159 March - April - 2012

Issue Number
159
Issue Months
March April
Issue Year
2 012

Issue's Articles

Title Issue Date

Why does the work of measuring the co-op's accomplishments and telling the co-op's story matter?

159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012

It's 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday night in January as I swing behind the old Coca-Cola building near downtown Bloomington, Ind.

159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012

Back in April 2010, Willy Street Co-op (Madison, Wis.) launched an owner bond drive to raise money to support the opening of a second retail store, Willy West.

159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012

Competition in the grocery industry is fierce. With more retailers entering the natural and organic market and more shoppers purchasing natural and organic foods

159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012

Summary: Our previous articles were on the balance sheet and the income statement. This article covers internal control. There will be a final article on cash management. Our vision for this series is to examine fundamental financial tools and best practices for co-ops that promote overall financial health and regular review and adjustment.

The accounting best practices in this article will differ from the previous two articles since the guidelines are more dependent on your specific co-op's operations. While the specific systems for good internal controls may vary, the areas of your co-op operation that require a good internal control system are the same and are discussed here. A qualified accountant or a risk management specialist can be an important resource for you in analyzing your internal control practices and needs.  

For background to the finance concepts discussed below, see the definitions sidebar at the bottom of this article.
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159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012

Food co-ops are known for being compassionate employers.

159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012

Been called by a new food co-op for advice recently? The number of startup food cooperatives is swelling, and with it, the ranks of cooperative advisors.

159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012

Video Series on Food Co-ops

A video series, "Lights, Cameras, Co-ops: Exploring the Country's Thriving Food Co-ops" has been launched by the National Cooperative Grocers Association:

159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012

Alongside many new cooperatives that are springing up, established food co-ops continue to evolve and deepen their community roots.

159 March - April - 2012 April 9, 2012