The CO-OP Takes A Step Forward
On September 28, the Maple City Market (MCM) co-op Board of Directors met for a day-long
retreat facilitated by Ben Sandel, the MCM’s consultant from Columinate cooperative, and the
Board’s Co-chairs, Darin Short and Malinda Berry.
We have been here before in our annual retreats where we’ve had the usual talk of values,
mission, vision, and strategic forward-thinking exercises. We’ve dreamed for several years
about expansion (interrupted by the Covid Years), and those earlier conversations have been
necessary prerequisites – a foundation to build upon. But this retreat felt different.
Buoyed by the last Shopper/Member Survey in 2024, we are slowly building on a solid
foundation. Through the survey, we learned that 75% of shoppers support the idea of expansion
in the next three years, and 56% express strong support. In addition, 13% of shoppers
expressed interest in making a loan for the purpose of expansion which is a significant measure
of support in the food co-op world. The information gathered via the survey is an important
component of the feasibility stage in the initial expansion planning process.
The co-op has also seen robust sales growth. Growth in July was 20.3% over the previous year.
August sales growth was 23.59%, the 7 th highest growth rate among 240 stores of National
Co+op Grocers. This is reason to celebrate!
At the retreat, we listened to General Manager Brad Alstrom share his vision for MCM 20 years
into the future. It was gratifying to hear about very specific goals which, when achieved, will
result in creating and building community, a stronger local food economy supporting local
growers, a stronger employee economy, and inspiring the development of more cooperatives.
Brad went on to share the reality check of needs – to increase sales, systems, and capacity
(including building an administrative team) to align with the goal of future expansion.
Ben gave us the visual analogy of the Slinky Dog from Toy Story and asked
- What is out front pulling things along? (sales; space limitations)
- What needs pulling along to catch up? (building an administrative team; expansion)
It’s important that the stretching and pulling are in sync. Too much or too little results in
breakage or misalignment of Slinky Dog.
It is, indeed, an exciting time for Maple City Market. It’s also a thrilling time to serve on the
Board and be a part of the thoughtful, strategic process to move MCM into the future and into
her fullest potential.
Thank you for continuing to support your local food co-op, and please
encourage others to become members!
Rose Shetler, Board Member
October 6, 2024