Ownership: a mutually beneficial relationship exists between the member-owners and the co-op.

Investment: the money belongs to the member and is invested to help the co-op better meet the member’s needs.

Fair Share: the co-op’s overall capital needs are divided equitably among all members; the equity requirement is based on a member’s “fair share.”

Flexibility: because the equity requirement is based on the co-op’s capital needs, this requirement may change as the needs of the business change.

Values: member equity investment helps to accomplish the co-op’s mission and create a cooperative economy.