riverbend market cooperative
DESCRIPTION
Our Vision: To provide a cooperative community based on sustainability principlesand cooperative values that represents economic vitality,ecological soundness and social justice.TRANSCRIPT
Riverbend Market CooperativeGeneral Overview
Goals of Presentation
Learn how a food cooperative will benefit the Red Wing community
Introduce the values and principles that all cooperatives share
Show you how Riverbend Market Cooperative will benefit YOU and your family
What is a Food Co-op?
Most simply put, a cooperative is a business– Owned by the members who use it– Operated for the benefit of those members
Members pool their resources to bring many benefits to the region
– Economic, Social, Health, Ecological
Regardless of goods and services provided, co-ops aim to meet the needs of their members
Focused on Principles
Co-ops follow 7 internationally recognized principles
Voluntary and Open Membership Democratic Member Control Member Economic Participation Autonomy and Independence Education, Training and Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern for Community
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Values-Driven Culture
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and
solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty,
openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Health Benefits
Provide good-tasting, fresh, healthful food for the community– Locally and organically grown
Provide information on preparing quality meals for the household
– Recipes and classes
Living a sustainable lifestyle– Resources and network of members
Social Benefits
Meeting place for members and community
Educational programs on food and family issues
Build direct relationships with food producers and consumers
Encourages Sustainability– Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Advocate for important social issues in community
Economic Benefits
Offers quality foods at affordable prices
Support local food producers
Keeps dollars local
Increases foot traffic for all Red Wing retailers
Becomes an advocate on sustainability goals for the community
Co-op Advantage
Good food. It’s easy to find, easy to prepare, easy to love. Because when you shop at your local co-op, not
only will you experience the best and freshest selection of wholesome foods, but also specials, recipes and
expertise to help you make the most of it.
-- Midwest Natural Food Co-ops
Riverbend Market Cooperative
Our VisionTo provide a community co-op where Red Wing residents and visitors can buy organically and locally grown healthy, fresh food at affordable prices.
Riverbend’s Roots
Founders began meeting informally in late 2007
Concept came from working with the local Red Wing Farmers’ Market
Early Pioneers– John Anderes– Clarence Bischoff– Kathy Boos – Marcy Dowse– Mic Hanson
– Randal Hemmerlin– Brian Peterson– Paul Schaefer – Jake Stoltenberg
We’re Not the Only One
Bluff Country Co-opThe Good Food Store Co-opRiverbend Market CooperativeJust Food Co-opSt. Peter Food Co-op and DeliWhole Earth Grocery Co-opRiver Market Community Co-opCity Center Market
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Our Future Plans
Create a fully operational co-op in downtown Red WingIncrease membership to 700+ membersOffer 5,000 square feet of grocery store spaceGenerate $1,000,000+ in gross revenuesOffer local produce and spur economic growthEncourage local food productionProvide good-paying permanent and part-time jobsBecome a community gathering place
Help Us Grow
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Riverbend Market Cooperative?– Please fill out a contact card for us to keep you informed
Would you like to help us grow?
We need YOUR help!– Planning Events– Membership Drives– Fundraising Activities– Committees
