Join us in celebrating Co-op Month with the newly formed co-op, The Improve Group!
Improve Group worker-owners celebrate the purchase of Improve Group with founder and previous CEO, Leah Goldstein Moses
Collectivity is thrilled to be working alongside The Improve Group and providing support as they navigate the transition of their consulting business to a worker-owner co-op.
For more than two decades The Improve Group (IG) has supported mission-driven organizations through their evaluation services. Founder Leah Goldstein Moses stepped down as CEO this past fall and over the past two years, Leah and the IG team have been planning the transition of selling the business to the employees.
As a worker-owned co-op, IG staff are not only leaders of the business, but owners. Worker-owners will share in profits and decision making and elect and serve on the co-op’s Board of Directors. IG’s transition to a worker-owned co-op became official on August 10 and Collectivity (as a co-op ourselves!) celebrates this major milestone alongside IG staff, board, and co-op members.
What is a worker-owned co-op?
Worker cooperatives are values-driven businesses that put worker and community benefit at the core of their purpose. In contrast to traditional companies, worker members at worker cooperatives participate in the profits, oversight, and often management of the enterprise using democratic practices. The model has proven to be an effective tool for creating and maintaining sustainable, dignified jobs; generating wealth; improving the quality of life of workers; and promoting community and local economic development, particularly for people who lack access to business ownership or sustainable work options. (source: US Federation of Worker Cooperatives)
Worker-owner conversions:
Cooperatives are an economically viable business model that generates wealth for a group of people or even the larger community. Cooperative conversions are increasingly a popular option for retiring business owners to consider. By selling your business to your employees, you are creating the opportunity for a successful succession plan with more engaged employees who can retain their jobs, a buyer who knows your business in and out, and the chance to preserve your legacy. Learn more through Project Equity or MN Center for Employee Ownership. For more stories about employee ownership visit Nonprofit Quarterly’s collection.
Interested in learning more about cooperatives or have a cooperative project you’re seeking support on? Please reach out to Katie Marty, our cooperative consultant on staff at Collectivity!
Improve Group worker-owners signing the official transition paperwork on August 10th.
Improve Group worker-owner and board chair Sara McGarraugh with CEO Leah Goldstein Moses signing the official transition paperwork on August 10th.
