South Philly Food Co-op Spring Community Forum Presentation

March 21, 2011 Welcome!

Agenda
Who are we?
What is a co-op?
What have we done so far?
Membership Structure
Next Steps
Volunteer Opportunities
Q&A
Breakout groups

What is a co-op?

What is a co-op?
A co-op is a business that is owned by its members, workers, or producers.
It is democratically controlled. Each member-owner gets one vote.
The business model of a co-op can take many forms but is ultimately defined by the needs of the community.
There are about 5,000 active food co-ops in America, serving about three million people.

Co-op vs. buying club Member-owner of Co-op Subscriber to Corporate Club Membership Own an equity stake in a business in your community Recurring annual fees Participation Have a say in how business is run No participation Outcome Your money stays in your community Your money goes to public shareholders

A little history… 917 Federal Street

Some leading Consumer Co-ops Largest Consumer Co-op in the US Largest Consumer Food Co-op in the US Largest Consumer Co-op in the World

What has the South Philly Food Co-op done so far?

Gather background (self-educate)
Organize Steering Committee
Research community interest
Review findings/vote to incorporate - IN PROCESS
Recruit community - IN PROCESS
Planning and Financing - IN PROCESS

Our Current Committees
Steering
Outreach
Legal/Finance

Survey Results

Researching Community Interest
Survey results as of March 18, 2011
448 completed online
412 completed on paper
Total = 860

1 – Not at all interested 7 – Very interested

Membership Structure

Why Should I Become a Member-Owner of the Co-op?
Membership = We own it, this is our business
Knowing where your food comes from
Member-owner equity
Without the equity from the owners, we can’t open the doors!

Being A Member-Owner
Equity contribution = $200
An investment in the business
Returned to you if you choose to no longer be a member
Payment plan will be available
NOT tax-deductible
Community volunteer hours = 8 hours per year per member -owner household
Volunteering is not just working in the store
A membership can represent a household unit, but will only receive one vote per member-owner household

Member-Owner Benefits
Can run for the board of directors
Each member-household receives one vote
Ability to petition for policy changes
Member-only specials and sales
Discounts/specials on services and products from local business partners
Community involvement and connections

What are the next steps?

Moving Forward
Incorporation
Membership equity drive (Summer 2011)
2 nd Community Survey
Continued fundraising
Market analysis (6-12 months)
Secure Financing - MID 2012
Open the Doors - LATE 2012/EARLY 2013

VOLUNTEERING: We need your help to make this a reality!

What skills/experiences can you offer?
Do you like ….
Writing or blogging
Hosting parties or events
Cooking or baking
Talking to people/meeting your neighbors
Do you have experience in ...
Community organizing
Fundraising
Grant writing
IT/Programming
Graphic design, drawing, painting
Volunteer training

What skills/experiences can you offer?
Are you ….
Willing to lead an educational talk or book discussion?
A local business owner/manager and want to partner with us?
A performer who can put on a show as a fundraiser?
A professional chef/cook/baker?
Are you connected to ….
City officials?
Food-centric community organizations?
Potential food suppliers?
Sources of technology that you can donate?

Meet Your Community Breakout sessions post Q&A Fill out a survey Sign up to volunteer www.southphillyfoodcoop.org

Questions?

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South Philly Food Co-op Spring Community Forum Presentation

by Mary Beth Hertz on Mar 21, 2011

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South Philly Food Co-op Spring Community Forum Presentation — Presentation Transcript