From left, Pajarito Environmental Education Center Executive Director Jillian Rubio, Terra Hite and Los Alamos resident Becky Shankland talking about saving the Co-op. Courtesy photo
By TERRA HITE
Los Alamos
The Los Alamos Cooperative Market (Co+op) is much more than a grocery store. It took years of volunteer work from many committed, passionate community members and the financial investment of community members to bring our Co+op to open 13 years ago. Shopping at the Co+op provides a great opportunity to invest in our environment, sustainability, social responsibility, and local economies. While the Co+op is supported by its membership, it is open for anyone to shop and enjoy.
This past Saturday, April 20, the Co+op held its annual meeting. It was a significant meeting as there has been talk of closing the store. Estimates are at around 150 people in attendance. The impressive turnout and the enthusiasm of the crowd to explore ideas for keeping the store open demonstrates that the Co+op is a very loved asset to our community.
The store’s general manager, Andre Chavez, who has put his heart and expertise into reviving the Co+op over the last year and a half, put in his resignation this month. The store, which has had its struggles, is now in need of a new general manager, steady dedicated employees, an invigorated board of directors, and the community steadily showing up to show their support by choosing to shop there as much as possible.
Ways that you can help the Co+op are:
Shop-If you are not already a dedicated Co+op shopper, aim to increase your shopping there by 10-25%. While members retain some benefits. You do not have to be a member to shop.
Join the Board- Right now, the Co+op needs new, enthusiastic board members. Potential board members may be appointed at tomorrow’s meeting.
Volunteer- There are many ways to engage- please contact me, terralouise@gmail.com if you are interested.
Help with the Employee and Manager Search – If you are or you know of anyone interested in working at the Co+op, please apply.
Spread the Word- Invite your friends to meet you at the Co+op. Tell people about the Co+op.
Attend Tomorrow’s Board Meeting- There are two ways to attend tomorrow’s board meeting.
The Zoom meeting begins at 6 p.m. You can attend on your own or you can attend in person where the meeting will be projected on a big screen at the Unitarian Church, 1738 N Sage Loop St, Los Alamos. This in person meeting will be preceded by a potluck at 5 p.m to mix and mingle and share ideas. Attendees are welcome to come anytime. Dinnerware will be provided.
Here is the link:
Topic: LACM Board Meeting
Time: Apr 24, 2024 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 849 5895 7619
Passcode: 466990
