membership at mountain people's

Mountain People's Market uses a system of membership called "member equity." In an equity-based membership system, a co-op’s members make equity deposits rather than paying annual dues. Equity is a form of investment in a co-op’s future. Equity deposits, like dues, are money that a member pays to the co-op. However, equity differs from dues in two important ways. First, dues collected by a co-op are considered taxable income, but equity deposits are tax-free, so are effectively worth more. Second, when a person chooses to end their co-op membership, his/her equity deposits are fully refundable, contingent upon the receipt of replacement capital from new member equity deposits. Member equity systems generally do not provide large discounts at the register. Instead, they offer benefits such as patronage rebates and members-only specials. Mountain People’s switched to a member equity system on July 1, 2006.

plans

Member equity membership will, in the long run, make the Coop a stronger business with more money in its coffers to compete with national chains and serve the community.

Future plans include:

• Joining the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA). NCGA is a group of independent retailers that has the combined buying power of a large national chain. Joining will allow us to offer you deep discounts on popular products through members-only special prices.
• Expanding our product line to become more of a full-service grocery store.
• Sponsoring more community events and programs that focus on healthy living.
• Preparing for an eventual expansion/relocation to provide a better shopping environment for you.