 What exactly is a co-op?
 Why am I called an “owner”?

What should I expect from being an owner?
 What is the Marquette Food Co-op all about?
This section answers these questions and will guide you through the history and basics of the co-op.
Co-ops are a way to provide ourselves with what we need in a way in which we have more local control. A co-op is formed for the mutual benefit of its owners and may take the form of any type of business looking to serve any need. Most often, the benefit is a financial one. In the case of food cooperatives, purchasing power is fundamental. Owners pool their equity to create a purchasing and distribution outlet for specific products.
A store following a more conventional business model selects its products, sets the prices, and runs the store to make a profit from your purchases. In a co-op, everyone who uses it can be an owner and play a role in making sure it serves the needs of those owners.
Our Co-op, like many other food co-ops, has come to mean much more to our owners than just a way to get good food at discounted rates. Ownership means a place to belong, a chance to meet others of like mind, and a way to contribute to the local economy.
1.
Voluntary and Open Ownership- Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of ownership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
2.
Democratic Owner Control- Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their owners, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the ownership. In primary cooperatives, owners have equal voting rights (one owner, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a similar democratic manner.

3.
Owners’ Economic Participation- Owners contribute equitably to and democratically control the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Owners usually receive limited compensation if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of ownership.
Owners allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes:
 Developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which would be indivisible.
 Benefitting owners in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative.
 Supporting activities approved by the ownership.
4.
Autonomy and Independence- Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their owners. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their owners and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5.
Education, Training, and Information- Cooperatives provide education and training
6.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives- Cooperatives serve their owners most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures. for their owners, elected representatives, managers, and employees that will help contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
You might be wondering why you are called an owner rather than a member. The answer is simple. The term “owner” more accurately describes what you are in relation to the Co-op. It also implies a sense of responsibility that the term “member” does not. When you purchased your $100 equity share in full or started making payments toward it, you made the decision to become part owner of our cooperative. Additionally, the word “member” is often associated with large store chains that specialize in bulk foods. Of the many benefits afforded to owners

(see page 25 for full list), discounts are only a small part of the overall benefits package. We hope that you take your new role seriously and participate in your cooperative on whatever level is most comfortable for you.
Class 1: Common Ownership- This type allows each owner 21 years or older one vote and the opportunity to run for a seat on the Board of Directors.
Class 2: Preferred Ownership- Those owners 21 years or younger are considered preferred owners, who enjoy many of the same benefits as equity owners. This type is a non-voting ownership. Due to the fact that the Marquette Food Co-op retails beer and wine, we are not able to have owners under the age of 21.
The only difference between ownership types is that preferred owners are not able to vote or run for a seat on the Board of Directors. All ownership fees collected before your 21 st birthday will be credited towards your equity account that will become active when you reach 21 years of age.
There are great perks to having rights as an owner. It is exciting to have the opportunity to exercise your rights and responsibilities as an owner of your store. If each owner does his/her part, the work is minimal, and the benefits are great. Your role is actually quite simple. Below is a list of expectations that our Co-op has of you:
 Shop at your store as much as possible. Patronage rebates (further explained on page
24) directly reflects each year’s profits.
 Give us constructive feedback as necessary either in writing or verbally.
 Attend monthly Board of Directors meetings at your convenience (see page 19).
 Attend Co-op events such as the Harvest Potluck and the Annual Feast. Both of these events help to maintain the social fabric of our Co-op and keep you in the loop regarding recent developments.
 Read your Co-op newsletter, our way of providing you with the most current and necessary information.
 Attend a Getting to Know Your Co-op class so that you have a better understanding of your Co-op. Sign up at the customer service counter.
 Vote at our annual meeting and at other times when you are asked.

 Let us know if your contact information changes. The Co-op is not responsible should you not receive your newsletter, important notices, etc. due to incorrect contact information. Just ask for a contact information update form at the customer service counter.
 Check out our store information board in the Co-op entryway. This is where Board of
Directors and Outreach Committee meeting minutes are posted as well as important announcements.
Owner cards are not necessarily needed when shopping at our Co-op, as our cashiers will look up your information based on your last name. However, your card will come in handy when visiting other co-ops who ask to see proof of a Co-op ownership or by local businesses offering discounts to Co-op owners.
History has shown us that cooperatives with informed owners who care about their businesses are the ones that stay in business. Owners need to be aware of and understand their roles in the cooperative structure in order to effectively participate in decision-making.
Getting to Know Your Co-op classes are orientation sessions that include:
 Tours of both the administrative office and store.
 An overview of the Co-op’s organizational structure.
 A detailed explanation of what it means to be an owner.
Participants receive a $5 gift card upon completion of their orientation. Sessions are held in the conference room located above the store and are designed to last approximately one hour. Preregistration is required. Ask at the customer service counter to find out the specific date/time of sessions and to sign up. Individual orientation sessions may be scheduled by appointment for those unable to attend a regularly-scheduled session.
If you only attend one Co-op function for the year, make sure it is the annual owners’ gathering.
This event takes place in March of each year. It is at this event that you have the opportunity to

vote for the Board of Directors and on any potential bylaw changes. It is also an excellent place to interact with other Co-op owners. The event is marked by good food (potluck-style), wonderful entertainment, and quality door prizes.
Our Harvest Potluck is a low-key social gathering that takes place at the end of October that encourages Co-op owners to visit together and share good food. Co-op owners are asked to bring a dish to pass.