Letter from the Board President

One of the issues that has become increasingly visible over the past several years is the Wedge's discount policy. In addition to the discount coupon offered to members in the bimonthly newsletter, there are discounts for employees and board members. Far and away the fastest-growing category of discounts, however, are those offered to seniors members and members with disabilities. That category accounted for half of the almost $100,000 of discounts given during the Wedge's most recent fiscal year. One concern with the senior/disability discount is that it favors a specific group at the expense of all others--a contradiction of one of the co-op principles. There are many who believe discounts based on need are preferable, yet it remains quite difficult to decide how need is established.

It is important for the membership to think carefully about the types of discounts we offer, the groups we serve, and the impact of the discounts on the balance of the membership and the co-op's financial health. We must take a long-term view, since we expect to be a key party of the co-op community in the Twin Cities for many years to come. The store expansion now underway gives us some extra incentive to think carefully about the financial impact of our member benefits package. In the big picture, perhaps the greatest benefit to being a member of the Wedge is the opportunity to participate in setting its future course through the board election process and member feedback to the board.

As part of an overall review of benefits offered by the Wedge to our membership, we will be evaluating the co-ops discount structure with an eye towards making it fairer and more supportive of both the co-op principles and our core beliefs as an organization. That is where you, the membership, comes in. What kinds of benefits do you think are both attractive and prudent? Does the newsletter discount coupon matter to you? How about in-store member specials? Now is the time to let us know what you think. Drop a note in the suggestion box, leave it at the customer service counter on your next visit to the store, or e-mail the Wedge at comments at wedge dot coop.