|
|
|
Happy Fall!
It's been a while since our last newsletter, so we have lots of news to share. But first, we'd like to officially welcome two new tenants into our space, JUSTFOOD and Cupcakery. Both of these businesses are complimentary to the co-op, and they have been bringing in a growing amount of daily foot traffic. Please help us extend a warm welcome to our new tenants! Here's a little about each one below, plus all the latest news here at the Beet. |
|
State of the Beet
For those of you who are still unclear about the co-op concept, we totally understand. To learn more, check out www.go.coop.com. It is kind of weird because it is counterintuitive in our capitalistic society. However, the word cooperation is commonly heard today by economic analysts and politicians as a model for sustained economic growth and success. After all, co-ops do build a better world.
A natural food co-op is just one example of this concept and we thank you for embracing your co-op. The Local Beet Co-Op boasts opening third in the state after Willimantic and Fiddleheads. Since we opened, two more have followed in Connecticut. Here at the Beet, we have been rebuilding and growing stronger since the new year. We are proud of our community of supporters and volunteers who toil to create a well-stocked store. Our goal is to have buyers for each department so that there is a specialized focus in each area. Because produce and bulk are our highest volume departments, we know there is an opportunity to expand and improve both areas. Our goal is to make the Beet's organic produce the best in the area. And, we will.
I think you will see from visiting us that we have been busy growing our stock in a mindful way, creating dialogue around controversial food issues (check the latest on GMO issues at Connecticut's Right to Know site righttoknowct.org or the Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org.) Our goal of sharing educational materials through a film series has been well received. If you are able, try to view Food Matters, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and Forks over Knives, three terrific films from our Health Matters summer film series.
Since January, 2012, we have grossed over $239,176.00, nearly meeting our projected sales goals, but we have lots of room for improvement. We are always investing in new products and would like to invest in additional refrigeration so that we can offer shoppers a larger selection of inventory. As Chester Sunday Market wraps up for the season, we are thrilled to announce that our Market friends have generously donated toward a commercial freezer which we will fondly call our LOCAL FARM to TABLE Freezer for storing more of the products you have come to count on.
As always, our Love Local theme is present, but we honor customer requests as well, and that means we might sell a yogurt from California. We recently attended the largest east coast natural food show in Baltimore to search for the newest products and cut deals to offer discounts to customers. Our greatest strength is our affiliation with neighboring food co-ops, including our attendance at a Fall Gathering of the NFCA Neighboring Food Co-op Association, www.nfca.coop, where over 200 like-minded folks met in Brattleboro to discuss our ability to work together to bring the healthiest foods to our communities at the most affordable prices (and tour Brattleboro Food Co-op's new $9 million expansion!)
Please remember, it is our goal to be profitable so that we can be more affordable to our shoppers. The greatest support you can offer us is your shopping. 10% off your total bill on the First Saturday of the month is a continual promotion and member incentive. Check at the register to find out about our Basics Club which offers daily discounts to members ie. $1 off Fabled Foods Mutli-Grain Bread, .50 off Nellie's cage free eggs, $1 off Equal Exchange Chocolate Bars, etc. Also, the most affordable way to shop is through our once-a-month Buying Club, where you pay only 15% above wholesale prices, but you do the legwork!
Spread the word, ALL are welcome to shop at the Beet and of course, we would love to harness the brainpower, creativity and energy of our talented community of members and friends. As Glen, one of our most passionate and reliable volunteers, often says, What can I do? I just love being here." |
|
2012: International Year of Cooperatives
"Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility. " - General Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary
This year, cooperatives are being celebrated around the world. Declared by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Year of Cooperatives is shining a light on the cooperative model, affording an opportunity for all to take a closer look at the value of cooperatives universally. Some attributes highlighted include poverty reduction, employment generation, socio-economic improvement and social integration.
The United Nations recognizes that co-ops are principled-run businesses that strengthen regional economies. Around the world, the largest co-op enterprises have combined sales of over one trillion dollars, and account for 100 million jobs, and they accomplish this with democratically run businesses where everyone has a say.
Cooperatives offer a mutually supportive environment where everyone's voice is heard. Consumers who support co-ops become part of a community representing more than just a grocery store. But co-ops not only offer the opportunity to connect with people who share the same values and views, they help to support the viability of regional economies. The United Nations recognizes that, as part of a co-op community, you have a democratic say in what matters to you, as well as in shaping its future direction.
For a closer look at IYC, visit the United Nations's dedicated website for this event.
|
|
About JUSTFOOD
Owner Lisa Sobolowski comes to the Beet with signficant experience in the art of  juicing and blending with organic raw produce and superfoods. Among other benefits, drinking whole food juices and smoothies is believed to offer a break from digestion to allow for detoxing, while replenishing the body with beneficial nutrients and enzymes. Lisa's juices are delicious and created mindfully, and she also creates her own raw chocolates. Stop by and say hello to Lisa when you get a chance.
|
About Cupcakery
 Kim Wilcox is the creative tour de force behind this charming bakery with cupcake deliciousness. Kim's ingredients are fresh and natural, with an extensive menu of both classic and contemporary gourmet flavors. Gluten-free cupcakes are now also available. Kim encourages that you call ahead for daily flavors at (860) 526-2253. She also fills orders for parties and birthdays. Stop by when you get a chance and say hello to our newest tenant on the garden level.
|
|
Further to the United Nations' declaration of 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, it happens that one of our members, Rick Nygard is a consultant to the United Nations. As he and his wife have been steady volunteers since its inception, we'd like to tell you a little about them and recognize their generous Beet contributions.
As newcomers in Chester, the Nygards looked for volunteer opportunities as a way to become involved in the local community. When they learned the Local Beet was shifting from a private store into a co-op model and sought volunteers, they joined and signed up to volunteer. The Nygards believed the co-op would serve a need in town for quality food, and this belief has been confirmed for them in the last year.
The Nygards have routinely volunteered at the Beet a few hours each week since the beginning - clerking, cleaning and stocking shelves. Susan says that having a regular volunteer time each week makes it easy to fit in co-op time with other activities, and that volunteering enables them to get a good understanding of what the co-op is currently offering, how it works and who shops there. By way of other volunteering, Susan is a board member of the Chester Land Trust, and Rick has been appointed an alternate member of the Chester Board of Finance.
The Nygards feel the Local Beet plays important roles in the Chester community, not only providing high-quality organic foods, but serving as one of the only in-town grocery stores with a number of everyday items such as produce, meats, bread and milk. They also feel the Beet gives locals the opportunity to work together in a venture that is rewarding not only to them, but to the community as well. We'd like to thank the Nygards for their continued support and steady volunteerism. We're lucky to have them! |
|
Upcoming Events
JUSTFOOD Lecture on the Scientific Rationale for Raw Foods: Countless Reasons Why Eating Raw Is Kind and Correct
Recognized as one of the fathers of the modern raw food movement, Dr. Doug Graham will talk about the benefits of raw foods, how to succeed with a raw diet, elminate cravings, control weight and gain energy.
Friday, October 12, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Doors will open at 6:30 pm
1 Main Street, Chester, CT (inside the Local Beet)
$30 in advance / $35 at the door
This event will fill up; pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
 Dr. Doug Graham, a lifetime athlete and raw food eater since 1978, is an advisor to world-class athletes and trainers from around the globe, and has worked professionally with top performers from almost every sport and every field of entertainment. He is the author of many books on raw food and health, including The High Energy Diet Recipe Guide, Grain Damage, Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries, Nutrition and Athletic Performance, and The 80/10/10 Diet.
JUSTclass at The Upstairs Kitchen
On Tuesday, October 23rd @ 6pm, join JUSTFOOD owner Lisa Sobolowski as she offers a 4-course raw vegan class, sequenced according to known food combining principals designed to allow for optimal digestion. The Upstairs Kitchen is located directly above the Local Beet and offers 10% off for members. For more information on this class, click here.
Genetic Roulette Film Screening
On Friday, October 26th @ 7:30pm , The Beet and JUSTFOOD will jointly screen the film Genetic Roulette -The Gamble of Our Lives. This is a film and topic you do not want to miss. Stay for a Q&A session with the panel after the film.
"GENETIC ROULETTE unveils a world most of us have never seen. It raises alarming questions about GMOs, and we deserve answers. For all that you love, hear this message and act now." - Frances Moore Lappé, author of Diet for a Small Planet and EcoMind. |
|
Bigger Discounts for Working Members
We're pleased to announce that the board of directors has voted to increase discounts for our valuable members who volunteer in the co-op and help us create a better customer experience. Now you will receive 10% off your groceries when you work a two-hour shift and 15% off your groceries when you work a four-hour shift. Together, we're building a better Beet!
The following volunteer opportunities are available:
Clerk Shifts:
Mondays - Saturdays 10am-2pm and 2pm-6pm
Sundays 10am-2pm
Stocking shifts in 2 to 3 hour increments
Stocking United Natural Foods delivery on Thursdays, anytime bet 12-7pm
Photocopying and distributing brochure on a weekly basis
Handyman/handywoman requests
If you are interested in helping with any of these positions, please contact Tracy Kleinberg at tjkleinberg@gmail.com. Thank you!
And thank you, if you already volunteer or have joined the co-op - Our Membership Angel shines her good vibes upon you!
|
|
|
The continued support of everyone is appreciated, and we hope to see you at the Beet soon! |
|
|
