- Cooperatives exist to meet their members needs. Their focus is
on service to members, not on bringing a return to investors.
- Cooperative members are not penalized for working together in a
cooperative business under US Tax Code; therefore many cooperatives
enjoy tax advantages.
- Cooperatives are owned and controlled by their members. They
help keep resources in the members community and are guided by
members values.
- Decisions made democratically by the membership provide a
strong direction that is supported across the organization.
- Profits are returned to members so members benefit from the
business they do with the cooperative.
- Cooperatives contribute to the economic stability of their
communities.