October is Co-op Month — a time to bring awareness to the values and principles that guide us as cooperatives, and to celebrate the positive impact that co-ops have in their communities. Learn more about National Co+op Grocers, the cooperative created and owned by co-ops.
Small businesses like co-ops have limited time and resources to commit to ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations. But it’s important to take compliance seriously to reduce the risk and costs of penalties for noncompliance. We’ve identified some regulations applicable to co-ops, along with ways to proactively address and remain compliant.
Celebrating the recent opening of its new community space, Willy Street Co-op participated in an art gallery event and hosted a gathering with 22 nonprofit organizations to share stories about their work and grants from the Willy Street Co-op Community Reinvestment Fund. Read about the co-op’s vision for the space.
The co-op’s open-house event to engage owners interested in exploring opportunities in C-Stock investment featured a presentation and conversation about the benefits of investing in the co-op and the cooperative community.
If revenues soften because of an economic slowdown, deflationary downturn or a demand shock, your co-op will be more nimble and more resilient if you have made plans for action ahead of time. We offer five suggestions for how co-ops can prepare for recession or deflation.
2023’s sales growth and increasing customer counts indicate our system is strengthening, giving co-ops momentum heading into 2024. NCG’s CEO CE Pugh encourages co-ops to consider these factors to meet the challenges and demands of the coming year.
This past year, co-ops across the country made headlines and earned recognition for their efforts in community outreach and around diversity, equity and inclusion. Here’s a recap of several of the inspiring co-op stories that took place in 2023.
As the co-op celebrates its 50th year, the board of directors is focusing on creating a robust dialogue with community members. One tactic entailed holding “office hours,” with directors in the store to collect feedback and converse with members during peak shopping times.
High Falls Food Co-op initiated several strategies — from activities to materials to incentives — in efforts to gain new members in the co-op’s “Own it in October” membership drive.
Weavers Way Co-op’s Vendor Diversity Project provides resources and promotional support to diverse vendors in the co-op’s community.
