What does "Co-op Membership" mean?

A cooperative is an organization that is owned and controlled by its member-owners. In this respect, co-ops are very different from privately owned "discount club," which charge annual fees in exhange for a discount on purchases.

Being a member-owner of The Market Community Co-op means that you own a local business and have a say in how it's operated, contribute to a vital part of the local economy, and support community outreach programs, sustainable and organic practices, and economic democracy.

Membership is affordable and lasts a lifetime!

All @ Once Plan: $200

Payment Plan: $100 due first year and $50 due in year two and three. Your membership rewards begin with the first payment of $100.

Member Benefits

  • $5 Discount earned for every $100 spent
  • 10% discount on special orders
  • Discounts on special events/lunches
  • Special Member sales and coupons
  • Voting privileges at Co-op meetings
  • Opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors

 

7 Myths of Co-op Membership

MYTH #1
Being a member means I have to join the Board, work part-time at the co-op, or do something else I’m not really sure I want to do.
Nope! While we are happy to have members who want to run for the Board or actively participate in co-op events, we are equally happy to have members who just shop!

MYTH #2
The money I pay to join is due every year.
Not so! The money you pay is an investment in the co-op, a purchase of shares that makes you an owner. Your investment is complete after you have paid. Should you move or desire to have your equity returned, there is a process to refund your investment. Talk about risk-free!

MYTH #3
I can’t shop anywhere else once I become a member. -OR- I’ll be judged if I shop at other stores once I’m a member.
Nah. Hey, it’s okay to shop elsewhere. Besides, for us to know you are, we’d have to be too!

MYTH #4
I have to be a liberal to be a co-op member.
Nope. We don’t even ask to see your voter registration card. Becoming a member just means you want to support a community based-business, sustainable agriculture and consumer cooperation. Values that we think transcend political parties!

MYTH #5 
The Market Community Co-op doesn’t need my money.
Yes, we do! Your investment provides equity to fund on-going improvements. Your participation does make a difference!

MYTH #6
I don’t shop enough at The Market Community Co-op to become a member.
Sure you do! Even if you shop once a month your benefits will exceed your investment. And remember–it’s risk free!

MYTH #7
I don’t get anything more by becoming a member than I do just shopping at Market Community Co-op
Not so. Being a member means you have a voice on co-op issues through the one member-one vote process, and you have an opportunity to share in profits when the co-op is profitable. There are a host of other member benefits.