I AM REMINDED EVERY DAY why we are coming together to shape a new kind of food store – One that meets our needs without treading so heavily on the earth beneath us. I was fortunate to be in the Co-op when a pair of wonderful citizens came through on their cross-country to gather knowledge, learn, document, and share about sustainable communities along the way. Wes and I were so inspired by their journey, we invited them to dinner, played music together, and connected face to face with fellow human beings for a few precious hours.

I realize that the pressures of our current society do not necessarily promote this type of interaction. Inviting strangers into the home, speaking to the person next to you at the grocery store, or taking time out of a busy schedule to slow down and get to know someone new.

I have come to appreciate that these things are more possible for me now thanks to the Co-op becoming an actual physical place in our community. The store serves as a connecting hub for people of all walks of life and zip codes to meet one another, to share together, to inspire one another, to support those in need, and to feel more whole and complete by being a part of this. For this singular effect of the Co-op, I am grateful.

But our work is not over. In fact, the Co-op continues to need your support with every shopping trip you make. The Co-op Staff, Managers, and Board are doing everything they can to improve the store every day.

ALL THE CO-OP NEEDS FROM YOU ARE THREE SIMPLE STEPS:

1) SHOP HERE. Spend at least $100/month. That’s $25/week. We’re not asking for charity – You will receive some amazing food items in exchange for your dollars.

2) PURCHASE A $10 GIFT CARD for a friend, fireman, postman, or co-worker this holiday season. Give the gift of supporting local independent merchants and send new people to the Co-op while you’re at it.

3) HELP OUT IN THE STORE. This one is easy, fun, and doesn’t cost a dime! In fact, you’ll earn store coupons for hours worked. Simply fill out this to Volunteer and schedule even just 30 minutes to help rotate produce in the evening. Or, organize a dinner party with fellow members to discuss what else you can create with the Co-op.

It is in all of our hands, as the co-owners of this business, to turn this place into the store that we want to shop at. HELP US. PARTICIPATE. For it is only together that we can create the reality, the future, that we’d all like to be a part of.

With blessings and gratitude,

Gretchen McIntyre
And the Citizens Co-op Board of Directors

Update #3: The Gifts of Being Here

Dear FANTASTIC supporters of Citizens Co-op :

We thank you so much for your incredible generosity in aiding the Co-op with its Summer launch of Citizens Co-op, A community owned and operated marketplace here in Gainesville, Fl – offering an abundant array of local, organic, and natural foods at affordable and fair prices.

The store held its GRAND OPENING on July 15th, 2011 to a huge party and welcome response from our local residents.

Our sales and membership levels have continued to grow steadily since July, by about 15% each month now. And the amount of local vendors that we are able to support with steady purchases at fair prices continues to grow as well – over 25 area businesses are supported by this market. We have employed 12 enthusiastic team members who love coming to work at a business they co-own and can help to co-create.

Of course, we have met our fair share of challenges. Let’s call them “learning opportunities” along the way. It’s been a roller coaster these past few months. But we’re still here. We’re breathing. And we are just pickled to have our very own local Co-op in this little corner of the world.

So our HATS OFF! to you, for believing in this vision, for voting with your dollars, and for being a part of this groundbreaking new business model with us.

Your gifts have all arrived safely and in beautiful and tasty condition to the Co-op now. We truly apologize for not facilitating these to you sooner ~ as you may gather from our message above ~ we’ve had our hands very full indeed! Alas, we have made it in time to ship you these gifts before the Holidays, in the hopes that you can enjoy, relish, delight in, and share the treats we have to offer as a humble THANK YOU to you.

In Cooperation, and with the utmost gratitude,

Gretchen McIntyre, Co-Founder, and the ENTIRE Co-op Team