Happy summer! The Co-op Board is working on wrapping up this fiscal year and preparing our budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year that starts July 1st. The Advisory Council met in May and the Board is reviewing their ideas for Co-op engagement with members and the community. We are also looking ahead to Board elections in the fall and starting to engage potential candidates. We will have at least three seats to fill in this upcoming election. Could that be you? Or do you know someone who would be willing to serve on the Board? This is an exciting time to be part of the Board and making important decisions about the Co-op’s future. Continue reading
July Member Mixer is a treat!
If you’ve never experienced Three Pines Farm, you are in for a treat – and not just because of the delicious homemade ice cream sandwiches that will be available for purchase. Kara Grupp, the owner of this beautiful fifth generation farm, provides an unparalleled experience! Not only will you meet her and learn more about this space, but you will have a chance to interact with Leonard the Llama, Lulu and Flora the kunekune pigs, and a plethora of goats with equally fabulous names and stories.Continue reading
Board Member Spotlight: Christine Sexton
During a recent meeting, board members were asked to share why they volunteer their time and energy to the Rooted Carrot Co-op Market. Their reflections were truly inspiring, so we wanted to share them with all members and challenge others to consider their “why” behind the co-op’s support. Please enjoy board member Christine Sexton’s “why” story.
A big part of the reason that I continue to volunteer my time working to establish the Co-op store is the economic benefits that it will bring to our community. Cedar Valley residents spend upwards of $300 million dollars on groceries every year; currently the vast majority of the profits from that spending goes to companies that are based either in Des Moines or outside the state of Iowa. All of the profits from the Co-op, on the other hand, will remain right here in the Cedar Valley and can be cycled back into other parts of our local economy. Our local producers will also benefit by having a consistent, year-round venue to sell their goods, potentially making it more feasible for them to expand their operations and create jobs. Further, food co-ops have been shown to spur new small business creation in their communities, by offering a place for artisans and producers to sell their goods. The ripple effects of these economic effects will benefit the entire Cedar Valley, whether you shop at the Co-op or not.
Equally as important to me are the less tangible ways that the Co-op will benefit our community. It will be our store, unique to the Cedar Valley, not just another Hy-Vee or Walmart. It will contribute to an increased sense of place and pride in our community. Just like our amazing trail system and the thriving small businesses of Main Street, it will be a unique asset that draws people to the Cedar Valley because it’s a place like no other.
Co-op Survey Results from April 2022
Take a look at the results from the survey we conducted in April 2022 (sound currently not working):
Membership and Communications Members Highlight
We are pleased to further introduce you to two of our Membership and Communications Committee team members:Continue reading
Behind the Scenes of the Membership and Communications Team
So much is going on behind the scenes with your Rooted Carrot Co-op! With the countless details it takes to open a community-owned cooperative grocery store, we rely upon the work of dozens of volunteers, many of whom serve on the board and various committees. Continue reading
June Member Mixer
Join your co-op friends on June 8 for a 1 1/2 hour kayak trip on the Cedar River, from George Wyth Park (Canfield Access) to the Boat House at Exchange Park in Waterloo. CrawDaddy Outdoors will be our guide. Those who need equipment can rent for $20. We will have vehicles available at 6:00 at the pullout to shuttle people to George Wyth, and plan to launch at 6:30.Continue reading
Committee Updates
In the Message from the Board you heard that the Site Team is busy vetting another potential site for the Co-op. Here is what other committees are up to. Continue reading
April Message from the Board
I wanted to recap all the messaging that has been sent out about the 7th and Main Site. Below you will find the email that was sent to all member-owners on Monday, March 7th. The week of March 14th Board Member, Christine Sexton, recorded a video that was shared on social media. You can find it on our YouTube channel. March 21st member-owners received another email with the video link and an invite to our Q & A session on March 23rd. We had a great Q & A session and great questions were asked. Continue reading
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.Continue reading