34 Cypress Street, Keene, NH

Mon- Sat, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sun 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

(603) 355-8008

Co-op E-News: May 2015

Co-op Updates

In 2013, a few months after we opened our Co-op, we contracted with a third party service to conduct an abbreviated survey to measure employee satisfaction. Our goal was to develop a baseline staff satisfaction level and ensure we were headed in the right direction from the start.

We conducted a full staff survey this spring. Once again, we thought it was important for employees to know that they could share their opinions with a trusted third party, committed to making our co-op a better place to work. The survey gathered staff opinion on workplace culture, communication, salary and benefits, management practices, and more. The 2013 survey results were good, and we are happy to share that this latest survey shows similar strong results -- while also identifying areas for improvement.

Overall, our results were above the Co-op National average and overall staff satisfaction levels showed improvement. Up from 86% in 2013 to 87% in 2015, staff said they were proud to work for our Co-op -- which is a great result. Areas of concern predominantly related to consistency of expectations, notice of changes and organization of work -- all things we are committed to improving upon and are not surprised to see in our Co-op after two full years in operation.

Positive trends and good scores are reassuring, of course, but we know we have plenty more work to do. We are excited to continue making this a better and better place to work -- which in turn, we know, will make it a more fun and exciting place to shop and be a part of.

Yours cooperatively,

Michael Faber

Monadnock Food Co-op General Manager

Thanks Jen Riz!

When a long time staff person leaves, we like to celebrate their next endeavors and recognize their contributions while sending them off. Thankfully in this case, Jen Risley is not entirely leaving us, but she deserves a major recognition for her contributions as she transitions into a part time role in our marketing department.

Board Update

It's YOUR Co-op: Know Your Board and How It Works

By Sarah Harpster, Co-op Board of Directors

Your Co-op is more than a grocery store, it is a democratic system that is one piece of a global movement to empower people to work together to meet the needs of their families and their communities. As a Monadnock Food Co-op member, how much do you know about the inner workings of your Co-op and its governance? If your answer is, "Not as much as I'd like," then please join us for a peak behind the curtains on Thursday, May 14th, at 5:30 PM at the Railroad Square Senior Housing Conference Room (next to the Co-op). Read More.

Ali Killgren, winner of this quarter's
Beet Award, with last quarter's winner,
Peter Moore.

Ali's Got the Beet!

Congratulations to Ali Killgren who works at the Co-op's Coffee & Juice Bar. She is our sixth employee to receive the Monadnock Food Co-op's "Beet Award." Ali started at the Co-op back in August 2013 - making her one of our most senior employees. She has a great get-it-done attitude, complimented by a cheerful and helpful manner. She nourishes a fantastic rapport with our regular customers - and very often, she is already making their drink before our regulars even reach her counter.

What's On Sale?

World Fair Trade Day: May 9th

Stand with Small-Scale Farmers: Together We Can Cool the Planet

Join us this May 9 as we celebrate World Fair Trade Day. When you choose products from committed fair trade brands like Alaffia, Alter Eco, Canaan Fair Trade, Dr. Bronner's, Equal Exchange, Farmer Direct Co-operative, Guayaki Yerba Mate and Runa, each fair trade product you choose supports:

Long-term direct trading relationships
Prompt payment of fair prices
No child, forced or otherwise exploited labor
Workplace non-discrimination, gender equity and freedom of association
Democratic & Transparent Organizations
Safe working conditions and reasonable work hours
Investment in community development projects
Environmental sustainability
Traceability and transparency

Your purchase is powerful! Learn which of your favorite products are fair trade. Choose them with pride on World Fair Trade Day and throughout the year.

Health & Wellness

How To: Make and Use Yogurt

By Erica Frank, Registered Dietitian

Found in numerous cultures around the world with myriad names, yogurt is made in the same basic manner no matter where you find it. Making yogurt is very simple: heat up some milk, let the milk cool down, add a culture to the milk, and let the milk mixture sit to allow the cultures to ferment the milk, producing a thick, tart product.

Upcoming Events

Champagne Tasting with Baystate Wine & Spirits

May 8, 5 - 7pm at the Co-op

Try two sparkling wines from Italy, Biagio Prosecco and Biagio Brachetto D'Acqui -- great for mimosas during Mother's Day Brunch or to salute a recent graduate. Learn more!

Graduation Brunch on the Hot Bar

May 9, 7am - Noon at the Co-op
Enjoy a special brunch on our hot bar today in honor of Keene State Graduation. Fill your belly with Blueberry Brown Sugar French Toast, Asparagus Red Pepper Frittata, Corned Beef Hash and Herbed Roasted Potatoes. Congratulations for conquering college (or at least getting one child through college)!

More Co-op Tastings

May 9 at the Co-op

Locally Roasted Fair Trade Coffee with Terra Nova, 8 - 10am
Locally Made Ruth's Mustard, 11am - 1pm

It's YOUR Coop: Know Your Board and How It Works

May 14, 5:30 - 6:30pm at the Railroad Square Senior Housing Conference Room (Next to the Co-op)

Have you ever wondered how YOUR Co-op is run? What does the Board do? What is Policy Governance? How do we share power at the Co-op? How does the Board of Directors election work?

Get a quick and fun overview of how your Co-op Board works.
Meet members of the current Co-op Board.
Have your questions answered.

Please Register so we can provide plenty of refreshments for all!

Cheese Tasting: Twin State Celebration

June 9, 5:30 - 6:30pm at the Railroad Square Senior Housing Conference Room (Next to the Co-op)

Celebrate cheeses from New Hampshire and Vermont: Crowley, Sawyer's Artisan Cheese, Brookford Farm and others. Find out how the twin states are making big contributions to the artisan cheese movement. Registration required*.

*A registration fee of $5 per person is required. Attendees will receive a $5 Gift Card to the Monadnock Food Co-op to use anytime.

Farm Tour: Mayfair Farm

June 20, 11am - 12:30pm at Mayfair Farm, Harrisville

Meet the farmers and learn more about Mayfair Farm's growing practices. Enjoy delicious samples, too. Please register so we can send you directions and other updates.

Browse more Co-op and Community Events

Community Corner

Rack Stars Wanted

The Monadnock Region Transportation Management Association (MRTMA), a community coalition that works to implement sustainable transportation solutions in the Monadnock Region, is seeking businesses and other partners to install bicycle racks throughout Keene and Swanzey. The program, called Rack it Up!, offers free or subsidized bicycle racks for businesses and other partners that invest in accommodating bicyclists with new bike parking.

Go Co-op!

Fair Trade Coffee Roaster Wraps Up $4 Million Stock Sale

Originally Posted on BostonGlobe.com
When Blake Jones heard shares in a certain West Bridgewater company would be available, he jumped at the chance to invest. This was not some hot tech stock, or a community bank likely to be gobbled up in a few years. In fact, the chances that the fair-trade coffee importer Equal Exchange will ever be sold are slim to none. The promise of a big payday down the line does not exist for Jones, the chief executive of Namaste Solar in Colorado, or other investors. The shares will never grow in value. But this worker-owned cooperative offers a reliable dividend, usually 5 percent a year. And Jones sees something more valuable: the opportunity to help kindred spirits develop an economic model that he hopes could change the world, one dollar at a time.