1. Cooperative Ownership: Residential, Commercial and Community Facility Models By: Ramon Leon John Flory

2. Cooperativa Mercado Central Story Picture: Mercado Central 2008

3. Cooperativa Mercado Central Story a.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

4. Picture: Mercado Central 1999

5. 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

6. 45 BUSINESSES OPERATING

7. 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

8. 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

9. Challenges of a Co-operative Structure a.Places more responsibility on the Developer / Sponsoring Organization. b.Provides Opportunities for conflict. c.Diminishes entrepreneurial spirit.

10. Cooperative Ownership: Residential, Commercial and Community Facility Models By: Ramon Leon John Flory