For local biz, cooperative status has been mostly a good thing

Members of the Casa Nueva team happily shared their practices and values to the community on Sunday evening as bar patrons took a moment to turn around in their seats with an open ear.

The United Nations has declared 2012 the "International Year of Cooperatives," and Casa Nueva's local success would seem to support that initiative. The business operates both a popular Mexican-style restaurant and a live-music venue in the adjoining bar.

"[It's about] working together" said Josh Brown, a member of Casa's board of directors. "Everybody has a voice here."

Founded in 1985, Casa Nueva restaurant and cantina has always had a distinct mission in maintaining a cooperative, granting its employees the option of ownership within the company.

Brown acknowledged that it can be quite "tough," as the Casa board firmly believes in making decisions based on consensus, meaning 100 percent of the group must agree on every decision Casa makes.

"There are many ideas," said Alicia Cordell, Casa's Human Resources coordinator, "and each one is valid."

Co-ops are becoming increasingly popular, as signaled by the U.N. endorsement with its theme, "Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World."

"There are many pros and cons," said Brown. Among negatives – the amount of time and effort it can take to make a decision and the money it takes to support Casa's cooperative mission. For Casa co-op members, however, the pros seem to outweigh the negatives, as evidenced by Casa's business success, with income of $2.2 million 2011.

Cooperative businesses work to become more focused on "people vs. profit," noted Ronae Gooding, another member of the board.

Not only does Casa strive to give back to the community, buying from local farmers in the area and practicing sustainability, according to board members; they also provide their employees with health insurance and benefits. "We want to take good care of our workers and our community," declared Gooding.

The board wrapped up to gentle applause and a cacophony of supportive voices. A bearded local resident's cheer was acknowledged by Cordell as she nodded his way, "Thanks Brad."