Benefits of Co-op Owner-Membership
Co-op owner-membership helps build an ethical and honest community-owned business that is responsive to the needs of its customers and community. Bloomingfoods strives to operate with your interests at heart by building community, supporting local, organic, and natural foods, and educating the public about the value of the cooperative business model. Join us in creating a uniquely friendly place to shop, eat, and celebrate the power of cooperation!
What are the benefits of becoming an owner-member of the co-op?
The awesome feeling you get by supporting a democratically run business that keeps your dollars local!
20% off one transaction the day you join.
5% off an additional shopping trip of your choice every month.
10% off special case pre-orders.
Owner Advantage pricing on many pantry staples throughout the store every day.
Exclusive offers and discounts from our community partners.
20% off all EBT eligible merchandise (excluding equity payments, gift cards, or beer & wine) for any owner-member who is currently enrolled in SNAP (EBT Food Stamps) and/or WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children).
The ability to vote in board elections and to run for the board of directors or serve on a co-op advisory committee.
Updates on co-op and community happenings with our weekly e-newsletters.
In profitable years, our board of directors can choose to issue a refund check to owner-members. Our patronage rebate system returns a portion of profits to each owner-member based on their total purchases in the stores.
Cooperative Principle #3 - Member Economic Participation:
Members 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. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
The role of a Bloomingfoods owner-member is different from that of a member of a discount buying club, neighborhood association, or other group. Becoming a Bloomingfoods owner-member grants you the opportunity to participate in democratic ownership of an organization dedicated to operating profitably, not as an end but rather as a means through which to contribute to the health and vitality of our community.
Owner-Member Rights & Responsibilities
OWNER-MEMBER RIGHTS
Attend board meetings (except for executive sessions).
Run for the Board of Directors.
We begin accepting board candidate applications at the beginning of April each year.
Vote in the annual board of directors election — one membership, one vote.
Voting begins around mid-September each year.
Vote on questions put before the owner-membership by the board of directors.
Vote for changes in bylaws as needed to keep the co-op current with the law. The board of directors is responsible for periodically reviewing bylaws.
Ensure the co-op follows its bylaws.
BE AN ACTIVE OWNER-MEMBER
Patronize the co-op — give your business to YOUR business.
Stay informed about what is happening at the co-op — keep your contact information updated, read newsletters, mailings, updates on our website & social media.
Capitalize the co-op — purchase your full equity within a year.
Vote in elections, respond to surveys, & attend the Annual Meeting in October.
Understand co-op principles and objectives — learn more about cooperatives.
Understand that the co-op is a business and must meet the needs of a business.
Promote the co-op to others — tell your friends and neighbors about us.
Be sure to follow us on social media!