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1. 
How did Harvest Moon Grow to open a store?
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2.
What do you mean by "food cooperative"?
| A food cooperative is a grocery store that is member-owned. Being a member of a co-op is like being a share holder of a company except that members can own only one share. We live by the Coop principles, originally established in 1844, paraphrased here:
1. Voluntary and Open Membership — Inclusive and open to all.
2. Democratic Member Control — You have a voice and a vote.
3. Members’ Economic Participation — Member/owners invest in the future of the store.
4. Autonomy and Independence — Grown from membership, and serve the community.
5. Education, Training and Information — Learning and growing and sharing as we go.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives — COOP says it all.
7. Concern for Community — Pay it forward and give back. |
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3.
Why Join Now?
| To grow our 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!
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4.
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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5.
How can I become a member?
| Membership applications can be printed from our website, or picked up in-store. Member-Owners are included in regular mailed and emailed updates about store growth, events and specials.
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6.
Where is Harvest Moon?
| We are at the west end of the Otten Bros. Nursery building (NE corner of Willow Drive and Wayzata Blvd.) in Orono/Long Lake. |
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7.
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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8.
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. We had the good fortune of being selected as the pilot project for the National Cooperative Grocer’s Association Development Cooperative (NCGADC). The Development Cooperative has assisted with project management to open the store. This is a huge asset and has allowed us to benefit from the experience of true co-op experts as we opened our store. |
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