Co-op Market Celebrating First Anniversary

General Manager Steve Watts accepts the Co-op’s first dollar from then Board President Nancy Savoia. Looking on from left are Karen Kendall, Kathy Campbell, Marguerite McClay, Paul Frederickson, Cecile Hemez and Eduardo Santiago (current and prior board members.) Courtesy/Co-op

 

“I cannot believe that it has been nearly one year since we opened the Los Alamos Cooperative Market,” General Manager Steve Watts said. “Come help us celebrate this momentous occasion, on Saturday March 3.”

The co-op will be a flurry of activity all day with music, food sampling, kid’s activities, face painting, birthday cake, chair massage and raffles.

There will also be a baby goat or two from Camino de Paz School & Farm. Camino de Paz is a private Montessori middle school in Santa Cruz , NM. The Co-op purchases goat milk and yogurt from their student-farmers.

The bulk of birthday celebration activities will occur between noon and 4 p.m. on March 3.

The Co-op’s financial performance exceeded the budget in revenues, gross profit, net income and cash on hand. Revenues were 12.6 percent above budget.  This stellar performance allowed the Co-op to set an aggressive 2012 budget projecting 11 percent growth. The Co-op has increased membership from 500 to 1,800 in its first year.

“Our first year in business has gone by quickly. On March 3rd the store will celebrate its first anniversary. The store continues to steadily increase sales and the number of customers visiting the store. In addition to shopping, the Coop is expanding its offerings to members and engagement in the community. The Board looks forward to celebrating this important and exciting milestone,” said Board Vice Presient, Andrew Erickson.

Founding board member Nancy Savoia said she is “beyond pleased with the store, as well as with the community’s response in supporting a coop in our town.”

 

“It is absolutely wonderful to be able to shop on the Hill without having to go to Santa Fe for local/organic foods and other natural products that were not available previously,” Savoia said. “Saves both time and gas and keeps money in our community! All year we are celebrating the United Nations designation of 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives.”

In its first year, the Co-op has established a number of community programs, including the Shop with the Chef cooking classes, free member presentations, Dinner & Discussion series and helping with the Los Alamos Youth Food Project. More information about community programs is available in the store.

When asked what the anniversary means to her, Board Member Cecile Hemez said, “What it means to me is that I live in a very special community that was able to support the project of a member-owned grocery store long before it became a reality, and is now nurturing its growth. The store staff has also done an amazing job through this first year.”

The Los Alamos Co-op is located at
 95 Entrada Dr., next to Holiday Inn Express. The Los Alamos Cooperative Market is a member-owned enterprise. Everybody is welcome; you don’t have to be a member to shop at the Co-op!

The Co-op’s mission includes promoting awareness about food, nutrition, health, and cooperative values. Visit losalamos.coop for more information or find the Co-op on Facebook for updates. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm and on Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm.

On Saturday, March 3, members will save 10 percent all day on regularly priced items. Members who upgrade their annual membership on Friday, Saturday or Sunday will receive credit for any prior payments made towards membership. In addition, each member who upgrades will receive a new, limited edition tote bag with the Co-op’s silk screened logo and other goodies.

Those who renew or join with an annual $30 membership will receive a reusable co-op shopping bag and other items.

Monday, March 5 is the traditional 5 percent on the 5th discount day for Co-op members.

Los Alamos Co-op building in early February 2011. Courtesy/Co-op

 

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