Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DUBUQUE FOOD CO-OP
DUBUQUE FOOD CO-OP. The Dubuque Food Co-op was the city's first full service cooperatively-owned grocery store. The goal of the organization was to provide local, natural and organic foods of high quality at fair prices. Located in the Historic Millwork District's restored CARADCO building, the Co-op was intended to contribute to the area's economic growth by keeping money spent on food in the region.
The Board of Directors hoped to have one thousand memberships before the Co-op opened in October of 2012. A one hundred dollar membership entitled a person to receive 5% discounts, a newsletter, and an invitation to the annual meeting. Members-owners could also run for a position on the Board. As the store became profitable, the Board could elect to declare dividends based upon the amount of purchases a member-owner made in the past year. Member loans to the organization and the sale of preferred stock were avenues of finance. If a member-owner moved away or no longer wished to be involved in the organization, their initial membership fee would be reimbursed.
Anyone of the community could make purchases.
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Source:
Hoyer, Bill, "Dubuque Food Co-Op," Julien's Journal, April 2012, p. 54