What It Means to Be a Co-op Owner
We're Updating How We Talk About Membership
Beginning January 1, 2026, you will start seeing the word "owner" instead of "member" in our signs, emails, and everyday communication. If you have purchased a share, you are an owner of North Coast Co-op.
This language shift does not change any benefits, shares, or how much it costs to join. It simply clarifies what ownership means within our cooperative structure. When someone buys a share, they hold a genuine stake in the Co-op and have a voice in how it grows and serves the people who rely on it.
We are making this change to better express our cooperative values and to align with the broader cooperative movement. This shift highlights the meaningful role you play in our stores and in strengthening our collective ownership.
What It Means to Be an Owner
You Have a Stake
By purchasing a share, you become a co-owner of North Coast Co-op alongside over 22,000 of your neighbors. Your one-time share investment of $25 represents a genuine stake in a community-owned grocery store. Every owner receives one equal vote regardless of investment level.
Your ownership supports a business that keeps dollars local, strengthens our local food economy, and invests in the wellbeing of our community. By joining, you contribute to an organization that promotes and supports the sustainable development of our community, including local agriculture, food producers, and other local products.
You Have a Voice
Owners help shape the direction of North Coast Co-op through their patronage, voting, sharing feedback, and participating in cooperative governance.
As an owner, you can:
- Vote in board of directors elections and on all matters submitted to a vote of the ownership
- Run for and serve on the Board of Directors or one of its standing committees
- Attend board meetings and the Annual Ownership Celebration and Meeting
- Share feedback that helps guide how we grow and serve our community
Owners are always welcome to learn more about how the Co-op is run by reviewing our bylaws on our website and by taking part in our democratic process.
Owner Benefits
Aside from co-owning an organization that promotes and supports the sustainable development of our community, ownership at North Coast Co-op comes with many benefits.
Savings and Specials
- Receive an Owner Appreciation discount of 10% off one transaction during each quarterly Owner Appreciation Month (January, April, July, and October)
- Access to owner-exclusive specials and promotions throughout the store
- Receive discounts from local businesses participating in our Business Partner Program
Patronage Refunds
Patronage refunds are a form of profit sharing. The more you shop, the more you can receive back if there is a patronage refund declared by the Board of Directors for that fiscal year.
Convenience
- Write personal checks at the Co-op for up to $60 above the amount of purchase
- Receive refunds on products without a receipt
- Receive notifications of recalled items that you purchased at the Co-op
Become an Owner
Joining is easy and requires a one-time share investment of $25.
How to Join
- Pick up an Ownership Application at Customer Service at either store
- Complete the application and submit it with your $25 share investment
- In a few weeks, you will receive your owner card
Show your owner card every time you go through the check stand to earn patronage and receive other benefits.
Requirements
- Application must be submitted in person
- Applicant must reside in California
- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
- To keep your ownership active, you must purchase at least $50 in products each fiscal year (March–April), in accordance with North Coast Co-op Bylaws
Withdrawing Your Ownership
Owners may withdraw their ownership at any time and receive the full amount of their share investment minus a $5 processing fee, in accordance with North Coast Co-op Bylaws and withdrawal policy. The Co-op has up to 12 months to repurchase shares from owners. Visit our Bylaws page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we changing to "owner"?
- It's more accurate. By purchasing a share, you are a part-owner of the Co-op, not just a member of a club.
- It emphasizes that we are community-owned. The Co-op is collectively owned by members of our community, and we want our terminology to reflect that.
- It is the industry standard. Most co-ops nationwide use the term "owner" in favor of "member."
What's changing?
Only the terminology:
- Members → Owners
- Membership → Ownership
- Member Appreciation Month → Owner Appreciation Month
- Membership Drive → Ownership Drive
- Member numbers → Owner numbers
- Member benefits → Owner benefits
What's not changing?
- Owner benefits remain the same
- Owner shares remain the same
- Cost of becoming an owner remains $25
- How one becomes an owner remains the same
Do I need to do anything?
No. If you are already a member, you are already an owner. There is no action required on your part.
When does this take effect?
January 1, 2026.
Learn More