Owners' Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  “Why should I become a member of the co-op?”

A.  Being a co-op owner is much different than being a member of a buying club.  One benefit of becoming an owner is that you are supporting a democratically-controlled, socially-responsible local business.  In fact, in a cooperative the members own the business, and the profits belong to the community of owners.  Cooperative businesses provide goods and services in a way that keeps community resources in the community, so you would be supporting local farmers and producers by becoming an owner of the co-op.  You will also have a voice and a vote, as an owner, and could serve on the board of directors.  In addition, you are helping the regional & national cooperative movement grow stronger by joining as an owner.

Q.  “How are owner equity payments different from membership dues?”

A.  When you submit payments toward the $200 equity fee, the money is held in escrow.  If you move away and decide to resign as a Co-op owner, you will be refunded the amount of equity you invested in the Co-op (minus a $5 processing fee).  As a dues-paying member, you never received a share of the profits.  Now, as an equity-paying owner, you will receive a patron dividend check annually, which is your share of a percentage of the profits from the Co-op.  So, as an owner, you receive a return on your investment.

Q.  “When is my equity payment due?”

A.  Equity is assessed annually, and your membership year begins when we process your owner application.  Your renewal date is the date on the receipt from your owner application payment.  We will also be sending out renewal cards to remind owners when your annual equity payment is due.  Once you have become fully-vested ($200 in equity), you will receive your Capital Certificate.

Q.  “I paid my equity just a few weeks [or months] ago.  Why is the register asking me for $20 again?”

A.  Even though you may have recently paid your equity for the last year, your payment for this year is now due.  The equity payments are due on your anniversary date of joining the co-op, not a year from when you last paid.  Also, if you paid $20 recently and it is still asking for a payment, it may be that you need to catch up on back payments of equity if you have not yet paid for previous years.  Or, you may have paid for one of the owners in your household but not the other.  Each adult owner in the household needs to pay a minimum of $20 a year in equity until their $200 cap is reached.

Q.  “Why do I have to use only my owner # and not my partner’s?”

A.  Like a library card, your owner card # is an individual accounting of your transactions.  You are responsible for equity payments due on your account.  Having an individual owner # also enables you to have separate voting rights: one owner=one vote.

Q.  "If we can’t have a household membership and now have to be individual owners, how come I have to pay for my equity and my partner’s/spouse’s equity as well?"

A.  We ask that you pay the equity for each adult member of your household.  If you choose not to pay your equity, you will no longer be able to get discounts and your purchases will not be attributed to your patronage dividend until you pay at least $20 a year.  (Also, after a certain amount of time, you will forfeit your equity.  So, it is best to stay current with your equity payments.)

Q.  "Can I skip a year or drop out and then rejoin the Co-op?"

A.  According to the by-laws this is not allowed.

Q.  “Why should I become an owner of the co-op?”

A.  Here is the Top Ten list: