I just wanted to express my gratitude and farewell to one of my favorite stores in Utah Valley.
The Orem REI is closing its doors. I know I can drive to the Salt Lake REI but just wanted to say thanks for giving Utah Valley a shot. REI has been more than just an outdoor gear store. It is also a store in which I am part owner. No other business, other than my credit union, has offered me ownership, voting rights and a yearly patronage dividend. I will miss shopping at my local outlet.It sure seems ironic that in a state like Utah, where early businesses were formed using cooperative principles, those principles are now subject to extinction. I challenge us all to study cooperativism in our business and employment settings and see if these principles might just help in our world of working together.
Once again, farewell from a proud member.
Jared Johnson
Orem