As an owner
of First Alternative Co-op, your investment entitles you to:
Be Proud!
As an owner of First Alternative, you are invested in a community-based,
environmentally and socially aware business.
It's Refundable!
At First Alternative, it’s not business as usual. Should
you choose to cash out your equity at any time, you will be paid
the full amount of your share payment in accordance with our bylaws
and withdrawal policy.
Owner Appreciation
Sale Days Take pride in ownership and celebrate your savings
every month. Owner Appreciation Sales offer owners up to a 10%
discount on all purchases on that day.
The Thymes
A monthly newspaper published by First Alternative, this is one
of the best sources of information and education about your Co-op.
You can even have it sent directly to your home!
Owner-Worker Opporunities It takes a community to make a cooperative
run, and First Alternative is no different. Although you’re
not required to work at First Alternative, it is a great opportunity
to learn about your Co-op! When positions are available, you can
become an "operations" owner-worker, involving the day-to-day operations of the store with
training in the department of your choice and by committing to
a two-hour shift per week. You are compensated
by minimum wage pay. If you elect to spend your time on other
tasks such as special events, container washing and recycling,
you’ll be one of our valuable "support" owner-workers, receiving a discount on your purchases at the Co-op. To learn more
about the support worker program, contact our Outreach Department at 753-3115, ext 335..
A Vote,
A Voice Exercise your voting rights in Co-op elections and
referenda, determine the allocation of the 'Carts for Corvallis'
and 'Beans for Bags' donations, or hold a position on the Board
of Directors.
In accordance with the Cooperative Principles, an owner
cannot have more than one vote, even if additional shares are
purchased. This maintains the ideal of democratic control.
Owners of
the Co-op also help guide the product selection process by suggesting
new items, providing valuable feedback to our buyers about the
products we carry.
Owners can also voice their opinions and suggestions by attending the beginning of the monthly Board of Directors and committee meetings.
Patronage
Dividends Determined by the Board and distributed as profitability
warrants, these are the return of net annual savings from sales
to Co-op owners. The actual amount of an individual’s refund
will vary based on amount spent in the store during the year.
The more you shop, the more you’re rewarded!
Discounts
on Additional Services Owners receive a discount on additional
services offered by the Co-op such attendance at our community
cooking classes. Show your owner card at Homegrown Gardens and
receive a 10% discount on select days of the week!
