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1. 
What do you mean by "food cooperative"?
| A food cooperative, like Harvest Moon, is a grocery store that is member owned and directed. Being a member of a co-op is like being a share holder of a company except that members can own only one share. It will look like a small market with a majority of organic or natural food products. When possible the products will be produced locally. Harvest Moon will also provide a community hub for the Long Lake/Orono area. It will partner with local resources and offer goods and services that benefit and connect our community. |
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2.
Why Join Now?
| To grow a co-op with your stock purchase! You can't make a cake if you don't have all the ingredients. You can't build a co-op either. Our main ingredient is member investments!
So, it really does make a difference whether you become a member now, or later. Your early commitment will help us get our doors open in 2010, and gain you recognition as a "founding member-owner". It's a one-time stock purchase of $175 (not an annual fee) and you can sign up online at www.harvestmoon.coop. Or you can print the registration and mail it in with a check. |
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3.
Who can shop at Harvest Moon?
| Everyone is welcomed and can shop, but as a member-owner you'll know you helped to make it happen. You'll be a vital part of a local business and have a voice in how Harvest Moon grows and what it becomes - a place for all ages to grow, gather and give. |
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4.
How can I help?
| Becoming a founding member-owner of Harvest Moon is crucial to the success of the coop. Membership money will be used to provide a financial foundation for the store. Volunteers can choose from one of six committees; Membership, Communication, Planning/Store Operations, Financial/Legal, Sources and Suppliers/Farmer Relations, or Odd Jobs. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings. |
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5.
How can I become a member?
| You can apply here online, or print and mail in your application (.pdf). Membership materials will be mailed out to you, and you will be part of regular updates about our growth and progress.
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6.
Where will the Harvest Moon store be?
| Harvest Moon will be located on the west end of the Otten Bros. Nursery building (NE corner of Willow Drive and Wayzata Blvd.) in Orono/Long Lake, pending city approval. |
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7.
When will it open?
| Pending Orono City Council approval and continued member-owner and investment growth, we are on track for a spring 2010 store opening. Just think, you could be feeding your family and your community in Orono/Long Lake before the end of this school year! |
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8.
Is my $175 refundable?
| The $175 is a one-time stock purchase for an entire household that makes you a founding member-owner of the co-op. Memberships are refundable subject to availability and with board approval, but less likely in the start-up phase of the store. Once the store is fully operational with funds coming in, then the likelihood of membership refund is greater again. |
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9.
Besides membership fees, how is the rest of the money raised?
| Harvest Moon Natural Foods Co-op is about to complete a capital campaign that will secure member funding from Member Loans and Class C Stock purchases. Stay tuned to your member newsletter and emails for more information!
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10.
What are your resources?
| Other local Co-ops! There are a large number of successful co-ops in Minnesota that we have learned from, and almost 300 food co-ops nationwide with many more starting up and on their way.
Plus we have the good fortune of being selected as the pilot project for the National Cooperative Grocer’s Association Development Cooperative (NCGADC). The Development Cooperative will assist with project management to open the store. This is a huge asset and will allow us to benefit from the experience of true co-op experts as we plan our store opening. |
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