From the Outreach Coordinator: Local businesses are key to the success of our Co-op!

Concern for community, cooperative principle 7, is something we live as a co-op daily. This is embodied through our numerous connections with local businesses. While we often tout the over 60 different businesses who are providing discounts to card-carrying Co-op member-owners, their support goes well beyond this perk. In my time with the Co-op, I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our local business community.

Most recently, Octopus College Hill provided the venue, jazz music, and drink specials for our Co-op Celebration (August 27) of how far we’ve grown in membership this summer. More than 75 people attended, and it was a party to remember with amazing appetizers donated by Co-op volunteers and incentives for people who joined the co-op that night. In addition, we had door prizes donated from Chad’s Pizza, Copyworks, Mohair Pear, and Sidecar Coffee. This event helped us cross the threshold of 670 member-owners!

 

Downtown businesses across the Cedar Valley have been key to our outreach through providing space for our information table and creating unique deals for people who join during a specific time frame. Special thanks to Bryan’s on 4th, Chocolaterie Stam, Crawdaddy Outdoors, Miss Wonderful, and The Runner’s Flat for providing fun ways for us promote the Co-op’s efforts this year.

 

In addition, a new tradition has begun through regularly scheduled potlucks hosted at Second State Brewing Co. I hope you will join us for the next one September 12 at 6 p.m. You won’t want to miss it – the delicious food is becoming legendary!

 

And finally, a shout-out to Mill Race, the collaborative coworking space downtown Cedar Falls. We use this fabulous location for our board and committee meetings, and are thrilled to be in partnership with them.

 

If you want to see more local business and producer support of your Co-op in action, join us for our Fall Food Fest on September 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cedar Falls Community Center. Together, we ARE creating a community-grown grocery store!

 

 

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