Co-op News | Fall Quarterly 2025
From “Member” to “Owner”
We’re Updating How We Talk About Membership
Beginning in January, we are updating the way we talk about membership. 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 the 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. Owners help shape our direction through their patronage, voting, sharing feedback, and participating in our cooperative governance.
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.
Here is what you can expect to see:
- Member Appreciation Month will become Owner Appreciation Month
- Membership Drive will become Ownership Drive
- Member benefits will become owner benefits
- Member number will become owner number
This small change reflects something we are proud of: our co-op is owned by the people who shop here. Your ownership supports a business that keeps dollars local, strengthens our local food economy, and invests in the wellbeing of 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 through board meetings and annual elections.
Learn more about what it means to be a Co-op owner by visiting northcoast.coop/owner.
Thank you for being a part of our Co-op Community.
