Each month I struggle to decide what to write about in this column. There are so many wonderful things going on with the Co-op’s effort that selecting one topic or one activity is a regular challenge. So, in the spirit of giving oneself a holiday during the holidays, this month I’ll change things up a bit with a report on many details. That makes it easy on me!
The Co-op Branding 2.0
Our Communications Team is hard at work in refining the Co-op’s messaging and visual identity. We understand the importance of having a good brand, and while the Cedar Falls Food Co-op continues to get high marks from co-op consultants and other co-ops across the country, there’s always room for improvement. Don’t worry…The iconic carrot logo won’t change. But some of the visuals and messages will be tightened up and improved as we enter 2017. (If things like tag lines and style guides are fascinating to you, consider lending a hand with our dynamic volunteer team. These are some amazing people from around the Cedar Valley, and we’d love to have your talents included!)
A Trip to the Twin Cities
I wasn’t kidding around when I said that we continue to receive accolades from other co-ops and consultants. In fact, last month, a group of five Cedar Falls Food Co-op representatives attended the Small & Strong Food Co-op Conference where we were again praised for our fantastic logo. This was my second national conference and like the last one, I came away very energized by the experience. Not only are we doing something amazing here in the Cedar Valley, but we’re part of a national trend to take more ownership in our community’s health and well-being. My two main takeaways from the conference were (1) some key strategies for our capital campaign that we’ll be running next fall, and (2) how well we’re already doing our work. In fact, I anticipate being a presenter at one of next year’s national food co-op conferences!
500 and Counting!
Our talented Membership Team is doing an incredible amount of work each month. From helping existing member-owners host house parties (simply the best way to grow the Co-op’s membership base) to organizing one of the coolest membership campaigns ever (“Thanksgiving – Co-op Style”), this team is really inspiring. And now they are poised to help the Co-op reach 500 members by the end of the year! If you haven’t joined yet, please sign up today as a way to show your appreciation of their hard work, dedication, and spirit. They would love to invite you to the annual Member Mixer to be held in January!
Our Strongest Allies: Local Businesses
During the holiday season, my wife and I love to shop the local stores. It’s the local shops that help define who we are as a community. Without them, we’d be just another bland city. So it’s no surprise that the local businesses see how valuable a community-owned grocery store would be for the area. What is great is that they’re serving as the Co-op’s strongest allies. Over 40 businesses in both Waterloo and Cedar Falls offer discounts to Co-op members. Others are helping by proudly displaying the new Co-op window cling in their stores. Special shout outs go to The Runner’s Flat, for hosting our November pie pick up location, and Sidecar Coffee Roasters, which is offering a Co-op holiday blend coffee this season with a percentage of each sale supporting the Co-op. Proudly show your Co-op card when you shop these stores!
Natural Grocers Opens this Month
Later this month the new chain Natural Grocers will open its doors on University at Rownd. What does that mean for our community and the Cedar Falls Food Co-op? As I wrote earlier this year, Natural Grocers will be a good thing for the community as there will be more options to access healthy and organic food: “Rather than thinking of them as a competitor, we can think of them as a potential partner in making the greater Cedar Valley a better, healthier place to live and work.” We’re excited to find out that Natural Grocers will be offering a series of classes starting in January about cooking and food. What a great addition to our community. (It could also be argued that this will help the CFFC’s efforts to carry out the Education, Training and Information, the fifth of the seven Co-op Principles, helping us focus our efforts on growing the membership instead!) Of course the main thing to keep in mind is that the market analysis we conducted showed that the Cedar Falls Food Co-op will be successful, even with Natural Grocers down the street.
As we wrap up 2016, please know that dozens and dozens of people, volunteers, business owners and close to 500 member-owners are fully committed to opening the doors on the area’s newest community-grown grocery store. If you haven’t taken a part in these efforts, give yourself the gift of community and join us. YOU can make the doors open sooner!
In cooperation,
Tom Wickersham