contact:

Alex Sipple, Proprietor of Get Outside LLC and Berea Tourism Commissioner

Unify Cooperative Society ("Unify Co-Op")
Cell Phone: (859) 582-7166
Email: contact@unifycoop.org
Website: www.UnifyCoop.org