City Market, Onion River Co-op Reduces Member Equity and Launches Construction Project
Annual member equity is reduced by $10
Entrance and exit ways, plus cafe area will be expanded by November
Burlington, VT-October 2, 2008-City Market, Onion River Co-op, downtown Burlington's cooperative grocery store, is reducing its annual member equity payments from $25 to $15. The Co-op currently has over 2800 active Co-op members. The reduction in the annual equity payments will allow for greater access to Co-op member benefits.
"Much of our success has come from non-member shoppers," said General Manager Clem Nilan. "Non-members account for approximately 75% of sales. As we strongly believe in the value of co-op ownership it is our intent to develop ways to increase the number of member-owners who shop here by reducing the equity payment, through unique member programs, and outstanding member benefits such as the Patronage Refund and Food for All programs."
Onion River Co-op members receive the following benefits with their $15 annual membership:
* Patronage refund (cash refund based on annual purchases)
* Store discounts through member worker program (7% & 12% discounts)
* Discounts at area businesses through the Community Business Partner program
* Free water from the reverse osmosis water machine
* Opportunity to participate in governance through board meetings, elections, proposals, referenda, and eligibility for Board of Directors positions
* Reduced advertising rates in the monthly Onion Skin newsletter
* Opportunity to display artwork in Member Café Gallery
* Check writing with up to $20 over purchases
The Co-op has also launched a new member program, Food for All, which helps to alleviate the cost of groceries for hundreds of eligible community members. The Food for All member program offers a 10% discount on all store purchases (excluding beer and wine) for recipients of Food Stamps, WIC (women, infants and children), and disability. Since unveiling the program in May, over 300 new Food for All members have joined the Co-op and over $8,000 in store discounts have been provided.
In addition, a construction project is about to begin on the entrance and exit ways of the Co-op, as well as the café. Improvements will include warmer, larger indoor seating in the café, a second bathroom for the public, and another cash register. The construction will begin in early October and is slated to be completed in November.
About City Market, Onion River Co-op
The Onion River Co-op is a consumer cooperative, with over 2,800 members, selling wholesome food and other products while building a vibrant, empowered community and a healthier world, all in a sustainable manner. Recently awarded the 2008 Howard K. Bowers Fund Cooperative Excellence Award, City Market provides a large selection of local, natural and conventional foods, and thousands of Vermont-made products. Visit City Market, Onion River Co-op conveniently located in downtown Burlington, online at www.CityMarket.coop or call 802-861-9700.