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Harvest Moon is a cooperative. That means that we are member-owned by people like you. Not an out-of-town corporation, or even some local business person. Hundreds of households own this store. We are our own unique place. Every time you shop here, it makes a big difference in our tiny corner of the world.
Cooperatives (co-ops) rely on member-owners to help provide capital-money we can use to grow and make a difference in the communities we serve.
Right now, we are in the midst of a Capital Campaign drive aimed at raising $300,000 in new monies. It was a challenging first year of business operating in a down economy; lower than forecasted sales; staff turnovers…you name it. But we’ve weathered those storms. Now it’s time to move forward, grow, expand and carry on!
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1. 
How to Invest
Member-owners can invest monies two ways:
Member Loans
- $1,000 minimum - no maximum
- Lender chooses an interest rate between 0-3%
- Terms range from 5-10 years
- Can only be made by member-owners who are Minnesota residents
Class C Stock
- Series 1 has a minimum purchase of $10,000 and will accrue dividends annually of 5.75%
- Series 2 has a minimum purchase of $1,000 and will accrue dividends annually of 3.75%
- Can only be purchased by member-owners who are Minnesota residents
An Offering Memorandum with complete details on these options is available upon request to anyone considering an investment. Contact the Harvest Moon Board of Directors at board@harvestmoon.coop for more information.
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2.
Why Invest
Community
You won’t find another Harvest Moon anywhere. We are not a chain. We exist solely for the immediate community of Orono/Long Lake and our surrounding greater communities who want a personal shopping experience that can make a difference. Like other local businesses, we are taxpayers (gotta have ‘em), and we support our schools and other organizations whenever possible. Having vital local businesses helps support the community at large.
Growth and Stability
The cheapest money to use is always your own, right? Same is true for a member-owned business. By putting in our own money to support the business’s needs, we can pay down bank debt which saves us money, allows us to grow and expand our business, and frees us from being dependent on the fluctuations of those outside sources. It makes good fiscal sense.
Local(ness)
We support a variety of local farmers and producers in a way most retail chains can’t. There’s no fancy scheduling or ordering process. We get what is dropped at our door that’s in season and, sometimes, just picked that day. Obviously we bring in lots of other products, too, but supporting our local network is what makes us unique, and it’s part of who we are.
Freshness
See above. But we also have our deli that serves up fresh goodness everyday. Salad bar, hot bar, and grab n’ go items. A healthy alternative for people on the go.
Health
Promoting health of body, community, and environment are a big priority. We strive to keep our offerings healthy and nutritious for your body and the ones you feed; be a viable business that is there to support and nurture our community in variety of ways, including JOBS; and reduce our carbon foot print by thinking about where our food comes from.
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| It’s never too late to become a member! It’s a one-time stock purchase of $175 and makes you an owner of this fabulous store, along with hundreds of other households who share in the same values and goals. |
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