June is here and your Cedar Falls Food Co-op is doing another amazing membership campaign – this time current and new members could walk…errr…paddle away in a kayak!

We are on our way to 600 member-owners which will bring us closer to our capital campaign and site selection (see our new timeline for more details). We need you to help us get there.

Already a member? Talk to an acquaintance who has not joined – if you can commit to getting one new member-owner this month, you’ll help us easily reach our 600 goal. Be sure they indicate on their application that they heard of the co-op from you so you can be entered into our drawing (see below).

Not yet a member-owner? Why wait? With a one-time member share purchase of $200, you will be able to vote and have a say in what the co-op will look like. Your membership will quickly pay for itself and then some as you take advantage of our member-owner discounts at more than 50 area business partners! And you’ll also be entered into our drawing…
Thanks to Crawdaddy Outdoors in Waverly, we got a great deal on a Heron 9XT kayak that some lucky member-owner will win! To be eligible, join as a member-owner any day in June (2017) or if you are already a member-owner, be sure that the person you encourage to join adds your name to the application indicating how they learned about the co-op. Both new members and referrers who are members already will be entered into the kayak drawing (board members are not eligible).

Don’t miss this chance to beat the summer heat by heading out on the cool waters in a kayak and help spread the word about joining in June. The reward is gaining a full-service cooperative grocery store in Cedar Falls – and perhaps a new kayak too!

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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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/.

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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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!