Merchant of the Month – The Cheese Board Collective

“Worker-Owned Since 1971”

The Cheese Board opened as a small cheese store in 1967. The two original owners sold their business to their employees in 1971 and created a 100% worker owned business of which they remained a part. The transition to a worker-owned and operated cooperative relied upon a shared work ethic, high standards, and the strong emotional connections among the group. Decisions were made, after much debate, either on the shift or at the monthly meetings. The new owners shared a belief that the collective process would organically create a truly democratic society.