Cooperative Ownership: Residential, Commercial and Community Facility Models

By: Ramon Leon John Flory

Cooperativa Mercado Central Story

Picture: Mercado Central 2008

Cooperativa Mercado Central Storya. Asset Based Community Organizing.b. Alliance with development agencies.

d. Selection of members.e. Democratic operating procedures.

c. Creation of co- operative to enable entrepreneurs to purchase the building in the future.

Picture: Business Class 1996

Picture: Mercado Central 1999

MERCADO CENTRAL FACTS

a. 45 Businesses operating.

b. 0% vacancy on the last 9 years.

c. Incubator of businesses and leaders.

d. Estimated Annual sales $10 million.

e. 1600 clients per day.

f. 165 employees (not including business owners).

Picture: Mercado Central 2008

45 BUSINESSES OPERATING

Benefits of Establishing a co-operative

a. Combines scarce resources from many individuals into a significant investment with financial impact.

b. Establishes ownership.

c. Creates a community base.

d. Opens participation to a broad. representation of the community.

e. Develops leadership in the community.

Picture: Mercado Central 2006

Impact of the Co-operative Structure

a. Development of a community based institution.

b. Business success while retaining responsibility to the origins.

c. Positive public exposure for immigrants / positive role model.

d. Creation of a member based Latino business development organization.

Picture: Bakery at the Mercado Central

Challenges of a Co-operative Structure

a. Places more responsibility on the Developer / Sponsoring Organization.

b. Provides Opportunities for conflict.

c. Diminishes entrepreneurial spirit.

Cooperative Ownership: Residential, Commercial and Community Facility Models

By: Ramon Leon John Flory