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Sevananda Natural Foods Market
Everyone Can Shop, Anyone Can Join!
Join us at our
Fall Member Meeting and Celebration
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Members Free Non-Members $15
(May be applied toward membership)
Buy Tickets Now!
For More Information about becoming a Member/Owner, contact: Holly Blain @ 404.584.7875 x113 holly@sevananda.coop
Sevananda means “The Joy of Service”
(from the ancient Sanskrit language)
WHAT IS A CO-OP?
- A cooperative is a special form of business owned and managed by the people who provide and/or use goods and services. Resources are pooled to satisfy a common goal as economically and efficiently as possible.
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- As a locally-owned business, co-ops are committed to the people and the communities they serve. Member/Owners have a voice in what is available for purchase, as well as in the overall organization of their particular co-op. Member/Owners get the most buying power for their money, and the money stays in the community, contributing to its economic strength.
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- At Sevananda Natural Foods Market Member/Owners literally own the store, so membership benefits are much more than just the discount!
CO-OP PRINCIPLES
1. Voluntary/open membership
2. Democratic member control
3. Member economic participation
4. Autonomy and independence
5. Education, training and infor mation
6. Cooperation among cooperatives
7. Concern for Community
BRIEF HISTORY OF SEVANANDA AS A CO-OP
Sevananda Natural Foods Market was founded in 1974, formed by a group of people who questioned the wisdom of conventional food-growing practices and who looked for a more humane way to live. Now Sevananda is a multi-million dollar business.
At Sevananda Natural Foods Market, you're more than a member, you're an owner! You can participate in decision-making at the Co-op by running for the Board of Directors or joining one of several committees. And as a Member/Owner, your financial investment works at every level toward a better Co-op and a better community through the events we sponsor, the donations we give, the products we carry, and the local and small family farms and businesses that we support.
MEMBER/OWNER BENEFITS
To become a member-owner and join the Co-operative community:
Request a copy of the Member Contract for review at
info@sevananda.coop,
then process your membership online or visit our Customer Service in-store.
MEMBERSHIP FAQ'S
How do I become a Member/Owner?
Fill out an application at Customer Services with your $120 full share investment. Or you can pay an annual membership investment of $20 until your full share is paid. When you pay your full $120 share, you will save $10 in renewal fees.
How much do I invest? Each member is expected to contribute to the working capital of the cooperative, by investing in one share each year until all 6 shares have been purchased. Each share costs $20, the total investment (Full Share) is $120.
Who can use my membership?
The person who joins is the principle shareholder, or the "Member/Owner" of the share. Only the Member/Owner is entitled to the Member/Owner benefits and vote in Co-op elections.
How do I redeem my 10% electronic monthly coupon?
Show your Member/Owner card to the cashier at every checkout. They will scan and log your patronage totals. Once used, it will not reactivate until the 1st of the next month.
How do I keep my membership active?
A renewal reminder is mailed with a renewal form one month before your membership lapses. The expiration date is also on your card.
Do I have to work in the store?
Technically no, however the Co-op relies on volunteers for committees, special events, Member/Owner gatherings and administrative tasks. Sevananda Natural Foods Market offers a Working Member Program that compensates Member/Owners who work in the store an additional discount.
How is the Co-op governed?
An elected, nine-member Board of Directors is responsible for the Co-op and oversees the general manager, who in turn supervises a staff of managers and employees. Member/Owners are encouraged to vote, make comments by letter or suggestion form, contact Board members, attend monthly Board of Director meetings and take part in the Annual Meetings and other Co-op events.
Please review Member-Owner Contract before processing your membership fee. The contract is available for download on the right side of our home page.
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