Preferred Shares

Here's to the future of Central Co-op!

Over the last 40 years, our member community has grown the Co-op into the strong institution, exemplary employer, and valued partner to local producers that it is today. That is an incredible accomplishment, and we have our eyes on serving generations to come. That’s the reason we launched our Preferred Shares campaign last year – to raise the funds to invest in renovations and upgrades to ensure the long-term sustainability of our stores, our business model, and our values. Over the summer, we asked our members to help us reach $1.6 million by the end of July to support our Tacoma build-out and Seattle renovations in 2019 - and you got us there!

As of today, we have $400,000 in shares remaining in our Preferred Shares offering, and the time to invest is now. Not just because the offering ends on December 31, but because recent increases in the prime interest rate means our dividend rate is now at 7.5% - the highest interest rate we have ever been able to offer in return for your investment in our future. This final $400,000 goal will help us navigate the reality of our changing neighborhoods and an economy that can shift rapidly. And it will help us capitalize on unexpected opportunities to expand our impact, grow great jobs, and strengthen our community-grown business. 

THANK YOU for making this such an exciting time at Central Co-op!
 

Why are we inviting our members to get involved?

Cooperative Principle #3 is Member Economic Participation and one of the unique characteristics of co-ops is the ability to raise capital from within its membership. Just as we like to invest the Co-op’s money in the local economy whenever possible and feasible, we have already heard from many owners who appreciate being able to invest in our co-op and support our mission of spreading the cooperative economy, supporting healthy jobs with great benefits and living wages, as well as promote food access and all of the community support that Central Co-op provides. Learn more about our community impact here.

For more information about the Coop’s history, expansion plans, source and use of funds, and financial information, please contact shares@centralcoop.coop to request the Confidential Offering Memorandum.

 

FAQs

What is a Preferred Share?

Preferred shares are dividend-bearing investments in the Co-op’s equity. They differ from the $100 Fair Share that every Co-op owner is required to purchase to be an owner in the following ways:

• Preferred shares a do not have specified repayment terms
• Preferred shares pay a dividend based on the size of the investment and not on the amount of purchases made at the Co-op
• Preferred share purchases are optional investments made at each owner’s discretion — no owner is required to purchase preferred shares as a condition of membership in the Co-op
• Preferred Shares carry no voting rights.

How long will my money be invested in the Co-op?
While the offering does not have a set term to the investment, and redemption of preferred shares is entirely at the Board's discretion, our current Board adopted a policy in January 2018 stating that their intent is to begin buying back preferred shares in January 2021.

What is the interest rate?
Interest on preferred shares is set at 2% plus prime. Currently the prime rate (as published by the Wall Street Journal) is 5.5%, so the interest rate is at 7.5% as of 12/19/18. Interest is paid out annually. The first year's interest will be prorated on the date of issuance.

Why is the Co-op offering preferred shares?
This offering provides owners the opportunity to invest funds in our local business while earning a fair return on their investment. They are being offered at this time to help provide part of the financing for the Co-op’s planned new store in Tacoma, improvements to our Seattle location as well as other growth possibilities. The amount raised through the sale of preferred shares will reduce our need to borrow money for expansion from financial institutions.

What are the risks of this investment?
The Preferred shares that the Co-op is offering for sale are not insured and, like nearly all investments, have an element of risk. By purchasing these shares you are making a good faith investment in the Co-op. You should read carefully the entirety of the Offering Memorandum, including the section entitled ‘Risk Factors’ and consult with your own financial or legal counselor, accountant or business advisor prior to making a decision to invest in Shares.

How do I learn about the specific details of the offering?
Prior to purchase you will be given an Offering Memorandum that provides detailed background on the Co-op’s plans, its financial history and its financial projections that will allow you to determine if making an investment in these shares is appropriate for you. To request an Offering Memorandum, please email: shares@centralcoop.coop.

Will I get a larger say in the Co-op’s governance and operations?
No. The Co-op is founded on the principle of one owner, one vote. Preferred shares carry no voting rights; no investor will have any more say than any other owner.

I heard you have a $2.5 million goal, where did that number come from?
We have prepared an expansion plan that includes opening a new store, renovation of the Seattle store and securing funds for future opportunities. The amount we are raising, combined with $1.2 million in bank financing will allow us to move forward with that plan and have sufficient cash reserves and a strong financial position so we can pursue other opportunities for growth.

The Co-op has already met its targets for funding for the Tacoma store and Seattle remodel, for what is the additional investment for?
We want the Co-op to be in the position to be able to take advantage of additional opportunities quickly instead of having to start another fundraising process. The grocery market in our area is changing quickly and some areas are underserved, so having funds on hand will give the Co-op freedom to find new ways to serve the community.

What is the benefit of my investment to the Co-op?
Shareholders will have the opportunity to invest locally, know how their money is being used and earn a better rate than a similar-sized investment is likely to provide. The Co-op will have the benefit of using the additional funds for expansion or other opportunities without having a fixed repayment schedule.  

Is there a minimum or maximum number of shares I can buy?
We are selling 5000 $500 shares. At the opening of this offering an owner could buy as many as 5000 shares or as few as one share; however you can’t purchase partial shares. As we move forward, the maximum amount an owner can purchase will decrease as more shares are purchased. Members have invested amounts ranging from $500 to $100,000 - every investment counts!

How do I buy shares?
There are two requirements to purchase preferred shares:

1. You must be a Co-op owner.
2. You must be a Washington State resident

If you have met those requirements, please contact shares@centralcoop.coop to receive an Offering Memorandum for you to determine whether you would like to invest.

Thanks for your support!