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→

Start Shopping for Your Spring Style: March 2017 New Business Partners

In need of a fresh look for this spring? Look no farther than our three new business partners, Kate & Co, Purse-n-ality, and Mohair Pair!

Kate & Co is a full service salon and spa offering haircuts, hair styling, color services, perms, nail care, skin care, makeup, waxing, and bridal packages. Conveniently located in downtown Cedar Falls, on State Street, an appointment at Kate & Co is a great way to shop local while achieving your best look. Savvy shoppers will notice Kate & Co’s monthly specials, in addition to the perks offered to Co-op member-owners. Show your co-op member card and receive $10 off a one hour or 90 minute massage plus 10% off of one service per month! So many great savings at one shop!

Purse-n-ality offers trendy purses, clutches, wallets, bags, and more at their downtown Main Street store. As the name implies, Purse-n-ality is a store full of flair, making this a fun stop on any shopper’s list. Even online shoppers can take advantage of Purse-n-ality’s website, where you can view the latest styles. Just call or email them to order and they will ship to your home! Don’t forget to mention that you’re a Cedar Falls Food Co-op member -owner to receive 10% off all products!

Mohair Pair is an eclectic store found on College Hill, offering vintage clothing, unique decor, handmade items, jewelry, and much more. They also feature body and ear piercing services. Stop in for a unique shopping experience while hunting for a one of a kind vintage look to sport this spring. Mohair Pair offers truly local items handmade by local artisans, perfect for a one of a kind gift or statement piece. A new (or old?) look can be yours for 10% off purchases of $10 or more if you present your co-op member-owner card. This discount cannot be combined with other sales or discounts.

 

Board Happenings: February 2017

  • The Cedar Falls Food Co-op is officially a partner organization as a part of Future Forward, Cedar Falls latest strategic plan. 
  • Melanie Drake, Outreach Coordinator extraordinaire, will be conducting regular member orientations. Be sure to check the newsletter and follow us on Facebook to see when the next one will be.
  • The Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center is partnering with us for an awesome incentive this month. Check out the article in this month’s newsletter to find out more!

Special Member Offer: Cuisine & Confessions at Gallagher

The Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and The Cedar Falls Food Co-op are teaming up to give our members a chance to see Cuisine & Confessions on Thursday, March 9th at 7pm. Cuisine & Confessions is a unique show that combines cirque, live cooking, and deep communal connections. This exciting show is the perfect evening out for the whole family. 

Gallagher Bluedorn has not one but TWO generous offers for co-op members. Existing members are eligible to get 50% off their tickets using a special code. Postcards were mailed out to all our members containing your discount code. Please email us at info@cedarfallsfood.coop if you did not receive the mailing, and we can get the code to you.  

If you haven’t joined yet, now would be the perfect time as we’ll be giving away tickets to new members! Be one of the first five people to join between now and March 8th to win a pair of tickets. If you are one of the winners you will be notified and your tickets will be available to be picked up at the Co-op’s booth during the pre-show event, starting at 5:30pm. 

http://www.gbpac.com/upcoming-events/e-721/cuisine–confessions.aspx