Report from the General Manager
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
By now you should have received your annual Patronage Dividend check in the mail. Despite a downtick in gross sales last year, your patronage contributed to a Co-op profit again. The total patronage dividend represents approximately 1.8% of the more than $22 million in sales to owners, amounting to over $400,000. The Board of Directors has elected to distribute 40% of this dividend to owners by check and to retain the remaining 60% for future needs. The amount of dividend checks represents approximately 0.7% of owner purchases for the year 2017.
At about this time each year I hear from owners who are concerned with why the Board does not distribute 100% of the dividend. The short answer is that it is a prudent and best practice for most organizations, whether for profit or not, to retain a portion of profits for “a rainy day” and/or for future development.
We've done some research among peer food co-ops in the Western US, and learned that the vast majority do not give patronage dividends at all, either because they do not have profits or are not incorporated as true cooperatives per state or IRS statutes.
Of those co-ops that do provide patronage refunds, most choose only to distribute the 20% IRS required minimum. Ashland Food Co-op on the other hand has consistently returned 40 - 50% of dividends to owners each year. In addition to the 0.7% of owner purchases distributed, owners received an additional 1.7% in coupons and discounts on their purchases during the year.
By the way, we are excited to announce that this will be the last dividend distribution by check. Starting in 2019 dividends will be available as credit at the register. They may be applied towards purchases, and may even cashed out in most instances. Please confirm that your email address is current to receive updates regarding this and other developments.
As always, I welcome your questions at: [email protected]
More Co-op News
April Change for Good Recipient: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
April's Change for Good Recipient is
A Visit with Rolling Hills
Visit Rolling Hills Farm and learn more about owner Dave Belzberg, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than thirty five years.
A Visit with Magnolia Farms
Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Visit with Emerald Hills
Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker
Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.
March Change for Good Recipient: North Mountain Park Nature Center
March's Change for Good Recipient is
North Mountain Park Nature Center,
a division of Ashland Parks and Recreation, that encompasses demonstration gardens, a nature playground, and approximately 14 acres of Natural Area that is managed for wildlife preservation and public education.
February Change for Good Recipient: Ashland High Arts Advocates
January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring
Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.
Coronavirus Preparedness at the Co-op
Update as of March 15th, 2022: Oregon Health Authority no longer requires face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings.
Shopping Safely & Efficiently
As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees.
To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.
In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out:
10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times
By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.
Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.
Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers
To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask.
From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror
By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee
Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk?
November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges
It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered.