Co-op Essentials: What They 

and the Role of Members

Directors, Managers, and 

Employees

(Powerpoint Slides corresponding with Cooperative Infor

Report 11, Chapters 1- 5)

United States Department of Agricultu

Rural Development www.rurdev.usda.gov

Committed to the Future of Rural Communities

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
CHAPTER 1 – WHAT 

COOPERATIVES ARE

Focuses on what cooperatives are, and explains 

business, principle, and structural characteristics

introduces the major participants—members, direc

managers, and employees—whose roles are discus

greater depth in Chapters 2-5.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
• Who owns it

• Who controls it• Who uses it

• Who gets the profit (earnings)

from it

In the U.S., businesses are organiz

different ways depending on:

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
• Individually owned

• Partnership• Corporation

– Cooperatives

Business Organizations

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Individually Owned Business

One Person• Owns• Controls• Operates• Benefits/profits

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Partnership

Two or more people• Own• Control• Operate• Share in risks and profi

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Corporation

Multiple owners• Are investors• Share profits (according to 

investment)

• Purpose - gain value for 

investors

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperatives Are a Type of Corpo

• Multiple owners who are user members• Variety of goods and services• Physical facilities• State chartered• Members are investors• Owned and controlled by members who 

use its services

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperatives

• Are primarily controlled by a board of di

elected by and from members

• Derive equity from member owners• Operate for the benefit of member owne• Allocate earnings to members based on • Earnings from member business is taxe• Have perpetual existence

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
The Cooperative Form of Busine

Prevalent in the U.S.

• There are more than 29,000 cooperativ• Serve 350 million members (many peo

belong to more than one cooperative)

• They have assets of more than $3.1 tril• They generate revenue of more than $5

billion

• Employ more than 850 thousand peopl

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 

Source: University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperativhttp://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/issues/
Financial, Consumer Service, Bus

and Worker Cooperatives Prov

• Credit• Transportation• Facilities• Recreational 

Equipment

• Food• Housing• Health care• Home care

• Child care• Wholesale good

supplies

• Electricity• Telephone and 

electric services

• Farm productio

supplies and se

• Farm product 

marketing

And more...

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperatives Have Unique Princ

User - OwnerUser - ControlUser - Benefits

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
User-Owner Principle

The people who own and finance the cooperative are those who use it.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
User-Control Principle

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 

The people who use the cooperative those who control it.
Members Exercise Control By

• Voting at annual and 

membership meetings.

• Electing Board of Directors.• Making decisions on major 

cooperative issues.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
User-Benefit Principle

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 

The cooperative’s sole purpose is to provide and distribute benefits to meon the basis of their use.
User-Benefits

• Bargaining power• Market access• Political action• Community 

strength

• Value-added

• Reduced co• Improved 

products and quality of se

• Economic 

enhancemen

• Competitive 

yardstick

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperatives Implement and 

Facilitate Basic Practices

• Patronage refunds - distribute earnings to 

members based on use

• Limited return on equity capital - members fo

cooperatives for service, not for a monetary return investment

• Cooperation with other cooperatives - joint 

ventures, MAC’s, networks, alliances, working relationships, etc.

• Cooperative education - promote the cooperat

way of doing business and educate members, directors, and employees

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Geographical Structure

Defines a cooperative’s size and scope operations in reference to serving its members. May be:

• Local - small region covered, a county 

(may or may not have multiple location

• Regional – cover a State or a number o

States; some have international operat

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperative Governance Syste

Overall Structure

Defines who the members are and how the cooperative is organized to serve them. May 

• Centralized - Individuals are direct 

members

• Federated - Cooperatives are direct 

members

• Mixed – both individuals and cooperativ

are direct members

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Centralized Structure

Cooperative

Member Member Memb

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Federated Structure

Cooperative

LocalCooperativ

Member

LocalCooperative

Member Member 

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Mixed Structure

Cooperative

Member Member

LocalCooperative

Member Member

Member

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperative Functions

Three Core Functions• Marketing - take members’ 

products through processing, distribution, and sale

• Purchasing - providing needed 

supplies and goods

• Service - provide needed services

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Marketing Cooperatives

Assist members in maximizingreturns from goods they produc• Handling, processing, and sellin• Grading, transporting, and barga• Adding value• Researching and developing ne

products

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Marketing Cooperatives

Assist members in maximizing the return they recfor the goods they produce!

Functions•Transport•Process•Grade•Add value•Research•Distribute•Bargain•Sell

MemberProductsAgriculturalForestryAquacultureHorticultureCrafts

MemContrsecurirealizmargi

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Purchasing Cooperatives

Provide members access to 

production supplies and goods 

• Purchasing in bulk to reduce costs a

increase purchasing power

• Providing members with direct owne

of refineries, plants, retail facilities, research facilities, etc.

• Obtaining supplies not available 

elsewhere.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Purchasing Cooperatives

Used by members to gain access to affordable, qua

Functions•Refineries•Plants•Feed mills•Warehouse•Manufacture•Buy in bulk•Deliver

Members•Producers•Hardware stores•Independent grocery stores•Fast food franchises•Hospitals•Building supplies

Membe• Redu• Volum• Quali• Increa

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Service Cooperatives

Provide needed services• They meet various needs• They provide custom application 

purchased supplies, transport oproduct, etc.

• They provide utilities, credit, hou

health care, technology, transporation, etc.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Service Cooperatives

Used by members to gain access to affordable, qual

Functions•Farm applications•Credit•Electricity•Communications•Insurance•Health care•Schooling•Housing•Home care

Members•Producers•Rural residents•Urban residents•Public

Membe•Access •Afforda•Quality •Increas

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Participation Roles

Cooperatives operate throuthe roles of principal parties

• Members• Directors• Manager• Employees

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Organizational Make-Up

Members

Board of Directors

Manager

Employees

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Summary

• Cooperatives serve common interests 

people for mutual benefit.

• They are complex organizations with u

principles, practices, member benefits, structural characteristics.

• Cooperatives exist in many segments 

economy today providing many kinds oservices that benefit their member own

• Cooperatives consist of members, dire

management, and employees. All have important participation roles to fulfill. 

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
CHAPTER 2 – MEMBER

MAKE COOPERATIVES WO

Focuses on members—who they are and th

responsibilities as owners, with particular emph

control, financing, and patronage.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperative Members Are

• The foundation of the cooperative• The reason for the co-op’s existenc• The supporters and financiers, and 

shapers of the co-op’s future

• Individuals, businesses, or other 

organizations (including other co-o

• The ones that control the cooperat

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Exercising Member Responsib

• Commitment and Use• Ownership and Control• Finance

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Member-Owner

Commitment and Use

Members need to commit to:

• Using Products and Services• Maintaining Control• Providing Financing

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Member-Owner

Commitment and Use

Using the cooperative is membeeasiest responsibility to carry outand by using it as much as they cor what is required by them (giveagreements), members help the cooperative succeed and is also they gain the benefits it provides.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Using the Cooperative Is Essent

Members’ use helps them:

• Maintain control• Fulfill the cooperative’s mission of 

service

• Gain continuing benefits• Own a successful cooperative

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Member Ownership and Con

Members need to:

• Know their legal responsibilities• Understand the cooperative• Make decisions• Vote• Express opinions• Serve on board and/or committe

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Member-Owners Have Lega

Responsibilities

Member responsibilities include:

• Incorporating the cooperative • Approving legal documents• Signing marketing agreements or other 

binding contracts (if applicable)

• Electing directors according to State statut

and cooperative policy

• Ensuring that general business and 

cooperative-specific laws are followed

• Making (voting on) major decisions that alt

legal status or structural organization

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Owners Must Understand The

Cooperative

Members need to know and understand 

• Definition and history• Mission or purpose• Articles and Bylaws• Organizational structure and sta• Products and services• Policies

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Member Governance

Members need to participate by:

• Voting on major decisions• Nominating and electing directors• Amending bylaws, accepting audit report

voting on resolutions and motions

• Serving on advisory committees or under

special assignments

• Considering a run for the board• Placing the health of the cooperative in th

hands of directors

• Learning as much as they can about the 

cooperative

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Members Have Financial 

Responsibilities

Member-owners finance cooperatives 

• Direct Investment• Retained margins• Per-unit retainsThey also provide startup capitawhen co-ops are formed

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Member-Owner Financial 

Responsibilities

Control follows finance

• Members finance in proportion to th

use of the cooperative (distribute earnings according to use)

• Members should contribute a major

equity capital (given co-op’s capital requirement)

• Active member-users are the financ

(revolve equity, return equity to inacmembers) 

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Summary

• As owners, members have importan

responsibilities of use, control, and finance

• Members should fully understand th

responsibilities and actively participaand use their cooperative

• Cooperative membership can provid

personal and business achievemenalong with the numerous economic service benefits the cooperative pro

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
CHAPTER 3 – COOPERATIV

DIRECTORS

Focuses on the board of directors. It covers 

characteristics members should consider in choo

director to represent them, alternatives for nomin

and electing directors, and functions and respons

of directors.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
The Cooperative Board of Direc

• Holds the key position between 

members and hired management

• Makes cooperative policy• Has specific responsibilities• Sets overall objectives and charts 

cooperative’s course

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors

• Must be well versed in many area• Need to have time and energy• Carry out formal and informal dutie• Listen, inform, and advise• Lead• Represent the cooperative

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Selecting Directors

Some attributes of potential directors:

• Communicate well• Clearly express their views• Good listener• Are active in community• Have leadership ability• Think independently• Place cooperative’s interests first• Make good business decisions• Make the most of resources available to th• Promote the cooperative

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
A director also:

• Gets along with others• Uses the cooperative fully• Is interested in its performance• Participates in decision-making• Understands that he/she is 

representing owners in their busin

• Understands his/her role in relatio

that of management

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Electing Directors 

Equitable representation is achieved by various m

• At-large• Geographical districts • Along commodity lines• Volume of business done(Also, sometimes proportional voting is u

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Potential Directors

• Are identified by a nominating committe

nominated by other members

• Should be studied by the membership -

biographical sketch - prior to the electio

• Are considered for election at the annu

meeting

• Secured nominations (nominated, seco

favored) are put on the ballot for voting

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Elected Directors

Have primary control:

• Develop sound policies for the cooperativ

follow

• Use strategic perspective to better serve 

members’ needs

• Delegate daily operational control to the 

manager

• Need to understand their role

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Recognize Division o

Responsibility

Directors:• Have primary control• Tactical perspective• Develop operational and 

organizational policies 

• Take counsel from manager• Big-view decisions• Provides direction• Hire/fire manager

Manager:• Has operational control• Tactical perspective• Follows operational and 

organizational policies

• Advises board• Day-to-day decisions• Acts in line with director• Hires/fires staff

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Director Responsibilities

• Preserve cooperative character• Safeguard assets• Hire the manager• Set policies• Distribute benefits• Plan for the future• Evaluate (co-op, manager, plans, e• Elect board officers• Appoint committees

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Preserve Co-op Chara

By serving according to:

• Laws

• Bylaws

• Articles

And by ensuring that ongoing co-op educ

is available to:

• Members

• Directors

• Managers

• Staff

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Safeguard Co-op Asset

• Protecting members’ investm

and increase value of benefit

• Being accountable and makin

sound financial decisions

• Hiring an auditor and present

annual report

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Set Co-op Policies

That relate to the internal and external fun

and business conduct

• They originate and approve the• They periodically review and 

update them

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Policies Set By Directors Cove

• Director and manager functions and 

relationships

• Employee and public relations• Organizational requirements• Operational activities such as credit, pr

functions performed

• Purchasing, marketing, and services pr• Distribution of net income

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Example Policies

• Policy: the manager shall prepare an annual bus

plan for approval and make progress reports at board meetings. Implementation: without further specifics, the manager prepares a budget for apthen compares it to actual business transacted, reports any other information that will help the bunderstand the cooperative’s operational and finstatus.

• Policy: An annual membership meeting shall be 

conducted; the board president addresses the membership. Implementation: management planorganizes, and conducts the annual meeting; thpresident presents a report to the membership ameeting.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Distribute Benefits

How net income is to be distributed

• Amount of patronage refund• Allocated and/or unallocated equity• Proportion in cash (at least 20% of all

equity)

• Retained earnings• Equity revolvement and retirement ter

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Strategically Plan

• Assess general and changing busin

climate

• Evaluate challenges—internal and e

growth, business volume, membersterritory, assets, etc.

• Develop objectives and correspondi

strategies for management to imple

• Monitor plan progress and adjust if 

necessary

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Self-Evaluate

Board should conduct internal assessm

• How well the board is performing a

how effective its meetings are

• Directors should assess themselve• Assessments identify weaknesses• Allows for corrective actions

Provide education to address weak areas.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Choose Leaders

By electing board officers

• President – presides over all meetings, main 

communication link between management adirectors

• Vice president – performs the duties of presi

absence of president

• Secretary – keeps a record of meetings, cus

of seal, bylaws, membership records

• Treasurer – overseas bookkeeping and busin

accounts to ensure proper handling, presentperiodic financial reports to board and memb

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Directors Appoint Committee

Divides board’s work

• Special (temporary) or permanent• Certain phases of operations (finance, 

purchasing, marketing, feasibility, membmarketing, etc.)

• Study problems and make recommenda

the board

• Power to decide (in some instances), su

review by entire board

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Summary

• Board is the co-op’s central decision center• It is a listening post, communications hub, ad

body, and decisionmaking group

• It is accountable to members in all its capacit• Members choose and elect directors• Directors set objectives and makes decisions 

the course the cooperative follows to achieve objectives and to be successful

• Directors serve like trustees, charged with leg

obligations to protect members’ assets

• Directors fulfill their responsibilities and exerc

care to act within the parameters of the co-oppolicies and the law

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
CHAPTER 4 – WHAT THE

COOPERATIVE

MANAGER DOES

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are

Focuses on managers and their responsibilities

particular emphasis on differences between man

cooperative versus other forms of business
Managers

• Investor-owned firm managers seek 

maximize return on stockholder investment and satisfy stockholders

vs.

• Cooperative managers seek to satis

member-owners and serve their neeas determined by the co-op’s board directors

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperative Managers

• Are critical to the success of the cooperat• Must have a good working relationship w

board of directors

• Are hired to operate the business and foc

efforts on everyday operations to serve members

• Decide how to best carry out what the bo

wants the cooperative to do, subject to boreview

• Know the difference between their 

responsibilities and those of the directors 

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperative Manager Responsibilitie

• Implements board policy• Advises the board• Manages daily operations• Hires and trains staff• Sets short-range tactical goals in lin

long-range plans

• Reports to the board• Reports to members• Represents the cooperative

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Implements Board Policies

The manager:

• Must clearly understand the 

policies set in place by the board

• Follows the policies to the best o

his/her ability

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Advises the Board

The manager provides technical advice 

• Competitive strategy • Financial management • Operational efficiency • New technology and equipment • New products and services • Policy changes needed• Regulatory changes• Governmental affairs 

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Controls Daily Operations

The manager:

• Supervises and coordinates functi• Manages people, capital, and 

physical resources

• Is responsible for day-to-day 

operational effectiveness and efficiency

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Hires Staff

The manager:

• Maintains a competent staff• Selects, trains, and supervises 

employees

• Leads, directs, and motivates 

employees

• Appraises employee performan

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Sets Tactical Goals and Impleme

Actions

The manager:

• Plans as he/she directs the daily 

affairs of the cooperative

• Creates short-term goals in line 

longer term objectives as set by board

• Develops action plans to reach t

cooperative goals

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Reports to the Board

The manager informs on:

• Issues and circumstances• Statement of operations• Balance sheet • Accounts receivable, delinquent accou• Progress toward planned objectives• Summary of operational activity• Proposals for immediate or longer term 

consideration

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Reports to Members

The manager communicates via:

• Informal contact during working hours• Open houses• Letters• Newsletters• Meetings (district, regional, annual, s• Visits• Social media, website, email• Formal report at annual meeting

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Represents the Cooperative

The manager is the face of the co-op

• In the community• With other cooperatives • In the industry• With government officials

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Summary

Co-op managers wear many hats

In fulfilling a unique role, the managerbecomes a:• Coach and player• Leader and follower• Educator and motivator

• Diplomat and dictator

• Mediator and magician

• Judge and jury• Analyst and activist

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Focuses on cooperative employees, what they d

the characteristics of quality employees.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are

CHAPTER 5 – WHAT 

COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEES 
Cooperative Employees

• Work closely with members, who 

the owners of the cooperative, as as business associates on a day-tbasis.

• Need to emphasize people skills g

the unique relationship they have member-owners.

• Are judged whenever they have d

contact with members.

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Cooperative Employees

• Promote the cooperative• Deliver supplies• Handle members’ products • Order and maintain inventories• Sell, market, process, manufacture, • Conduct lab work • Keep accurate records• Recommend products/services• Handle complaints• Maintain facilities• Represent the cooperative• Educate others on what the cooperativ

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Characteristics of Quality 

Cooperative Employees

• Understand the cooperative• Know and follow policy• Respect members and treat them f• Are well trained• Are team players• Communicate well• Maintain assets• Participate in community activities• Are professional

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Understand the Cooperative

Quality employees:

• Take pride in the uniqueness of the 

organization

• Understand cooperative principles• Know who the owners are – membe• Are well informed and able to answe

questions 

• Do not reveal information that could 

the competition 

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Know and Follow Policy

Quality employees:

• Keep abreast of current policies and • Implement policies in a fair and equita

manner to safeguard member interesset good business standards

• Seek guidance when they think there 

be an exception to a rule or policy

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Respect All Members

Quality employees:

• Treat all members fairly and with respe• Are polite and professional• Offer services or products in an equitab

fashion to all members, regardless of tstatus in the cooperative

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Are Well Trained

Quality employees:

• Are able to explain technical informati

services the cooperative provides

• Can recommend the right products an

services

• Can answer questions and resolve me

problems

• Understand the operations and metho

cooperative uses to provide products services

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Are Team Players

Quality employees:

• Know the objectives of the cooperativ

understand their role in achieving them

• Work together toward achievement of 

objectives

• Are aware of the service level required 

the cooperative’s objectives and their contributions to the team effort

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Communicate Well

Quality employees:

• Are the eyes and ears of the coope

in their interactions with members

• Keep supervisors and other employ

informed of pertinent working issueproblems

• Listen to supervisors, other employ

and members

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Maintain Assets

Quality employees:

• Keep facilities, equipment, inventory, a

supplies in good condition

• Take seriously the job of keeping asse

top condition

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Participate in Community Activit

Quality employees:

• Carry a positive image of the cooperative to 

community when participating in various ac(service clubs, schools, youth groups, busiorganizations, town meetings, etc.)

• Should try to take part in some aspect of 

community activity

• May volunteer to help serve the needs and 

welfare of the community

• Are careful about taking a particular stand 

participating in an activity which has speciasocial, political, or religious orientation

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Maintain Professionalism

Quality employees:

• Present the cooperative’s image while 

carrying out their day-to-day duties

• They must be professional: they are p

courteous, serious, articulate, well educated on what they are doing and what the cooperative does, have a positive attitude, and are enthusiastic about the cooperative’s mission. 

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are 
Summary

• Employees play an important role in a 

cooperative

• Employees must fully understand the 

uniqueness of the cooperative and its principles

• Employees closely interact with member

management

• They fulfill their responsibilities while forg

relationships with member-owners

• Employees, together with members, 

directors, and the manager, run the cooperative business

CIR 11 Chapter 1 - What Cooperatives Are