WHAT IS SHARE CAPITAL?
The co-op calls upon the people who use and benefit from the business to invest together to help it to grow and thrive. In this way, a co-op is like any business that needs its owners to contribute capital to fund its development. But unlike in a conventional business, people choose to invest in their cooperatives not just for personal financial gain, but because they believe that their investment will support an ethical, community-oriented enterprise that aligns with their values and benefits both themselves and others. Raising capital from members is an essential expression of the cooperative business identity. 


3 WAYS MEMBERS CAN HELP THEIR CO-OP
1. Fulfill the member share requirement: The member either makes a one-time equity investment, or an annual equity investment until her/his share requirement is met.

2. Make an additional investment: Either as additional non voting equity, typically in the form of preferred shares, or debt in the form of member loans.

3. Shop at the coop: This contributes to the co op’s profitability, with a portion of the profits being retained as capital, and reinvested in the cooperative business.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

First off, thanks to all the interested and involved folks who came out for last evening’s board meeting. The discussion was lively and valuable, and the board is excited to see the increased level of interest to participate in the governance of this Co-op among our members.
We were delighted to receive financial results from August showing a profit for the month of $1,658.00. Following July’s recorded profit, this means that for 2 months in which the Co-op has historically had negative returns we were able to post positive results. The summer months are the most challenging time of year for maintaining positive results, so we look forward to further gains as we move into the fall and the holiday season.
Board elections are coming. The Co-op will host a ‘meet the candidates’ event at our fifth anniversary celebration on Saturday October 29, and voting will open then. Election results will be announced at the November board meeting. One of your responsibilities as a Co-op owner is to participate in the governance of the Co-op by voting, so be sure to cast your ballot. Watch the Co-op website or our Facebook Page for details of when and how to vote.
The board wants to publicly acknowledge and thank Regina, our store manager, the department heads and the entire Co-op staff for the positive attitudes and continuing hard work you have all put forth in bringing our Co-op through times of turbulence and doubt. We praise you and ask that you continue to hold yourselves and your board to continuous pursuit of our ends:

• A friendly retail store that satisfies customers.
• A strong and healthy local economy.
• A thriving and profitable cooperatively owned business.
• Sustainable practices.