What is a Co-op?

Cooperative businesses are special organizations. A co-op is owned and controlled by its membership, with each member being an equal co-owner. In this basic way they differ from privately owned businesses, in which there is unequal ownership and control based on how much investment one has. In a co-op the primary benefit comes from member use of services, not investment.

Cooperatives operate according to a set of specific business practices which are intended to benefit their memberships. The International Cooperative Alliance has adopted seven principles for use by co-ops in 65 member countries, The International Cooperative Alliance Statement of Cooperative Identity. Tidal Creek incorporates these principles in its Mission and Vision Statements, as well as in daily operations and decision-making.