The roots of the cooperative enterprises run deep in Pirkanmaa
On 8 December 1901, the Edistys Kauppakunta cooperative was established in the village of Uurainen in Virrat. After many developments, Edistys became part of the Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa cooperative, representing its oldest roots.The roots of the Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa cooperative date back to 1904, when Toijalan Osuuskauppa r.l. was founded. The same year, the founding document of SOK was also signed in the banquet hall of the Cotton Mill in Tampere. The founding meeting of Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa was held on 24 September 1983. Administrators from nine SOK cooperatives operating in Pirkanmaa participated in establishing the new cooperative. Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa cooperative was merged with Osuuskauppa Tuotanto, Ikaalisten Osuuskauppa, Osuuskauppa Kotipohja, Ruoveden Osuuskauppa, Kurun Osuuskauppa, Osuuskauppa Satapirkka, Keski-Hämeen Osuuskauppa, Osuuskauppa Sastamala and Virtain Kauppakunta.The actual business operations of the Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa cooperative began on 1 July 1984.Ethical operating principles of Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa cooperative
1. We listen to our customers
As a cooperative enterprise, our co-op members are at the heart of what we do. We serve customers with their interests in mind and by listening to them. We take responsibility for the products and services we sell to our customers and resolve their problems during customer interactions.2. We operate openly and with integrity
We keep the promises we make to each other, our customers and other stakeholders. We engage in an open dialogue with both internal and external stakeholders. We communicate our operations transparently and openly.3. We respect and value each other
Our operations are based on equality. Our behaviour towards each other is professional and fair – we do not discriminate against anyone. We value each other’s work. We respect each other’s individuality and the diversity of our working communities.4. We compete in a fair way
We treat our partners equally and fairly. We adhere to good retail practices. We emphasise our own strengths, not our competitors’ weaknesses. We collaborate with industry associations and other communities in the development of our industry within the framework allowed by competition legislation.5 We are incorruptible
We do not accept or give bribes. Gifts of minimal value and hospitality inherently associated with our business operations are acceptable. We always act in the best interests of our company and do not let our personal or related party interests influence our decisions.6. We comply with good corporate governance
We operate in accordance with good corporate governance at all levels of our organisation. Our operating methods and governance are transparent. In our operations, we comply with good retail practices, the agreements we have signed and the operating guidelines we have accepted.7. We respect human rights
We are committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights. We promote them in our own operations and also expect our partners to do so.8. We operate responsibly
We systematically develop the responsibility of our operations, listening to our stakeholders. We seek partners whose operations are in harmony with our values and principles and who are prepared to develop their operations.9. We take care of the environment
We recognise and monitor the environmental impact of our operations. We work to prevent any adverse impacts and to implement best practices in terms of the environment.
