River Valley Co-op recently hosted a group of professionals from Pakistan at its Easthampton, Mass., store as a part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. The group discussed solar power, stormwater management, cooperatives building community, local sustainable food production, and a program launched in Pakistan in 2021 that empowers women and LGBTQIA+ people through entrepreneurial training and new business incubation.

The goal of the leadership program is for participants to learn about sustainable infrastructure projects, the role of environmental nonprofit organizations, and the best legal practices in infrastructure management.

Several key officials joined the group, including the ambassador to Pakistan, a State Department representative, the Easthampton mayor and other officials from the city, and members of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The co-op provided lunch — and the fresh, local peaches were a highlight.

While at the co-op, River Valley General Manager Rochelle Prunty told the visitors about the Easthampton store’s consumer-owned cooperative solar power effort.

“I’m excited about sharing information on our stormwater management systems that we put in, our preservation of the wetlands and landscaping the natural pollinator meadow with native plants,” Prunty said.

Barrister Habil Ahmed Khan, director of operations for the Pakistani company Welt Konnect, who was among the group of visitors, was impressed with River Valley and described the co-op as “innovative” and “forward looking.”

Prunty also felt the visit went well, saying the participants, “seemed very interested in the sustainability features that we’ve included in our store.”

Read an article about the group’s visit to Easthampton here.