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Updated Nov 2002

© 2002 Mississippi Market
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Member Rights and Responsibilities

Becoming a member of a co-op means accepting the rights and responsibilities of a business owner. Member-owners need to take their rights and responsibilities seriously to insure Mississippi Market's continued success.

Keep your membership active by patronizing the co-op.
It doesn't make sense to do business elsewhere, when you can shop at your business. Your membership is based on patronage and benefits of co-op membership are tied to use: the more you shop, the more profit you take out.

The percentage of profit to be allocated for patronage refunds is based on the percentage of all purchases attributable to members. Out of that total, the co-op may distribute up to 80% as qualified equity shares (non-voting shares) and as little as 20% in cash. This ensures that the co-op has enough retained earnings to adequately cover operating costs, capital expenditures, and emergencies. Retained earnings are part of member equity and an important factor in the co-op's financial health. Member equity helps us obtain bank financing, allows us operational flexibility and ensures adequate cash flow.

Member-owners elect the co-op's board of directors
The board of directors acts in the long-term interest of the co-op as a whole. Their primary responsibility is to protect the assets of the cooperative and the member-owners. When a member-owner is elected to the board of directors, s/he has been designated by member-owners to assume legal responsibilities on behalf of the co-op and to be responsible for the co-op's actions. Directors are expected to act in good faith, in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the best interest of the cooperative. Individual directors do not direct the operation of the store, supervise staff members or speak for the cooperative as a whole, except when the board has authorized a director as spokesperson. They exercise authority only as a group.

Member-owners stay informed on what is happening at the co-op
Attending co-op meetings, ask questions, and read newsletters and mailings. The more understanding member-owners have about cooperatives and their history, the principles of cooperation and their own co-op's objectives, the better the decisions made by member-owners regarding the co-op. Discuss the co-op with others and encourage friends, family and associates to patronize the co-op and participate in cooperative economics.

Member-owners are expected to be financially responsible
in dealings with the co-operative. Member-owners should fulfill the obligation to fully purchase the required number of shares in the co-op, and to do it within the time period specified in the Member Owner Stock Purchase Agreement. Only the person or persons who sign the original stock purchase agreement are member-owners of Mississippi Market. Other household members may use the member number when shopping at the store, but all official business must be conducted with the signer(s).

When You Shop:

Bring Your Membership Card
Your membership card entitles you to take advantage of all the benefits of membership use your member number every time you shop in order to get full credit for all your purchase.

Member Coupons
Member-owner discount coupons up to $5 off a grocery purchase are available four times a year. This coupon, and other product information are sent to member-owners with the Mississippi Market Member Newsletter.

Shop at these other Twin Cities cooperatives
Shop as a Mississippi Market member-owner at these Twin Cities Natural Foods Coops: Lakewinds Natural Foods - Minnetonka, Linden Hills Co-op, Seward Community Co-op, and the Wedge Community Co-op - Minneapolis, Valley Natural Foods - Burnsville, and River Market Community Co-op - Stillwater.

Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase please return it with the receipt within thirty days.