In this episode, Claire Christensen shares the inspiring story of Gimme! Coffee's transition to a worker-owned cooperative, illustrating how business models rooted in shared ownership can promote community engagement, environmental responsibility, and employee empowerment.

Main Topics:

• The origins and evolution of Gimme! Coffee from a local coffee shop to a worker-owned cooperative
• The process and challenges of transitioning to a cooperative model during the pandemic
• How profit sharing, governance, and decision-making work within a worker-owned business
• The role of community engagement and environmental sustainability in Gimme! Coffee’s mission
• Benefits, commitments, and how employee ownership influences workplace culture
• The impact of cooperative principles on business stability and community relationships
• Future plans for expansion, new product development, and business stability through property ownership

Resources & Links:

• Gimme Coffee Website
• Fair Trade America
• Worker-Owned Cooperatives in the US
• Cooperative Principles
• Fairtrade Premium Projects, detailing how premiums are used for community development and environment

Resources & Links:

• https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com
• Jake Gribschaw - Technical Advisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw
• Stacey Cornelius - Associate Producer https://agencyofwords.com
• Sonia Simone - Content Strategist https://remarkable-communication.com
• Erin O'Shaughnessy - Creative Consultant https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808
• Yen Ospina - Artist http://yenospina.com
• Carsie Blanton - Musician http://carsieblanton.com