May 2014
AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL…
The Community Market’s 2nd annual Founders Night was every bit as good as the first. You just can’t beat good food (THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO OLD NORTH STATE CATERING), good music (THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO THE KUDZU RAMBLERS) and good fellowship (THANKS TO THE 150+ MEMBERS AND GUESTS WHO CAME!).
It almost makes one forget that this was actually an official annual members meeting for the co-op. Some business items that were covered:
NAME CHANGE — We officially re-incorporated as a NC cooperative business under the name THE COMMUNITY MARKET. Although the store will be located in the Fuquay-Varina area, we found that our original name (Fuquay-Varina Community Market) seemed a little exclusive to some. We would often hear, “I don’t live in Fuquay. Can I still join?” Legally, it is much easier and smoother to make a change such as this before shares are issued. As a cooperative business, we are trying to broaden the scope of what community means in regards to food, neighbors and the earth. This was a unanimous decision by the Board at our March meeting.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS ANNOUNCED — As you may remember, we put a call out for members who were interested in running for two board positions starting June 2014. There was pretty lengthy process that included an application packet and board dinner meetings. We are pleased that three people applied for these positions. Serving on the Board is a time and energy commitment that is not for the faint at heart.
Our by-laws state that the Board can also appoint one position as we see fit. Since we had a total of three candidates, the Board voted to forgo the cost of a contested election and award two seats and appoint a third seat. We are thrilled to announce our new board members serving 3-year terms beginning this year: Josie Sianez, Shannon Pingenot, and Joseph Fasy. Their passion for this project has been evident since day one, and we can’t wait to continue working with them in this capacity. CONGRATS!
MEMBERSHIP SHARES — At the party, we began issuing membership shares. These shares are not only required by law, but they declare that YOU are an official small business owner, a member of The Community Market. If you were not able to pick yours up at the party, we will be mailing them out in batches over the next month or so.
As summer nears, we hope to see you at area festivals and gatherings. As always feel free to pass this email along to someone you think may be interested in joining the co-op. We picked up seven new members on Founders Night (total 344). Let’s build on that momentum.
One last thing — SHARE YOUR STORY with someone about why it is important to you to have a locally-owned food co-op store that specializes in local, organic and fairly traded products. SHARE YOUR STORY and make someone else wonder about where their food comes from…that is the first step.
Thanks for all the support!
Tammie Quick, chairperson
The Community Market, Inc.