In 2001, after the volunteer Board conducted research into the feasibility of a new credit union for low income people, the Olympia Food Co-op donated the services of a part-time staff person to focus on the task of getting the credit union started. The partnership formed with the Co-op was the first of what would be many beautiful friendships. Over the next couple of years, TULIP found numerous supportive allies in the credit union world. In particular, Washington State Employees Credit Union and Boeing Employees. Why are these "competitors" helping us? It may seem strange, but credit unions are cooperatives. The credit union movement is directed by a set of general principles, including a commitment to "cooperation among cooperatives" This means that members of the "credit union family" are committed to helping other credit unions. The TULIP project is of particular interest to many others in our community, because it is so apparent that there is a critical need for credit union services that is not currently being met. TULIP hopes to carry on a long and healthy tradition of working under the guidance of cooperative principles. Along with our partners, we are working to build and maintain a sustainable, self-help, self-governed, community development business, which is open to everyone. We believe this will make our community a place where everyone has an opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of economic activity, and one which can contribute to the health and sustenance of the local economy.