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Room for Growth
Maya Bauer, Education Coordinator
 In the middle of August I had the pleasure of sitting in a small chair in a classroom of the middle school I attended a handful of years ago, presenting our Co-op's classes and educational opportunities to a room full of dedicated educators. What I came away with was a wealth of ideas and passion that these hard working teachers shared with me. Our children's future is looking bright in these hands. During the session they shared a need for healthful food choices and food education for the young people they work with every day and their families.
As we get back into the swing of the school year we have a lot to look forward to here at Common Ground. We are continually working towards our cooperative Ends and, as many of you may know, education is a huge part of these Ends. We have the opportunity, as a Co-op, to push new boundaries and redefine what it is that education means to our community.
It is no doubt apropos that this month is Local Foods Month, because the entire expansion project aspires to strengthen the local economy and bolstering local producers (check out the Expansion Update, below, for details). The opening of the Flatlander Community Kitchen classroom here at Common Ground represents an opportunity for our local foods community to thrive and expand as, like all social consciousness shifts, education is paramount.
So here comes the challenge: How do we work to serve the needs of our loyal long-term customer/owner base but also reach out to communities that we have never worked with before? How do we build a community based educational initiative that enriches and expands our engagement with local and global food policy? How can we continue to push the boundaries of what we define as 'possible'?
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Expansion Update
Jacqueline Hannah, General Manager
Without a doubt, expansion changes things. This month is Local Foods Month and the four year anniversary of Common Ground opening its doors for business in its current Lincoln Square location. Reflecting on both, I can't help but think of all the changes that expansion created for the Co-op and its community, as well as the changes our current 2012 expansion will create.
Common Ground completed its first expansion, from the basement of the Illinois Disciple's Building at the corner of Wright and Springfield avenues, in August of 2008. At that time, we were working with 12 local farms and producers and, in that previous year, had purchased $115,258 of product from these producers. We were giving our owners access to local foods and local farmers access to a market that was growing at about 25% per year at that time. With the goal of bolstering local production our Co-op was doing good work, but we dreamed of doing more, and the Co-op's local farmers shared these dreams. Fast forward to 2011, just a few short years after Common Ground's move to Lincoln Square, we worked with 28 local farmers and producers who are within 100 miles of the Co-op, a 133% increase in the number of producers in our area that have access to a strong local market for their products through Common Ground's efforts. Even more amazing is this - in 2011 Common Ground purchased $571,299 worth of product from local farms and producers. That's a 397% increase in revenue going through Common Ground to local farms in just three short years! What we've accomplished together through the Co-op is amazing. Those dollars have translated into more jobs on our local farms, more money for local farms to invest in the infrastructure to farm year round for the local community, and more of our neighbors starting local food businesses and farms. Read More!
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From Your Board of Directors
Todd Sweet, Board Member
Declaration of Cooperation
This summer Keith Taylor and myself were fortunate enough to represent Common Ground at the 56th annual Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) conference in Philadelphia, PA. CCMA is a 3-day gathering of hundreds of food co-op managers, directors, educators, and consultants from around North America. In addition to offering keynote presentations and facilitating various workshops, the conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to establish relationships with other co-op GMs and board members.
Among the Seven Cooperative Principles, CCMA exemplifies #6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives. As a relatively new board member, the conference opened my eyes to the tremendous growth taking place in the cooperative sector nationally, and reinforced my belief that we can play an increasingly influential role in the direction of our communities.
Read Highlights from the Conference! | Have any thoughts, questions, or comments about this article or for your Board of Directors? Email the Board at board@commonground.coop.
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Moo, Board Elections, and Round Up Nominations!
Election Season is Here!
Run for the Board
It is election season, and I don't mean the U.S. presidential elections. It is the very important time of year when Common Ground owners can run for and vote on the Co-op Board of Director. Becoming a Board member is one of the most immediate ways to effect change and the direction of your community owned grocery store. The first step is reading this packet . Your application deadline is Sunday, September 9 at store close (9pm).
Round Up for Good Nominations
Is there an organization that you think deserves to be one of our Round Up for Good organizations?
Starting on August 27th we will be collecting 2013 Round Up for Good nominations from owners here in the store! This is an easy way to get great organizations noticed and funded! Owners may nominate up to 5 organizations.
Do you MOO?
If you have never been to a Co-op MOO before, we highly encourage you to attend this year! All owners are invited to participate in this year's annual Common Ground MOO - Meeting of Owners! All you need to bring is yourself and a dish to share in the traditional MOO Potluck. Your Board will present on visioning progress, and you will have a chance to hear from all Board candidates, other local co-ops and Common Ground's GM, Jacqueline Hannah. This year something special will happen, Board and Round Up for Good elections begin at the MOO! After the meeting portion, stick around to hear live music from Co-op owner Ryan Groff, be the first to taste potential deli recipes for the new store, sample beer and wines that we may carry in the expanded store and let us know what you think! (This will not be a meal, just a sampling.) Bring the kids - there will be activities for them too!
MOO - Annual Meeting Of Owners
Saturday, September 23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm (doors open at 4)
Event Location: Urbana Civic Center
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Local Producer Profile: Trader's Point Dairy
Q & A with Gail Alden, Director of Marketing, Media and Events
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 What does your business/farm name mean to you? How did you choose this name? Our farm is located in an area called Traders Point, named for the original trading post that was used in the early days of settling this part of the country. We are part of an active effort to preserve this area as a Rural Historic District and are proud to take our name, Traders Point Creamery, from it.
Where is your dairy located? How many miles do you travel to reach Common Ground? We are located in Zionsville, IN, on the northwest side of Indianapolis, 120 miles from Common Ground. What do you produce?
We are an organic dairy farm and artisan creamery. Our herd of 100% grass-fed Brown Swiss cows spend all of their time on pastures and we milk 60 to 90 cows each day throughout the year. Our creamery produces whole milk, chocolate milk, award-winning European-style yogurts, artisan cheese, and homemade ice cream.
For how long have you been making your products? We have been a fully-functioning creamery since 2003. In 1997 the land that the farm sits on--a lovely piece of property with rolling hills--was handed down to owner Jane Elder Kunz and her husband Dr. Fritz Kunz by her grandparents. After deciding to convert the farm to an organic operation, the land rested for a number of years, and by 2003 we were able to make our first bottle of yogurt. They are proud to continue their grandparents' legacy on the family farm land and improve on the practices of farming in harmony with it.
Are your products organic? Yes, our farming practices and production are certified organic and designed with sustainability as the goal. Our herd is raised entirely on pastures, with no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones. All our products are packaged in glass, which customers can return to us to be reused or recycle on their own. Our on-site restaurant uses all organic, local, or wild-caught ingredients. What do you enjoy most about making your products? We enjoy being able to produce healthful products and help sustain the beautiful land we have inherited. As the first certified organic dairy farm in Indiana, we are happy to support the local food movement in our region. We are especially pleased to be able to offer 100% grass-fed milk and dairy products because of their high quality and rare availability. What do you find most challenging about making your products? Like all those who work the land and raise animals, we face challenges from weather, occasional illness of our animals, and all other contingencies of working with nature. Because we are committed to organic, 100% grass-fed methods in raising our cows, we have to take extra time and effort to deal with drought and disease without the aid of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. The investment is significant, but the gift in return is a rich and immensely healthy product that we love being able to offer to our customers. What is your philosophy/perspective on locally made goods? As the first certified organic dairy farm in Indiana, we are fully committed to supporting the local food culture in our state and region. We strive to help other small local farmers and artisans by partnering with them to supply our restaurants and by hosting a weekly year-round Green Market where they can sell their products. All that we do is grounded in the conviction that the health of our environment, our bodies, and our communities depends on the liveliness of local culture and food production. Is there anything else you'd like Common Ground's customers to know about your business?
We are always happy to have people stop by our farm to purchase products, eat in our Loft Restaurant, treat yourself at the Dairy Bar, and meet our cows! Please see our website for location and hours, or stop by our Facebook page!
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click here for more details
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Cheese 101
Led By Billy, Speciality Cheese Buyer Tuesday, September 11, 6-7:15 pm $5 owners/$7 non-owners Class Location: Common Ground Food Co-op
Eating Healthy on a Budget
Led by Common Ground Staff Saturday, September 15, 1-2:30 pm Free, but pre-registration is required. Class Location: Common Ground Food Co-op
Understanding Honey
Led by Maggie Wachter
Tuesday, September 18, 5-7 pm
$5 for owners / $10 for non-owners
Minimum 5 / Maximum 20 participants
Class Location: Common Ground Food Co-op
Common Ground Story Time
Led by Staffer and Lover of Tales Ellen
Wednesday, September 19, 10:30-11 am
FREE! No registration required.
Class Location: Common Ground Food Co-op
Holistic Stress Management for Pets
Led by Penny Watkins-Zdrojewski
Saturday, September 22, 2 - 3:30 pm
$4 for owners / $8 for non-owners
Minimum 3 / Maximum 25 participants
Class Location: Common Ground Food Co-op
MOO - Annual Meeting Of Owners
Saturday, September 23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm (doors open at 4)Event Location: Urbana Civic CenterAll owners are invited to participate in this year's annual Common Ground MOO - Meeting of Owners!
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FLIP
Watch out! We're FLIPPING!
We will be
CLOSING at
7pm Sept 2nd
CLOSED Sept 3rd (Labor Day)
CLOSED Sept 4th
These days we will be moving our ENTIRE STORE, so when you come in on the 5th the store will look really different.
| Don't worry, though, our awesome staff will be right here ready to help you find your favorite products. Thank you for your patience! We could not do it without your continued support!
Remember, the best way you can lend a hand to your Co-op is by shopping here. Bring in a friend to become an owner, and support our local and organic producers.
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| September Sales! |  | Check out our current sales here!
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SEPTEMBER ROUND UP FOR GOOD
 | Prairie Rivers Network!
| This month we are Rounding Up for the Prairie Rivers Network,
Illinois' statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration. Prairie Rivers Network works to protect
Illinois' rivers for people, fish, and wildlife. |
| COMMON GROUND GIVES BACK
As part of our mission to BUILD COMMUNITY.....
COLLECTIVELY
WE HAVE RAISED
OVER $550
FOR THE COMMON GROUND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SCHOLARSHIP!
Thanks to everyone who participated in our monthly Round Up for Good! |
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PRODUCE FORECAST
 | | Well, hopefully the summer is winding down, and kids are heading back to school with a lunch pail full of local and delicious produce. Things that should be making their way into the coop and into little bellies all over our county...Watermelons, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, and hopefully all of those local greens like kale, lettuce, and chard that we love. Since the season has been a bit wonky we could begin seeing local cauliflower and brussel sprouts!! And start to keep your eyes peeled for apples.
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Grocery Spotlight
 | | We are now proud to offer USDA Organic Chicken feed! Processed in the only certified organic grain mill in Illinois located in Fairbury. They source ingredients regionally and are a testament to local farmers working together to create a high quality product. Formulated by veterinarian and livestock specialist David P. Bane, Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative Chicken feed will make your chickens very happy layers. 12 lb bucket for $16.99 or 40 lb bag for 29.99. Stop by our store to learn more...located in the pet supply section.
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The Big Cheese!
 | | Meet Billy, our new Specialty Cheese Buyer. Join him this fall for monthly cheese classes and Friday happy hour live cheese
tastings 5-7 pm!
We'll have a special cheese email list:
email Billy, cgfc.cheese@gmail.com to get on the list!!
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