Participate in YOUR Co-op
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
Democracy is a pillar of the cooperative structure, which means that co-ops have been designed to provide opportunities for anyone to take part in the process of moving the organization forward. If we think about democracy more broadly than just voting for the board—but by being able to contribute our voices, our talents, knowledge and skills to collectively helping the Co-op create impact, then suddenly, each and every one of us is shaping our co-op at any given moment. We all contribute to helping the Co-op make a real difference in the world!
Our Co-op means many things to many people. Some of us see the Co-op as a wonderful grocery store. Some of us see it as a community hub, while others see the Co-op as a leader in education and upholder of our communal values.
Each of us finds our own connection to the Co-op by way of the value it brings to us.
There are so many ways to participate in “cooperative life”, and when we do, we are keeping the business model strong and the Cooperative Principles in action, whether as a shopper, as an owner, as a staff member, or in some cases as all three!
Our owners create impact in so many ways: not only through voting for and serving on the board, but by providing input and feedback to the Co-op, investing equity and loans, attending classes, and even by enjoying great music with family in the Co-op courtyard.
Though most owners are shoppers, not all shoppers are owners.
Shoppers create impact by providing the revenue our Co-op needs to do all the great work that it does.
After all, the Co-op sells groceries in order to do good things for its members and our community. Shoppers also make an impact when they buy local by keeping dollars closer to home. Those dollars support staff wages and benefits, fund community donations and sponsorships, and provide the great classes and events so many of us enjoy.
Supporting the Cooperative Movement is done every day by everyone who engages with our Co-op, whether by shopping or merely participating socially. And the impact that we collectively make grows only as our Co-op continues to grow.
More Co-op News
Love Local with the Local Guy
Throughout September, we will be celebrating all things local. And no one loves local or is more local than our Temporary Demo Coordinator, Brighton Litjens. He was basically raised at the Co-op, has a strong passion for local farmers and producers and loves delighting shoppers with delicious samples and great deals. Who better to tell us about loving local than the "Local Guy" himself?
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Owner Benefits: Independence and Connection
By Julie O'Dwyer, Board Secretary, Chair of the Owner Engagement Committee
Meet Board of Director Trine Ostergaard
Trine Ostergaard is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. She brings a world, literally, of experience to the table and has a sincere passion and love for the Co-op. We are thrilled to have her aboard and asked her to answer a few questions.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Meet Board of Director Dean Williamson
Dean Williamson is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. He brings to the table a plethora of co-op experience and a love of chocolate chip cookies. We are thrilled to have him aboard and asked him to answer a few questions.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Staff Picks: Favorite Local Products
September is Love Local Month! All month long we’re celebrating our local farmers and vendors with demos, events and more. Here are some of our staff's favorite local products.
How Can I Reduce My Plastic Use at the Co-op?
By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator
Plastic pollution today is a global dilemma. Did you know that more than 40% of plastic is used once, then tossed? In 2015, 79% of total plastic waste ended up in landfills or the environment. How can our co-op help reduce the amount of single-use plastics? Luckily, we offer a variety of options for owners.
Stainless Steel Straws
Meet Pachamama Coffee Cooperative
By Lauren Taber, Pachamama Coffee Cooperative
Pachamama Coffee Cooperative started in 2001 with a few simple questions in mind: what would it look like to take Fair Trade a step further? How can coffee farmers be in direct relationship with end consumers in the United States?
We found that the answer was even simpler: cooperative ownership. Pachamama Coffee has been 100% farmer-owned since day one, and is currently owned by 140,000 small scale family farmers across the coffee producing regions of the world.
Community Cider Backyard Fruit Drive
How often can you browse the shelf at your neighborhood grocery store, see a bottle of hand crafted, local cider and say, “Hey, I help make that!” Well, at the Co-op you can.
2018 Board Election Results
The AFC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the results of the 2018 Board Election. There were three excellent candidates running for two Board positions. In total, 905 votes were cast.
Congratulations to the following candidates who will serve three-year terms on the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors.
Thank you for voting!
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Meet Store Manager Barry Haynes
By Barry Haynes, Store Manager
Twenty three years ago my wife and I began our quest to relocate our family from the midwest to the west coast. We were looking for a beautiful area with an engaged community that would enable our children to thrive. Equally important, we wanted our new home to have a vibrant natural food store. When we arrived in southern Oregon, we felt as though we hit the jackpot.
Beat the Heat
When the heat of summer takes over, it can be hard on our bodies and moods. Don’t let the scorching temps get you down, cool off with one of these refreshing Staff recommendations.
Report from the Board of Directors: Strategic Plan Update
By Jeff Golden, External Relations Committee Chair
Ashland Food Co-op is striding into the future with careful intention. We’re especially focused on the three top priorities of our strategic planning process, a collaboration of our board and management team. A quick update:
Riding off into the Sunset
By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager
Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.
Report from the General Manager and Board of Directors
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager and Ed Claassen, Board President