Leaders celebrated strengths found in the American cooperative network.

"When you’re faced with a problem, if you have a diverse group sitting around the table, you’re going to get that problem solved quicker. That’s what the data shows."

"I look at diversity as the company’s job, to make sure that we have a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve."

"We have almost 700 members who make up the women, multicultural, young professional, veterans, and new hires business resource groups."

"By bringing people together from different backgrounds, you get a wide range of perspectives and approaches to problem solving."

"Economic development is a key focus area to tie in to our diversity initiative programs."

"The notion of inclusion is enhanced when folks who might not feel as comfortable being active participants, for whatever reason, suddenly see that this seems to matter to the company."

Conversations with Ralph Izzo, Richard Mark, Charles Matthews, Christine Carmody, Doreen Nichols, Carmen Jandacek, Laron Evans and Michelle Word.

Lippold was commanding officer of the USS Cole when it was attacked by al-Qaeda.

"We’ve increased the adoption of complex rates. Sixty percent of our customers are on complex rates now."