Jessica O wrote:
So you're saying that in order to buy thru KTF, such an occasional Hummingbird purchase, I would now need to be a member/owner of the co-op by buying into it?
a lot of details are still being worked out, but yes, ordering online thru the KTF catalog and enjoying the low prices will become a member-owner benefit once we have completed the transition (hopefully by Oct 2013). until then, while i am still the owner of the buying club, i am not going to block anyone from participation.
Jessica O wrote:
The previous PGP/KTF membership was only $25 or $50 per year, right?
the PGP/KTF membership fee has been "PWYC" the last 3 yrs with a suggested $25 donation. no one was turned away for inability to pay, and some chose to pay as much as $10 per month ($120 for a year).
Jessica O wrote:
And then this new, much larger fee would be a lifetime membership, with access to all KTF and forum?
yes, the new co-op membership share of $150 is a one-time investment (it is not considered income by the IRS and therefore not taxable). it is a larger sum, but it is intended to be refunded if/when you leave the co-op (with the Board's approval), so this is very different than the annual membership fee, which was not refundable and taxed as income to me. the new membership share (aka equity or investment) is how we are intending to capitalize the co-op so that it can buy all of the assets KTF/warehouse café currently owns. basically we will all become equal co-owners of all the assets, equipment, inventory etc... and as co-owners we all get to profit share (in the form of patronage refunds) and of course, vote and make decisions and run for the Board.
becoming a member-owner will give you access to KTF online ordering and the KTF forums (they will be split off from the PGP website most likely).
Jessica O wrote:
Is this the only option, going forward?
the steering committee just approved a 50% discount to limited income households, so that is now an option too.
i hope this helps answer your questions. LMK if you have other questions. also, feel free to come to a steering committee meeting. we are really starting to get lots of things done and figure out how to do it all by consensus, so it's pretty awesome and exciting!
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