Talk Us Up!

Help Grow Our Co-Op!

A grocery co-op is a community-owned and community-grown business. Show your support for this project by becoming an owner today! Please talk to your friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. and encourage them to become an owner, too! If you would like business cards, membership applications, or other materials, please Contact Us.

Please scroll down to find some ideas to get you started. The Board has drafted a 30-second elevator speech to help introduce the project to new people. We’ve also crafted some general talking points and facts about the co-op’s purpose and progress. Feedback and suggestions for improvements are very welcome!

And it always helps to spread the word on social media!

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The Elevator Pitch

So, you run into a neighbor who you haven’t seen for a while – maybe even at the grocery store or the co-op across the St. Croix River. You know this neighbor is concerned about eating well, and you would like to share the story of the co-op. Here’s a short speech to help you get started.

The Pitch

Hey – have you heard there’s a group of people working to open a grocery store in Hudson? A co-op! You should join! The Hudson Grocery Cooperative will provide foods and products from reputable sources so that we can trust in what we buy. Because it’s a co-op, the people who shop there will have a voice in what is on the shelves. The focus is to offer products from independent farmers and producers and to keep more food dollars here in Hudson. If you’re interested in healthy foods and supporting your local economy, I would love to talk to you about joining.

The Facts

What Is a Grocery Co-Op?

The co-op will look like any other medium-sized grocery store, with a full range of products, including produce, dairy, grocery, meat, and household goods. Think River Market Co-op in Stillwater, Minnesota.
The co-op is committed to providing fresh groceries and quality household products with a focus on local and sustainably-produced goods that serve the needs of the community.
A cooperative is a for-profit business. The benefit of a co-op is what happens to these profits at the end of the year. The co-op is entirely owned by its customers – you, me and our neighbors. When a profit is generated, the money goes back the customers, and stays in our community.
Because a co-op is owned by its shoppers, you will have a say in which products are on the shelves.
Anyone will be able to shop at our store, whether or not he or she is an owner.

Where Will the Store Be Located?

This has yet to be determined. We completed a market study in the fall of 2015. The study determined that there are multiple locations that would be ideal for a grocery co-op. When the time comes, we will use the data from this study (and possibly a subsequent study) and a site will be selected that will ensure the success of the store as a business.

When Will the Store Open?

Current estimates show that the co-op must have the support of at least 1,000 owners before it can open. You can help speed this process along by joining today, and encouraging your friends and neighbors to join, also!

How Will Hudson and the Surrounding Area Benefit from a Co-Op?

Jobs: Initial research shows that, currently, many Hudson residents are driving to Woodbury, St. Paul, or even St. Louis Park and Menomonie for groceries. The co-op aims to recapture those grocery dollars and turn those dollars into jobs for Hudson.
Vitality: A grocery co-op in Hudson will serve as a magnet business, encouraging more people to visit the businesses in Hudson rather than heading across state lines.
Keep our Farmers in Farming: By focusing on buying from local, independent producers, the co-op will support the families that grow, bake, and preserve food right here in St. Croix County and the neighboring regions.
Community: Co-ops are active participants in their community, serving as a gathering space for people to share ideas and come together over food. Classes are offered, festivals are sponsored, education and outreach are provided, and a friendly atmosphere is cultivated.

Why Should I Join Now?

Like any business, the co-op needs capital to open its doors. Initial calculations show that 700 owners are needed before beginning a site selection.
By joining the co-op, you will be supporting locally produced food and a community business.
Owners receive benefits from local businesses! Currently, our owners have reciprocity with River Market Co-op in Stillwater and Whole Earth Market in River Falls. Simply mention to the cashier that you are an HGC owner, and you will receive the sale price on any member/owner specials running that day.

What Is Involved in Joining?

To join the co-op, you make a one-time stock purchase of $80. This entitles you to 4 shares of stock in the company, and you become an owner of the co-op. These shares are yours, forever. THERE ARE NO RECURRING FEES.
In years that the co-op generates a profit, you may receive a patronage dividend (refer to the bylaws for full details).
As an owner, you have the right to vote for and elect the Board of Directors.
Owners can also run for the Board and sit on committees.
Once the store opens, owners will be eligible for additional benefits such as owner discounts and discount days.