Bylaws of the Potsdam Consumer Cooperative – Potsdam, NY Effective October 2017– as approved at October 19, 2017, Annual Membership Meeting
Documents:
Mission Statement:
The Potsdam Consumer Cooperative, Incorporated is owned and operated by its members and is dedicated to meeting the community’s need for specialty and whole foods at the lowest possible cost. As a member of the local community interested in its well being, we attempt to use local sources whenever feasible. We strive to provide a pleasant shopping experience and working environment, with an emphasis on education, shared information and developing our relationship with the community. We encourage environmental respect through the goods we sell and in the manner in which we conduct our daily operations.
We are committed to providing a model of responsible business practices based on the cooperative principles of open membership, democratic control, limited return on share capital or investments, return of surplus to members, continuous education, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for our local community.
Definition of a Cooperative:
A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
Seven Cooperative Principles:
Voluntary Open Membership
Open to all without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
One member, one vote.
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative. The economic benefits of a cooperative operation are returned to the members, reinvested in the co-op, or used to provide member services.
Autonomy & Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for members so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national and international structures.
Concern For the Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
