Who comprises the membership of the Local Advertising Cooperative for Southern Steer?

According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Local Advertising Cooperative consists of all franchisee-owned Southern Steer businesses located within a designated market area. Each Southern Steer business in the market area is considered a "Member" of the cooperative. Each member has one vote for each Southern Steer business that they own and operate in the market area on all matters to be voted upon at duly convened meetings.

This means that if Southern Steer establishes a Local Advertising Cooperative in a franchisee's market, that franchisee will automatically become a member. Their voting power within the cooperative will be proportional to the number of Southern Steer businesses they own in that area. This structure ensures that all franchisees in the area have a voice in the cooperative's decisions, particularly regarding local advertising and marketing strategies.

The cooperative's primary purpose is to conduct production and marketing activities that benefit all Southern Steer businesses within the designated market area. However, all concepts, materials, or media proposed for any production and marketing program or campaign must receive prior written approval from Southern Steer. This requirement ensures that all local advertising efforts align with the overall brand standards and marketing strategies of Southern Steer.

Each member of the Local Advertising Cooperative contributes up to 1% of their monthly gross revenues to the cooperative. These funds are specifically used for production and marketing programs and campaigns that benefit all Southern Steer businesses in the market area. The cost of all production and marketing in the market area must be approved by a majority vote of all members present at a duly convened meeting. This financial contribution and the collaborative decision-making process ensure that all members are invested in the success of the cooperative's marketing efforts.