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october 2002 |
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casa nueva Casa is a worker-owned cooperative business, owned and run by its 25 current members, each with an equity investment and a commitment to promote good, healthy food and to promote a healthy local economy. Casa members gain experience and confidence in running a business. Many move on in leadership of other area businesses and non-profits; and, some start their own businesses. Casa buys 85% of their supplies from local farmers and others because they know that they are improving the economy of their community, said Casa’s Board President Josh Brown. Casa also actively supports a production and marketing of 200 regional food producers who share a community-based commercial kitchen and storage facility—ACEnet’s Food Ventures Center. Members make an initial owner investment of $1200 (up-front or through payroll deduction) for a two-year commitment. They earn yearly profit dividends and a return on their initial investment plus earnings when they leave through either a 5-year payout or a ‘donate half-and-get half now’ arrangement. Seven members are elected each year to serve on the board. Directors earn an additional 25 cents per hour and record board and committee time along with restaurant hours on their timesheets. Board members have no special qualifications and members often vote for persons who will gain new skills through board service. The 50 members and part-time associates of Casa Nueva Restaurant and Cantina in Athens celebrated 17 years of success with a community celebration last October. Casa enjoys a reputation for good Mexican food, at prices college students can afford, and for its role as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth in southeast Ohio. You will find these two articles useful if you want to know more about Casa Nueva.
Worker-Ownership Still Alive and Kickin’ by Leslie Schaller Contact Information: |
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