Green Fields Co-op

Green Fields Market is a cooperative selling quality goods to promote health and build a sustainable local economy.

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	Green Fields Market Member Information History Membership Structure Further Member Involvement Management Store Tips Member Events
	History The Co-op was started in 1977 as a small buying club in Turners Falls, with 15 to 20 families and assistance from the FCAC. A small retail store was opened on Avenue A in 1980. Membership and sales increased steadily and the space was outgrown in a year. In 1981 the Co-op expanded into an adjacent storefront. Growth continued until the mid-eighties when sales leveled off. Rent continued to increase and the decision was made to move into downtown Greenfield. in April 1987, the Co-op moved into the Chapman Street store where sales grew 70% in the first year and continued to grow at a steady pace to reach a sales level of $500,000 in Fiscal Year 1993. In the November 1993, the move into the new store on Main Street was accomplished. Sales increased dramatically in the year following the move, and have continued to increase since then. back to top
	Membership Structure Stock To become a member/owner you must purchase at least one share of stock at $175 per share. This is a one time purchase and represents your ownership. If at any time you with to withdraw your membership, you can redeem your stock certificate for the full amount invested at any time. Voting Rights Each stock holding member of a household is entitled to a vote in elections for the Board of Directors and other decisions made at the annual meeting or special membership meetings. Members may also attend Board meetings and may vote on decisions made there. Discounts Membership entitles you to a 2% discount on purchases in the store. A working member (2 hours per month per adult in household) receives a 10% discount, and a super-worker receives a 15% discount. Participation There is one regularly scheduled Annual Membership Meeting. All members are encouraged to attend. We review the finances of the past fiscal year, elect one-half of the Board of Directors, vote on issues subject to membership approval, and discuss any other issues that are pertinent. We have a great potluck dinner, entertainment, and time to spend together. back to top
	Further Member Involvement Elections Interested members can participate by running for election, attending the Board of Directors meetings or serving on a committee. There are several working committees that deal with policy decisions and make presentations for Board consideration. The committees presently include Membership Development, Long Range Planning, and Finance. Ideas Your ideas are always welcome by staff; committees and the Board. Speak directly to someone, write a proposal or attend a Board meeting. Suggestions are welcome in the suggestion book in the front of the store for food related questions and a member log book for membership questions. Communication and feedback are essential to the functioning of a healthy co-op. Work Option Members may apply to work in the store or on a committee. Working members contribute to the efficient operation of the Co-op. Working member discount privileges - 10% on purchases - are given to the household of a member if the adults fulfill the following work requirement and are current on their equity payments: 2 hours per month per adult in the household. "Super-worker" jobs are specific jobs that require a greater time commitment. Super-workers receive a 15% discount. Contact the Member Services Coordinator if you are interested in working.
	Management Board of Directors The Board of Directors is a group of 6 to 11 member/owners whose responsibility is to oversee Co-op operations and make major policy decisions. This group has the legal responsibility to ensure the well-being of the Co-op. Board members are elected to two year terms and one-half of the Board is up for election every year at the annual meeting. Board members receive a super-worker discount for their service to the Co-op. The Board meets once a month and members and welcome to attend and to vote at these meetings. Agendas of board meetings are posted on the Co-op bulletin board one week prior to each scheduled meeting. Special Meetings Special meetings may be called as necessary by the Board, or by a petition submitted by at least ten Co-op members. General Manager The Board hires, evaluates and fires the General Manager of the store. At this time, we have a Management team of three people who fulfill this role. The management team is responsible for carrying out Board policies at the store including issues relating to staff. back to top
	Store Tips Shopping Store hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 AM. to 6:00 P.M., and Sunday, 12:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Please give your member number to the cashier before your sale is rung up in order to receive your discount. Our computer register system automatically applies the member discount earned. There is free customer parking directly behind the building as well as metered parking on Main Street. Pre-Orders Members of GFM may pre-order whole cases from United Natural Foods for 10% over wholesale cost. Orders from other vendors are also welcome, and are priced at 25% over our cost. The pre-order forms are located in the back of the store. Please come in to order or mail in your filled out pre-order form. Phone orders will be treated as special orders and priced at the regular mark up. Non-members may special order items but will not recieve a discount. Last revised October 1, 2003 back to top
	Member Events Scenes from Co-Op Member Appreciation Day Last revised August 26th, 2005 back to top


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