Greetings from the Rooted Carrot Co-op Board of Directors
Lisa Nelson, Board President
One important role the board plays is to keep up to date on broader trends impacting the cooperative grocery industry, assessing the local retail grocery environment, and reflecting on how the RCCM vision aligns with current realities.
Important trends impacting the co-op grocery industry include a 50-80% increase in the costs of construction and equipment since the COVID pandemic, and climbing interest rates that increase the cost of borrowing. Based on this reality, there is growing momentum towards building a smaller footprint which will reduce building and equipment expenses, and the amount of loans that may be needed to cover start-up costs.
Locally, there remains a tight market for commercial real estate that will meet the co-op customers’ needs for parking and accessibility. The site committee is actively pursuing more than one site, and we are very optimistic.
Another important trend is the increasing local and regional support for locally grown and produced goods. Throughout our state, food hubs are growing, partnerships and coalitions of farmers, health professionals, chefs, schools, and so many others are banding together to build the infrastructure needed so small farmers can thrive in our state. None of this existed meaningfully when the RCCM founders gathered to dream of what could be. The Rooted Carrot Co-op is part of this exciting local foods movement.
The founders of the Rooted Carrot Co-op did not imagine the current reality that many recent startups have taken 12-14 years from conception to store opening. Many things have changed in that time that will have an impact on store planning moving forward. Just 5 years ago when I joined the board, co-op experts were sharing business plans for large, full-service stores. Co-ops that started small were not able to draw the customer base required to sell enough to pay the bills. This advice was based on successful co-ops, and it was the right advice at that time. Given current realities, other options may be more successful. The board of directors regularly reviews the business model in light of current trends in the cooperative grocery industry as well as local needs to optimize the success of our shared business moving forward.
As some things change, the mission of the Rooted Carrot Co-op remains the same; to create a community-owned grocery store that seeks to enhance the health and well-being of the greater Cedar Valley. The values of local commitment, inclusivity, education, and sustainability still guide this mission.
Attend a local farmers’ market and feel the energy there! That is what motivates co-op volunteers to keep working towards the goal of opening a community-owned grocery store. It is an exciting time to be part of the Rooted Carrot Co-op!