Capital Campaign Committee Expands

Even though the future site of the Rooted Carrot Co-op Market isn’t yet firmly set, the all-volunteer Capital Campaign Committee continues to advance our work, helping ensure that we have the necessary funds in place to open the approximately $3 million store. In this month’s update, we have two exciting news items to share.

The first good news is that the Committee now has greater capacity thanks to two new volunteers joining:

Chad Allen

Chad Allen is the Director of Development at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. He calls downtown Waterloo home. Chad says he is “a colorblind, tea addicted fourth generation ceramist, muralist, photog and haphazard humorist.”

Frank Darrah

Frank Darrah worked as a special education teacher and administrator for 40 years. He also served on Cedar Falls’ Park and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning, and City Council for 38 years. Frank says he “likes to help projects that keep Cedar Falls moving toward being the most ‘livable’ city in Iowa.”

The second news to report is that the campaign has added a new feature to help attract major investors. And the effort is already working! The Rooted Carrot Co-op Market is offering a limited number of naming rights for contributions (either loans or donations) of $25,000 or higher. 

 

LOCATION AMOUNT STATUS
Entryway Plaza $100,000 Secured
Checkout Lanes $100,000 Secured
Produce Section $75,000 Available
Grab & Go Section $75,000 Available
Beer & Wine Section $50,000 Available
Coffee Bar $50,000 Available
Dairy Section $50,000 Available
Bulk Bins $50,000 Available
Store Aisle $25,000 3 of 6 secured

The RCCM Board took an in-depth look at how the naming rights could be offered. They reviewed how other food co-ops have offered this feature, including Osh Kosh Food Co-op (WI), and Prairie Foods Co-op (IL). All named sections will have a lifespan of 10 years. An additional naming rights opportunity will be announced at the beginning of the next campaign drive!

If you are interested in one of these naming opportunities, contact Committee Co-chair Tom Wickersham to discuss.

If you are interested in other ways to support this community effort, consider:

  1. Contribute. Make your loan (members only) or donation if you haven’t yet (or increase your contribution). Please contact us for details on how you can support this effort. 
  2. Volunteer. We are recruiting a few more volunteers for various positions in the campaign (many of which don’t involve asking anyone for money!). If you’re interested in helping, please sign up to volunteer here.
  3. Tell your story. Share the reasons why you contributed with friends and neighbors and social media contacts. As an owner of this business, you can help us reach our goal!

Thank you for all who have supported so far!

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