Ownership shares and preferred shares at the Oshkosh Food Co-op serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits:

Ownership Shares

• Voting Rights: Ownership shares grant you voting rights, allowing you to participate in decision-making processes and have a say in the co-op's governance.
• Membership Benefits: As an owner, you receive various member benefits, such as discounts, special promotions, and access to exclusive events.
• Economic Participation: Ownership shares embody the cooperative principle of member economic participation, contributing to the co-op's mission and values.

Preferred Shares

• Financial Returns: Preferred shares typically offer dividends, providing a potential return on your investment based on the co-op's financial performance.
• Higher Priority: In case of insolvency, preferred shares have a higher priority claim to the co-op's assets compared to ownership shares.
• Non-Voting Investment: Preferred shares do not carry voting rights, making them a straightforward investment option without additional responsibilities