Each coffeehouse that joins Independents Coffee Cooperative has it's own reasons for joining and takes advantage of co-op services in different ways. As Independents membership grows, so does the strength of the cooperative and the benefits of becoming a member. Here are just some of the benefits you'll receive by joining today:
- Exclusive access to a local network of like-minded independent businesses
- Access to Independents proprietary blend of organic, fair-trade coffee, Independents Peruvian Select
- Access to extensive operational tools and manuals posted on Independents website
- Access to equipment through Equal Exchange
- Opportunity to visit coffee growers, through Equal Exchange
- Invitations to member-only events
- Unique branding and joint marketing opportunities
- 50% off Independents Consulting Services
- Opportunity to offer consulting services to other coffeehouses for fees
- Purchasing power, including member-only discounts and special terms with the following vendors:
- Green Village Cleaning Products
- Economy Restaurant and Bar Supply
- BK Specialty Foods
- Equal Exchange
- Baker Street Bread Co.
- Community Energy (renewable energy)
- Nationwide Insurance
- ADP Payroll Services
- LAP Distributors (paper products)
Annual Membership Dues - $250/year
Independents Coffee Cooperative collects membership dues upon membership approval, prorated monthly.There are a number of reasons why a café or coffeehouse may decide to be a member of Independents Coffee Cooperative - for some it's for the opportunity to meet and network with other café owners, for others it's the value found in joint marketing efforts or the access to shared information, and for some it's the money saved through our joint purchasing efforts. Whatever the reason for joining, these are just some of the values that we share and that hold us together:
- Ensuring that each of us remains independent and maintains whatever it is that gives us our own flair, individuality, and uniqueness.
- A commitment to promoting the sale of fairly-traded and organic coffee and other sustainable products.
- A desire for public awareness about the importance of supporting local products and services and a commitment to purchase locally whenever feasible.
- A commitment to a strong community and thriving local economy with meaningful jobs, a diversity of business owners and involved citizens.
- A commitment to decreasing negative impacts on our ecosystems.
- A desire to know and do business with others in the community who share similar concerns and values.
- A need for collaboration that helps reduce costs and makes it more convenient to make environmental and local business decisions.
- An interest in modeling sustainable practices for the community.
Membership criteria:
- Coffee Shop and Café owners whose business is locally-owned, independent, and strives to serve community needs while respecting the natural environment.
- Franchises on a case by case basis are welcome, provided they meet the following criteria:
- the francisher (parent company) is privately held
- the franchisee is locally-owned, independent, and makes 90% of business decisions.
- Locally owned (defined as 50% ownership is located within 50 miles)
- Must serve 75% fairly traded and organic coffee, or have a commitment to reaching this goal within 6 months.
- Must have a demonstrated commitment to buying locally (up for board review and approval)
- Members are not publicly traded
- Businesses who are not exclusively cafés or coffeehouses are welcome provided that serving coffee is some part of the business and the above membership criteria are met.
