Riverbend Market Cooperative

Riverbend Market CooperativeGeneral Overview

Goals of Presentation

Learn how a food cooperative will benefit the Red Wing community

Introduce the values and principles that all cooperatives share

Show you how Riverbend Market Cooperative will benefit YOU and your family

What is a Food Co-op?

Most simply put, a cooperative is a business– Owned by the members who use it– Operated for the benefit of those members

Members pool their resources to bring many benefits to the region

– Economic, Social, Health, Ecological

Regardless of goods and services provided, co-ops aim to meet the needs of their members

Focused on Principles

Co-ops follow 7 internationally recognized principles

Voluntary and Open Membership Democratic Member Control Member Economic Participation Autonomy and Independence Education, Training and Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern for Community

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Values-Driven Culture

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and

solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty,

openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Health Benefits

Provide good-tasting, fresh, healthful food for the community– Locally and organically grown

Provide information on preparing quality meals for the household

– Recipes and classes

Living a sustainable lifestyle– Resources and network of members

Social Benefits

Meeting place for members and community

Educational programs on food and family issues

Build direct relationships with food producers and consumers

Encourages Sustainability– Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Advocate for important social issues in community

Economic Benefits

Offers quality foods at affordable prices

Support local food producers

Keeps dollars local

Increases foot traffic for all Red Wing retailers

Becomes an advocate on sustainability goals for the community

Co-op Advantage

Good food. It’s easy to find, easy to prepare, easy to love. Because when you shop at your local co-op, not

only will you experience the best and freshest selection of wholesome foods, but also specials, recipes and

expertise to help you make the most of it.

-- Midwest Natural Food Co-ops

Riverbend Market Cooperative

Our VisionTo provide a community co-op where Red Wing residents and visitors can buy organically and locally grown healthy, fresh food at affordable prices.

Riverbend’s Roots

Founders began meeting informally in late 2007

Concept came from working with the local Red Wing Farmers’ Market

Early Pioneers– John Anderes– Clarence Bischoff– Kathy Boos – Marcy Dowse– Mic Hanson

– Randal Hemmerlin– Brian Peterson– Paul Schaefer – Jake Stoltenberg

We’re Not the Only One

Bluff Country Co-opThe Good Food Store Co-opRiverbend Market CooperativeJust Food Co-opSt. Peter Food Co-op and DeliWhole Earth Grocery Co-opRiver Market Community Co-opCity Center Market

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Our Future Plans

Create a fully operational co-op in downtown Red WingIncrease membership to 700+ membersOffer 5,000 square feet of grocery store spaceGenerate $1,000,000+ in gross revenuesOffer local produce and spur economic growthEncourage local food productionProvide good-paying permanent and part-time jobsBecome a community gathering place

Help Us Grow

Are you interested in becoming a member of the Riverbend Market Cooperative?– Please fill out a contact card for us to keep you informed

Would you like to help us grow?

We need YOUR help!– Planning Events– Membership Drives– Fundraising Activities– Committees

Contact Us

www.riverbendmarket.cominfo@riverbendmarket.com

(651) 385-1234