From the Board President: Year End Updates: A Holiday Potpourri

Each month I struggle to decide what to write about in this column. There are so many wonderful things going on with the Co-op’s effort that selecting one topic or one activity is a regular challenge. So, in the spirit of giving oneself a holiday during the holidays, this month I’ll change things up a bit with a report on many details. That makes it easy on me!

The Co-op Branding 2.0

Our Communications Team is hard at work in refining the Co-op’s messaging and visual identity. We understand the importance of having a good brand, and while the Cedar Falls Food Co-op continues to get high marks from co-op consultants and other co-ops across the country, there’s always room for improvement. Don’t worry…The iconic carrot logo won’t change. But some of the visuals and messages will be tightened up and improved as we enter 2017. (If things like tag lines and style guides are fascinating to you, consider lending a hand with our dynamic volunteer team. These are some amazing people from around the Cedar Valley, and we’d love to have your talents included!)

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From the Board President: The Cedar Falls Food Co-op Celebrates National Cooperative Month

Being part of a cooperative means being part of something special. The Cedar Falls Food Co-op is celebrating National Cooperative Month in October, along with 40,000 other cooperative businesses serving more than 120 million people nationwide.

“Cooperatives Build” is the theme of this year’s National Cooperative Month. It’s also a great time to host the annual Owner Meeting & Social. Consider these ways that co-ops build:

Cooperatives Build Trust

Most co-ops strive to adhere to seven key cooperative principles, which combine to help build trust between the co-op, its members and the community. For example, the first principle is Voluntary and Open Membership, which means that we are a voluntary organization open to all people to use our services and willing to accept the responsibility of membership. The second principle, Democratic Member Control, gives members a voice in the cooperative’s policies and decisions. If you haven’t yet voted in the board candidate election, you have until 7:00pm on Tuesday, Oct. 18. More details here.

Cooperatives Build Community

The seventh cooperative principle is Concern for Community. Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through employee involvement in local organizations, through charitable contributions to community efforts and through support for schools. Here locally, a team of Cedar Falls Food Co-op board members and friends helped with flood clean-up on October 1. We’re also participating in Girls’ Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 6 (we’ll be providing drinks at Miss Wonderful), and the John Deere Health & Safety Fair on Oct. 19.

Cooperatives Build Jobs

Cooperatives generate jobs in their communities, keep profits local and pay local taxes to help support community services. Cooperatives provide more than 850,000 jobs, providing $74 billion in annual wages. Once open, the Cedar Falls Food Co-op will generate many jobs, and will ensure the wages are fair while providing health care benefits to as many employees as possible. The Co-op also values local economic development, and as such, we’re a proud supporter of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber.

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Cooperatives Build a Better World

Through all of the above ways, cooperatives build a better world. Help the Cedar Falls Food Co-op celebrate National Cooperative Month in October. If you haven’t yet become a member, join today!

In cooperation,

Tom Wickersham

 

P.S. We’re proud to partner with area credit unions during National Cooperative Month, including (as of publication of this newsletter) Cedar Falls Community Credit Union, Collins Community Credit Union, University of Iowa Community Credit Union, and Veridian Credit Union. We’ll be posting information about the Seven Cooperative Principles at select locations—watch for them!

 

From the Board President: Top 10 Co-op Updates

Last week, a friend asked me a question that I hear a lot: “So, what’s new with the Co-op?” When I concluded my answer ten minutes later, my friend, whose eyes had become a bit glazed over, probably regretted asking that question. And I hadn’t event gotten the chance to talk about our new refrigerator magnets (which you can pick up for free at Co-op events this fall.) Truth is, there’s so much going on with the Co-op that I could have talked twice as long. With a promise not to bore you too much, here’s a quick countdown of my top 10 favorite things currently going on with the Co-op:

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From the Board President: Do YOU Have What it Takes?

How about some quick numbers to start out? The Co-op is not quite 2 years old, but we’re over 400 members strong. Cedar Falls Food Co-op members live in 5 states (yowza!) and in one of those states, Iowa, they reside in 9 counties. Here in the greater Cedar Valley, from La Porte to Waverly, 16 zip codes are represented by Co-op members. There are also 12 households with 2 member-owners under the same roof!

Here’s another important Co-op number: nine. That’s how many people are serving on the Board of Directors. So, while 400+ member-owners each have a say and a stake in the well being of the Co-op that we all own, there are 9 people doing the bulk of the work in raising the awareness, developing the policies, managing the books, and growing the membership.

I have had the honor of working alongside these dedicated Board members. They, along with the 3 directors whose terms ended last year (yet who each continue to serve on committees), have been among the most inspirational people to me. Their wisdom and their wit…their dedication and their determination…their enthusiasm and their energy—simply put, they are AMAZING people, and I consider myself a lucky person to have the opportunity to work with and be inspired by them.

But, as the bylaws dictate, and as best practices recommend, it’s time to open the doors to other member-owners to serve on the Board of Directors. Each year 3 terms end, and so now we’re accepting applications for those who want to contribute to and help guide this effort to a successful outcome—opening the doors. Those who step up and get voted in as Board members will not only have the honor of serving alongside some of the most incredible people in the area, you’ll also be at the helm during some of the most exciting times in our development—selecting a site, designing the store layout, and hiring a general manager.

So, will YOU become a candidate for the Board of Directors? Learn more about the role and responsibilities of Board members HERE. And if you think you could contribute to the movement, submit a completed application by September 10. Be sure to brace yourself for an incredibly rich and rewarding experience!

In cooperation,

Tom Wickersham

 

From the Board President: Important Board News

There’s been a change in leadership of the Board of Directors of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op. And coming up in July is an opportunity for you to serve on the Board.

First, with regards to the change, when Melanie Drake accepted the position of Outreach Coordinator, she resigned from the Board at the end of May. Melanie was one of the original members of the Co-op’s steering committee, which later became the Board when the Co-op incorporated in 2014. Melanie’s dedication to the Co-op is evident in all that she has done, including serving as the co-chair of the Membership Committee. In her new role, she’ll continue to move us closer to opening the doors on a full-service grocery store. She has great passion for this efforts, and I invite you to contact her to find out how you can help, too.

At the June Board meeting, the Board voted to appoint Terry Stewart to fill the vacancy, and to serve out the remainder of Melanie’s term. Terry has been a long-time advocate for the Co-op, and is currently a member of the Operations Committee. Most people know Terry and his wife Nita who sell organic produce at the Cedar Falls Farmers Market. Say ‘hello’ to Terry next time you’re there!

As the terms of the Board of Directors are staggered, this summer we will once again have an opportunity for Co-op members to run for election to the Board. Every year 3 seats are open, and each term is 3 years. Full details about how to become a candidate for the Board of Directors will be posted on this website starting July 25. I invite you to consider joining in this effort. It is demanding, but extremely rewarding work. As we get closer to opening our doors, you could be a key player in that step. Keep an eye out on our website and our Facebook page for complete instructions.

 

In cooperation,

Tom Wickersham

 

From the Board President: Food Co-ops Everywhere!

Did you know that the Cedar Falls Food Co-op is one of about 140 start-up food co-ops across the country? Our effort to establish a community-owned grocery store in Cedar Falls is part of a huge momentum across the U.S. to take control of our food and make our communities healthier, more vibrant places to live. Let’s meet some of my favorite co-ops around the country and see where they are in their development. For context, the Cedar Falls Food Co-op is currently at 350 members, incorporated in the fall of 2014, and is planning on opening a 10,000-14,000 sq ft store.

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From the Board President: The Top 6 Myths About the Food Co-op

Since the first community meeting in September 2012, those of us behind the efforts to open the doors of the Cedar Falls Food Co-op have had to explain our vision. In addition, we’ve educated many people about what a co-op is. Along the way, however, we’ve discovered the need to correct a number of myths about co-ops in general and the Cedar Falls Food Co-op in particular. Here is my list of the top 6 myths about the Cedar Falls Food Co-op:

 

Myth #1: The Co-op will be a “buying club,” an indoor farmers market, or a small Roots-type market

FACT

Roots Market, which closed in 2012, was 4,000 sq ft in total size. The Cedar Falls Food Co-op will be 2.5 to 3 times that size. It will be a full-service grocery, meaning shoppers will be able to buy produce, boxed good, canned goods, frozen foods, dairy, meats, beer and wine, health and beauty products, pet food, seasonal products and more. Yes, you’ll be able to pick up some produce grown by local farmers and some coffee, toilet paper, and whatever else is on your grocery list. With a full deli and a “grab and go” cooler, the Co-op will be your one-stop shop.

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From the Board President: With 300 Member-Owners the Co-op Enters Stage II

Each of us reaches milestones throughout our lives. First steps. First book read. First kiss. Things like birthdays, graduations, and weddings are celebrated with loved ones. Some milestones are more quiet affairs—first time voting or first time on an airplane. Milestones are important to recognize; they are critical to our growth and development. The same principle applies to the growth and development of businesses, including the Cedar Falls Food Co-op. Late in February, the Co-op reached a significant milestone—300 members. As such, we are officially in Stage II of our development.

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From the Board President: Exercise Your Right…Vote!

With political candidates frantically darting across our region these days, my thoughts inescapably turn to the concept of voting, and the power it has. Certainly the vote is important to cooperatives, as I’ve written about before. Yet the power of voting is significant if we think about all the ways we can vote. If we consider voting restricted to what we do on caucus night or for the school board elections, then voting has limited powers. We need to think about voting in a greater context.

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From the Board President

Contrary to public sentiment—and against everything Garfield the Cat stands for—I actually like Mondays. When the week starts anew, I’m excited for all that is possible…what I can learn…what I can experience. The possibilities are endless and I’m looking directly into the eyes of opportunity. Carpe diem!

 

Given my perspective on Mondays, imagine how I feel about New Year’s Day. It is through this lens of excitement for what the future holds that I am filled with optimism for what 2016 holds for the Cedar Falls Food Co-op. And I have good reason to be optimistic for continued growth and success. Here are just some of the reasons:

  • We are nearing 300 members.

This is a huge milestone, putting us nearly one-third of the way towards our goal. But more importantly, it gives of the power of leverage. If each member recruits just two friends or family members to join, then we’re at 900 members. We can accomplish this in a matter of days, not years!

 

  • We have new energy behind the Co-op’s efforts.

The number of key people behind our efforts keeps growing, both on the board and in our committees. And our new outreach coordinator Amy Andrews is adding a lot of energy to the Co-op.

 

  • We’ve accomplished a lot of infrastructure work.

The simplest gauge of how well we’re progressing is our member count, but there are many other ways to measure growth and progress. One gauge is our “systems,” the behind-the-scenes accomplishments, of which we’ve made many this past year, from establishing insurance to conducting our first board elections to creating a style guide. With these behind us, we can focus our efforts on new projects for 2016.

 

So, what does 2016 hold for the Cedar Falls Food Co-op? We hope to see member growth increase significantly this year. We are looking forward to hiring a consultant to conduct our market analysis and develop our financial pro forma. And we’re looking to start deciding on a location. Yes, big things for the Co-op will be happening this year.

Let’s do this!