Ownership
Owners are what make us a co-op! By joining our co-op, you are contributing to an organization that strives to make a difference in our community!
What It Means to Be a Co-op 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 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
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 checkstand 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.
If you have any questions, please contact our Ownership Coordinator at ownership@northcoast.coop, or call (707) 433-6027 ext. 434.