What is a Co-op?

Cooperatives are people-centered enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realize their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations. 

Cooperatives bring people together in a democratic and equal way. Whether the members are the customers, employees, users or residents, cooperatives are democratically managed by the ‘one member, one vote’ rule. Members share equal voting rights regardless of the amount of capital they put into the enterprise. 

(Source: International Cooperative Alliance) 

Our Co-op provides goods and services for its owners, our customers. Our member-owners elect a Board of Directors to represent them, provide vision, and set policies for our Co-op. The Board hires a General Manager who is responsible for hiring staff and oversees the day-to-day operation of or Co-op.  

Northern Star Cooperative is a part of something much larger. Our Co-op has interest in and shares ownership in Cenex Harvest States, one of the nation’s largest and most efficient supply organizations. This ownership is recorded as equity in the Company. As of September 2019, we held ownership of $6,700,000.00 in Cenex Harvest States. An elected Board of Directors elected by local cooperatives governs Cenex Harvest States. 

Besides supplying us with most of our petroleum products for resale, Cenex Harvest States provides a wide range of services to our Co-op. These services include training schools for managers and employees, financial services for short and long term financing, public relations to enhance the image of our Cooperative, and a marketing staff to work with our Co-op to take orders and assist with the growth and development of our Co-op.