co-op benefits
Dear Members of the Community,
We are excited to present to you the many benefits of turning our local grocery store into a cooperative. We understand that some of you may be skeptical or unsure about what a cooperative is and how it can benefit our community, so we have compiled all of the information we have previously provided into this document to better explain the advantages of a cooperative grocery store.
Economic Impact
Cooperative businesses have a significant impact on their local communities. According to a study by the National Cooperative Business Association, cooperatives in the United States generated over $650 billion in revenue and employed over 2 million people. Moreover, cooperatives tend to keep money circulating within the local economy, as profits are often reinvested in the business, distributed to members, or used to support community projects. By supporting a cooperative grocery store, we are investing in our local economy and supporting our community's growth and development.
Local Sourcing
One of the many benefits of a cooperative grocery store is that it often prioritizes local sourcing, which means that it purchases products from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible. This helps to support local agriculture and create a more sustainable local food system. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, local food sales in the United States totaled $8.7 billion in 2015, and this number has been steadily increasing over the past several years. Supporting a cooperative grocery store means we can help promote local agriculture and build a more sustainable food system for our community.
Employee Wages and Benefits
Cooperatives tend to pay their employees fair wages and offer benefits, which can help to create more stable, well-paying jobs in local communities. According to a study by the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, cooperatives tend to pay their employees an average of 17% higher wages and are more likely to offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. By supporting a cooperative grocery store, we are promoting fair labor practices and investing in our community's workforce.
Member Benefits
As a member of a cooperative grocery store, you will have access to discounts and special offers on products sold at the store, as well as the opportunity to receive a share of the profits generated by the store. Additionally, cooperatives often offer educational programs and workshops for their members, as well as opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and help shape the direction of the store. By becoming a member of a cooperative grocery store, you can benefit financially, learn about sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits, and have a say in how the store is run and its direction.
Community Building
Cooperatives are owned and democratically controlled by their members, which means that they are often deeply rooted in their local communities. By becoming a member of a cooperative, you can get involved in your local community and meet other like-minded individuals who share your values. This can help to build stronger, more resilient communities. By supporting a cooperative grocery store, we can build a stronger, more connected community.
We hope that this information has convinced you of the many benefits of a cooperative grocery store. We invite you to join us in this exciting initiative to create a more sustainable, fair, and connected local community. By supporting a cooperative grocery store, we are investing in our community's future and creating a better world for ourselves and future generations.
We are excited to present to you the many benefits of turning our local grocery store into a cooperative. We understand that some of you may be skeptical or unsure about what a cooperative is and how it can benefit our community, so we have compiled all of the information we have previously provided into this document to better explain the advantages of a cooperative grocery store.
Economic Impact
Cooperative businesses have a significant impact on their local communities. According to a study by the National Cooperative Business Association, cooperatives in the United States generated over $650 billion in revenue and employed over 2 million people. Moreover, cooperatives tend to keep money circulating within the local economy, as profits are often reinvested in the business, distributed to members, or used to support community projects. By supporting a cooperative grocery store, we are investing in our local economy and supporting our community's growth and development.
Local Sourcing
One of the many benefits of a cooperative grocery store is that it often prioritizes local sourcing, which means that it purchases products from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible. This helps to support local agriculture and create a more sustainable local food system. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, local food sales in the United States totaled $8.7 billion in 2015, and this number has been steadily increasing over the past several years. Supporting a cooperative grocery store means we can help promote local agriculture and build a more sustainable food system for our community.
Employee Wages and Benefits
Cooperatives tend to pay their employees fair wages and offer benefits, which can help to create more stable, well-paying jobs in local communities. According to a study by the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, cooperatives tend to pay their employees an average of 17% higher wages and are more likely to offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. By supporting a cooperative grocery store, we are promoting fair labor practices and investing in our community's workforce.
Member Benefits
As a member of a cooperative grocery store, you will have access to discounts and special offers on products sold at the store, as well as the opportunity to receive a share of the profits generated by the store. Additionally, cooperatives often offer educational programs and workshops for their members, as well as opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and help shape the direction of the store. By becoming a member of a cooperative grocery store, you can benefit financially, learn about sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits, and have a say in how the store is run and its direction.
Community Building
Cooperatives are owned and democratically controlled by their members, which means that they are often deeply rooted in their local communities. By becoming a member of a cooperative, you can get involved in your local community and meet other like-minded individuals who share your values. This can help to build stronger, more resilient communities. By supporting a cooperative grocery store, we can build a stronger, more connected community.
We hope that this information has convinced you of the many benefits of a cooperative grocery store. We invite you to join us in this exciting initiative to create a more sustainable, fair, and connected local community. By supporting a cooperative grocery store, we are investing in our community's future and creating a better world for ourselves and future generations.