Welcome to Inclusiv 2022 Annual Conference Site Visits!
The Asociación de Ejecutivos de Cooperativas de Puerto Rico (ASEC), Puerto Rico’s principal credit union executive organization and Inclusiv industry partner has organized site visits for conference attendees to experience the particularities of the Puerto Rico cooperative system. Visits include urban, and rural cooperativas in the coast and mountains of the island, and have a significant cultural component as well. Join us for a deep dive and inmersion into Puerto Rico’s cooperativas, people, and culture.
Cooperativa Jesús Obrero – Site Visit and Granito de Arena Artisan Market
Date: Monday, May 2, 2022
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cooperativa Jesús Obrero is a member of the Inclusiv credit union network in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico with over $110 million in assets and serving over 11,500 members. Established 62 years ago to assist the residents of the Guaynabo, San Juan and Caguas rural communities, Jesús Obrero has become a pioneer in community development, as well solar and renewable energy financing in Puerto Rico. They were also one of the first credit unions in Puerto Rico to receive Technical Assistance Grants from the CDFI Fund. Aurelio Arroyo, Jesus Obrero’s CEO, is a member of Inclusiv’s Board of Directors.
Faithful to their progressive history, Jesús Obrero is the first financial cooperative in Puerto Rico to meet the Juntos Avanzamos financial inclusion network’s requirements. Now, as a Juntos Avanzamos credit union, Jesús Obrero is partnering with immigrant community organizations, and consulates, to work withlocal Dominican and Haitian communities. Jesus Obrero recently signed an MOU with the Dominican Republic’s consulate in San Juan.
Includes visit of Granito de Arena Artisan Market, guided tour of Jesús Obrero Coop, Juntos Avanzamos proclamation ceremony, Puerto Rican Cultural Musical Tour, and lunch in town
- Duration of site visit: 5 hours
- Hotel pickup: 9:00 a.m.
- Time in bus: 35-40 minutes
- Requirements: Wearing a mask and evidence of vaccination
- Site visit includes walking around the credit union
- Package: $65.00
- Max capacity: 50 personas
Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito de Aiboniteña (BoniCoop) – Site Visit, Historic Plaza and Mirador Pinos de Otoño
Date: Thursday: May 5, 2022
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Bonicoop is a rural cooperative headquartered in the mountain town of Aibonito, Puerto Rico. Founded in 1950 by 32 members in the agricultural trade, Bonicoop has grown to $133 million in assets and serves almost 18,000 members from Puerto Rico’s rural communities. They were also one of the first credit unions in Puerto Rico to receive Technical Assistance Grants from the CDFI Fund.
Aibonito is a rural city with a population of 24,000 and a strong cooperative tradition. The town is home to two cooperatives, Bonicoop and Cooperativa San José, both Inclusiv members. Bonicoop played a critical role during and after Hurricane María, helping thousands of community members access cash and affordable financing. During the crisis, rural cooperatives like Bonicoop became a lifeline for many communities in Puerto Rico, serving as community centers, providing water, electricity, food, and other basic needs.
Includes guided tour of Bonicoop branch facilities in Aibonito, lunch, visit to Historic Town Plaza and Mirador los Pinos De Otoño.
- Duration of site visit: 5 hours
- Hotel pickup: 7:30 a.m.
- Time in bus: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Requirements: moderate walking, comfortable clothes, wearing a mask and evidence of vaccination
- Site visit includes walking for approximately 40 minutes
- Site visits are not recommended for travelers with back, heart, or other serious medical conditions
- Package: $75.00
- Note: People in this tour will have the option to be dropped off at Sagrada Familia or returned to the Fairmont El San Juan hotel or the San Juan International Airport
- Max capacity: 60 personas
Cooperativa La Sagrada Familia – Site Visit, Dinner and Concert at Naranjito Center of Fine Arts
Date: Thursday: May 5, 2022
Hours: 2:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Cooperativa Sagrada Familia is a rural financial cooperative headquartered in Corozal, Puerto Rico. Founded by members of the Catholic community in 1959, Sagrada Familia is a full-service community development financial institution with $270 million in assets serving over 32,500 people through five branches. Sagrada Familia is Puerto Rico’s first financial cooperative to become CDFI certified.
Eddie Alicea Sáez, Sagrada Familia CEO and Inclusiv Board Member, is innovating now in advance of future disasters. Sagrada Familia is the founder of the “Viva la Montaña” Alliance, an agreement between the credit union, a supermarket chain, and a health services organization to share their resources, improving their community’s resiliency today and in advance of the next natural disaster.
Sagrada Familia recently unveiled its “Oasis” model, a hub that provides access to a deep water well, solar generated electricity, satellite communications and food for residents in case of natural disasters.
Includes guided site visit to Sagrada Familia Naranjito branch and the OASIS, a resiliency center and community hub, dinner, typical music and poetry at the “Naranjito Fine Arts Center”.
- Duration of site visit: 6 hours
- Hotel pickup: 2:30 p.m.
- Time in bus: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Requirements: wearing a mask and evidence of vaccination
- Site visit includes walking around the credit union
- Package: $75.00
- Max capacity: 60 personas
About the Site Visits:
Tour confirmation:
- Confirmation will be received when booking is made.
- No spaces are reserved. You have to make the payment immediately.
- The accepted payment method is credit card.
- It is not adapted for people in wheelchairs. It is not recommended for travelers with back problems, travelers with heart problems or other serious medical problems.
Covid-19 precautions:
- You must keep social distance
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
- You are required to bring and wear a mask
- You will receive a mandatory temperature check
- You need to present evidence of vaccination
Payment method:
Cancellation Policy:
- Site visits are not refundable.
- Pickups are arranged from the hotel lobby. Be punctual!
More information:
Payment information:
If you have any questions about your payment or need payment confirmation, please send us an email
