What Is A Co-op?

A cooperative (co-op) is a business that belongs to its members. A co-op is founded and organized voluntarily by people who want goods or services provided to them through a democratically controlled enterprise. It is owned by the people who support the business, use it, and invest equity into it.

The member-owners share equally in the control of their cooperative. They generally meet once a year at an annual meeting. They also elect a board of directors from among themselves. The directors in turn hire management to run the day-to-day affairs of the co-op in a way that serves the member-owners' interest.

Member-owners invest in the business to provide capital for a strong, efficient operation. Any net savings are returned to the co-op member-owners.

Open Harvest is member-owned and directed. Each member-owner has an equal owner's share in the co-op. Since its founding, Open Harvest has relied on the vision, involvement, and support of its member-owners for its success. As part owner of a cooperative, member-owners help support a business that exists to serve them and the community. Member-owners have a say in how it is run through participation on the Board of Directors, by exercising voting privileges, by working on a committee, or by simply giving input on important issues. You can't find a more socially responsible investment than your community co- op!