16 Ways to Help the Co-op (without joining a committee)

Previously, I’ve written about common questions I hear from Co-op members. “Where will the Co-op be?” being the most asked. Another common question, though, shows just how excited the community is about this project.

And the community is excited. Did you know that the City of Cedar Falls has a new strategic plan? The plan, “Future Forward Cedar Falls 2025” outlines 15 goals for the next 8 years; #5 is: “A sustainable local foods co-op within Cedar Falls.” More community excitement? Yes: 48 businesses in Cedar Falls and Waterloo (and beyond!) have pledged their support by offering discounts and specials to the 535+ folks who have stepped up to investing in their community by becoming a member of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op.

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Bring the Savings Home!

Our newest business partner brings things a little closer to home. Welcome Basket of Daisies, a shop offering home decorating expertise since 1979. Nestled in the heart of historic Main Street in Cedar Falls, shoppers can find sophisticated accessories and fine home furniture to upgrade their style. For those undertaking larger design projects, Basket of Daisies offers consultation services and design packages. A business specializing in home design wouldn’t be complete without offering artificial floral design services, provided by an in house florist. Basket of Daisies rounds out their offerings with wedding registries, donation services, and gift cards.

Cedar Falls Co-op member-owners will now receive 10% off their purchase! Visit Basket of Daisies to make your inspired ideas for your home a reality!

Find more details about Basket of Daisies and our other business partners on our website at  https://rootedcarrot.coop/business-partner-specials/.

 

Up & Coming Re-Cap

This year six Cedar Falls Food Co-op representatives were able to attend this year’s Up & Coming Food Co-op Conference, which was attended by over 60 start up food co-ops across the U.S. This annual conference is focused on helping communities start their own food co-ops. They offer workshops and resources from industry experts and other co-ops that have been successful. Between the six Cedar Falls Food Co-ops representatives, they were able to attend over 20 workshops. These included:

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Board Happenings: March 2017

 

  • The Co-op was able to send 6 people to this year’s Up & Coming Food Co-op Conference. This included President Tom Wickersham, Vice President Joy Thorson, Secretary Jess Cruz, Outreach Coordinator Melanie Drake, and committee members Luann Alemao and Xianli Zeng. Read the Conference Re-cap in this month’s newsletter.
  • We are getting ready to move into the next phase of our development. This includes assembling a site selection committee and a capital campaign committee. This is an extremely exciting time, and we can use volunteers in every capacity. If you’d like to help your Co-op grow, contact Outreach Coordinator Melanie Drake to see where your talents best fit.
  • Keep an eye out for the Co-op when you’re out and about. We’ll be a a number of community events in April, so if you see us be sure to stop and say “Hi!”
  • When will we open?! We’ll be releasing an updated timeline in the next month so you can stay up to date on everything the Co-op’s doing.

Cooperation is a Beautiful Thing

 

 

 

 

 

 

Say hello to our fellow cooperatives, Oneota Community Food Cooperative and Wheatsfield Co-op! In the spirit of Cooperative Principle Six, Cooperation among Cooperatives, Oneota and Wheatsfield have become our newest business partners.

Oneota is offering our member-owners a special deal that they can enjoy while in the beautiful city of Decorah in northeastern Iowa. Oneota is a first generation grocery co-op that opened its doors in 1974 and has been living the cooperative mission ever since. Cedar Falls Food Co-op member-owners can enjoy a free cup of coffee with the purchase of a bakery item. Bon apetit!

Wheatsfield Co-op is offering members of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op the same benefits that their own member owners receive! Wheatsfield Co-op members have access to special discounts in the store, a reduced rate for classes, and much more. Head on down to Ames today to take advantage of this great partnership.

 

We update our Business Partner Specials page regularly, so don’t forget to check it out to refresh your memory on all our great business partners! Visit https://rootedcarrot.coop/business-partner-specials/ for more savings!

Member Spotlight: Abby Rippe

Abby Rippe and her husband Mark are the proud owners of the Blueridge Orchard located in Denver. Abby, who is originally from Cedar Falls, returned to the Cedar Valley in 2008 with Mark. At that time, they were looking for a home in this area and came across a “for sale by owner” ad in the paper. When they went to view the house and property, they found that it also had a working orchard and subsequently became the new owners. Mark is employed by John Deere and Abby recently joined the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Black Hawk County where she works as a volunteer coordinator. She very much enjoys her new people-focused job working with volunteers across their programs.Continue reading→