July / August GM Update: Walking the Walk
I wrote at the beginning of the year that the Co-op model of business was a blueprint for the future. The concept of “planet, principles and people before profit” is a guide for how cooperatives can run a successful business that puts more back into the community and local economy than national chains, while using less resources and creating less waste.
Needless to say, even the cooperative model has been challenged since the pandemic broke out four months ago. We’ve had to change a lot about running a grocery store where, even in a pandemic, thousands of people are stopping in daily.
But we’re not moving away from that cooperative model, because that model will continue to serve our community the best, especially in a time when small businesses and neighbors might be on unsteady financial footing. We are redoubling our efforts to support local producers and businesses, to provide grants and sponsorships for local organizations and community events, and to be a really fantastic place to work, too!
Check out some of the highlights in this edition of the Co-op’s bi-monthly newsletter below.
One example of the way the Co-op comes through for the community: Co-op owners have now donated over $20,000 in patronage dividends to the Ashland Emergency Food Bank. The AEFB has been serving Ashland and the surrounding area for 45 years now, and as some loans and benefits may finish at the end of this month, AEFB will continue to play a critical role in keeping this community fed. AEFB will be the first designee for the Change for Good program throughout July, so please consider rounding up at the register. Read this short interview with AEFB’s executive director, George Kramer, to learn more about this cornerstone of caring in Ashland.
In order to better serve Co-op owners, the Co-op now offers online shopping through our eGrocery program. You can now shop from over 5,000 items for contactless curbside pick-up at the store, or contactless delivery in the Ashland area, thanks to assistance from the Rotary Club of Ashland. (Or if you’re just looking for a quick bite without the wait, you can also use this service to order sandwiches, smoothies, burritos, coffee, and all your other Co-op Kitchen favorites to pick-up in the store.) This is a big first for the Co-op, and we know how helpful this will be for the community in the long term. We would love feedback on your experience shopping online - learn more about how to set up an account and order here. If you're not a Co-op owner yet, you can learn more about the benefits and how to start for as low as $10 here.
In other news, Co-op owners voted in record numbers during the spring election. The Board of Directors welcome back Ed Claassen and Julie O’Dwyer for new three year terms. Ed and Julie have been dependable leaders on the board, with Julie recently leading the creation of the new Change for Good register round-up program. The board also welcomes new board member, Mark Gibbs, whose background in corporate finance will serve the Co-op well in this rapidly changing financial landscape. Get to know a little more about the newly elected members here.
I want to finish by saying thank you - because this Co-op is a reflection of YOU. Beyond voting, Co-op owners and shoppers have always been engaged and involved, understanding that the grocery store is much more than just a place to buy food. The money spent at the Co-op does more in the community, supports higher quality jobs, and stays in the local economy longer - and all of that reinforces the strong community you have helped build here.
Navigating the past four months hasn’t been easy, but you have shown love, compassion and care for your fellow shoppers and Co-op staff in ways that prove the Co-op will be a force for good for many decades to come.
In cooperation,
Emile Amarotico
More Co-op News
On the Road to Sustainability
By Laura Pfister, Media Coordinator
Forty six years ago, a group of families formed a buying club to access sustainable, local organic food as an alternative to modern industrial agriculture. This humble foundation of social and environmental responsibility started the Ashland Food Co-op and has shaped every decision we’ve ever made. It’s how, over four decades later, that a small buying club became a 30 million dollar, 17,500 square foot Certified Organic Retailer diverting 82% of their discards from the landfill.
Staff Picks: Earth Friendly Products
In celebration of Sustainability Month in April, we asked our Sustainability Committee to share their favorite eco-friendly product.
2018 Kids Summer Camps
We’ve teamed up with Rogue Valley Farm to School to offer three different camps this summer. Each week campers will dive into food production, preparation and exploration, with a mix of farm and kitchen experiences that delight the senses and inspire the soul. Join Rogue Valley Farm to School staff as they cultivate the ability to grow and cook delicious, healthy, seasonal meals. Monday - Wednesday at the Co-op Community Classroom, Thursday & Friday at the Farm at SOU.
Update on our Strategic Initiatives
By Ed Claassen, Board President
Your Board and Management Team invested a significant amount of time in 2014 developing a set of strategic initiatives that we believe are vital in shaping the future of our business and furthering our mission. We formed a Strategic Planning Steering Committee consisting of 3 Board members and 3 Management Team members to guide the implementation of these initiatives.
2018 Electronic Coupon Schedule
To further our sustainability efforts and to serve you better, we began offering Electronic Owner Coupons in January 2017 at the register.
No more forgetting to bring your owner coupons. No more waiting for your newsletter to arrive. Cashiers simply ask if you want to use your owner coupons when you check out.
As we enter our second year of Electronic Coupons we wanted to share a couple of friendly reminders and the 2018 month by month schedule.
Please note:
What Does Democracy Have to Do with Cooperatives?
By Annie Hoy, Marketing Manager
We often refer to cooperatives as “democratic enterprises.” But what does that really mean? The Ashland Food Co-op, like all other co-ops in most economic sectors, is owned and controlled by the people who use its services.
Co+op Basics: High Integrity, Low Price
Looking to stretch your grocery budget? So are we! We've lowered the price on over three hundred items to create a set of high integrity staples for every shopper. Welcome to Co+op Basics.
Co+op Basics includes over 300 pantry and household staples. From beef to milk to cereal, we’ve lowered the margin and price on all those items to make organic, healthy food accessible to every shopper.
Co+op Basics Staff Favorites
After the holidays, we usually find our pocket books a little lighter. Here are a few favorite Co+op Basics items our staff turn to when the money is a little tighter.
Proposals Sought for the 2018 Community Grants
The funding cycle for the 2018 Co-op Community Grants for nonprofit organizations is now open.
Every spring, for more than 20 years, we’ve been donating to area nonprofits through our Community Grant program. We are committed to creating healthy, sustainable communities and this program helps us fulfill that commitment by supporting the amazing work of local nonprofits. The Community Grant program is also the highlight of Cooperative Principle 7, Concern for Community, and is something we take to heart.
From the General Manager’s Desk
By Emile Amarotico
As we commence our lap around the sun in 2018, I wish to recognize the longstanding contributions of an amazing group of professionals. We are blessed with the dedication of eleven department managers expertly coordinating the daily flow of people, products and services that breath life into our Co-op!
-
Lynne (35+ years’ tenure) our Grocery Manager oversees keeping the aisles abundant with shelf stable products and coolers full of fresh perishables.
The Role of the Board in Co-op Governance
By Gwyneth Bowman, Vice President
After serving on the AFC Board for fourteen years my passion for the Co-op model has strengthened my commitment to the Cooperative Principles and Values. Of special importance is how we work together as a governing body with one voice. We are the ultimate decision-makers of our Co-op and hold a trusteeship for the benefit of our owners and community.
Fall Favorites from the Co-op
Like it or not, the cool weather has arrived. Whether you are heading out for a hike or enjoying a good book by the fire, the Co-op Deli has what you need to fuel your favorite fall activity. Stay warm with these comfort food recommendations from the Co-op Deli.
From the General Manager's Desk
By Emile Amarotico
A recent visitor commented that our parking is totally inadequate to our business volume. What’s true is that we cannot create more parking due to space and municipal code constraints. Thus, the value of each available space is increasing over time. Assuming only half of Co-op shoppers use automobile parking, each space supports at least $200,000 in annual sales.
Meet Board of Director Julie O'Dwyer
When not working on Board of Director efforts, my profession is an Interior and Building Designer. I own the Ashland Design Studio, located in the Historic Railroad District, and have a design services studio there - JulieO Design. I have been in the architectural design business my whole life; from crawling around my father's architectural studio to traveling around the world working on buildings large and small to now having created my own niche in the local building community. I took a few years off this path to own and run Tease Restaurant here in Ashland.