Newsletters: May - June 2007
Becoming an Owner - A mutually beneficial relationship
By Gretchen Hein
The benefits of becoming a New Leaf owner are two-fold with both owner and store profiting in parallel ways.
Each time someone becomes a member, the co-op immediately acquires equity that can be used to capitalize the business. This means accruing funds for anything from building a new store or expanding a current store, to upgrading equipment or buying new equipment. All of these are part and parcel of improving the quality of service to you. So then, perhaps it is not strictly the store that benefits, is it? Owner and business both gain from the improvements made.
On the member side of the "who benefits" equation, owners receive a patronage rebate at the end of each fiscal year. The rebate is based on the amount of goods the owner purchased, the profitability of the co-op, and the amount deemed necessary to retain as determined by the board of directors. A rebate check at the end of a business year is always a treat. Yet, this too is another mutually beneficial bonus. This rebate system benefits the store as well by reducing store dependence on more costly methods of accruing capital.
There are special owner events such as sales, reduced prices on seminars and workshops, and owner-only coupons. Electing the governing body (it's election time, so be sure to vote), attending the annual owner-celebration and meeting, and having your voice heard at an owner-forum, focus group or through a survey, are additional owner-focused events and privileges. There's our newsletter too, mailed to you six times per year, which contains useful articles on a variety of topics, great recipes, and product information. We get to know you better in this process, learn what's important to you, and this subsequently helps us do our jobs better. Once again, both parties benefit.
Less tangible, but equally important are the ways in which New Leaf serves the larger community. Because you're an owner, you serve the very community in which you live-another win/win. Most of the organizations that receive support from New Leaf are organizations that significantly impact life within our community. Additionally, we're serious about supporting local vendors and growers. This support helps keep our local economy strong, which in turn generates jobs and income for our citizens. Our employees are paid a livable wage which further reinforces our commitment to a strong local economy and vibrant community.
New Leaf's board of directors is actively pursuing new owners. New Leaf is in the beginning stages of expanding and you're invited to be part of making that happen. Plans for the expansion are exciting and include an improved deli and display cases with fresh meat and fish. As we grow, we are better able to serve not only you but the community in which you live. Stop by our front desk and find out how you can join if you're not already a member. It's easy, fairly painless and full of benefits-for you, for your store, for the community in which you live. And, if you're already an owner, thank you! We're so happy to be working with you.
