What is a Co-op?

What is a Co-op?

We all have childhood memories of parents, teachers and others encouraging us to work together. A co-op is what “working together” looks like all grown up. From the outside, many co-ops look like any other business, since a co-op provides products and services like conventional businesses do. But it’s what goes on behind the scenes that makes it different.
A cooperative exists to serve its members, but what makes co-ops unique is that the members are also the owners. So, in addition to getting the products and services you need, you also have a say in the business decisions your cooperative makes.

Rather than rewarding outside investors with its profits, a co-op returns surplus revenue to its owners in proportion to how much they use the co-op. This democratic approach to business results in a powerful economic force that benefits the co-op, its owners and the communities it serves.
 
Reasons to Join
You’ll find many reasons to join a cooperative, including:
 

• Get access to great products and services.
• Be heard. Your voice counts — your co-op truly cares what you think.
• Be part of a values-based organization that puts people ahead of profit.
• Share in the financial success of the organization.
• Contribute to a thriving local economy.
• Invest in a business that is locally owned and democratically controlled.
• Be part of a strong and proud cooperative tradition.
• Help influence the way business is conducted in America and around the world.

 
Cooperatives are leaders in building stronger and healthier communities.