Granite City Grocery organizers invite its owners as well as interested community members to two back-to-back informative social events this Wednesday, April 16th and Thursday, April 17th.
The first event is part of Cooperative Vermont’s “Co-op Socials Series” and will highlight how area cooperatives have contributed to the success of Granite City Grocery’s startup efforts. Coined the “Co-op Socials Series: Barre Edition,” this event will be held on Wednesday, April 16th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Quarry Grill and Tavern in Downtown Barre. There will be complimentary appetizers as well as a cash bar. This event is underwritten in part by Hunger Mountain Coop, Members Advantage Community Credit Union, and Cabot Cooperative Creamery. RSVPs are appreciated at granitecitygrocery.coop/events or by calling 802-279-7518.
Then, on Thursday, April 17th from 7:30 am to 8:30 am at the Quarry Grill and Tavern, Granite City Grocery will host a breakfast update for owners as well as downtown merchants and employees. Complimentary pastries, coffee and tea from Espresso Bueno will be offered. RSVPs are appreciated at granitecitygrocery.coop/events or by calling 802-279-7518.
Individuals interested in becoming owners can sign up at these events. And, owners will also be able to pick up their very own Granite City Grocery lawn signs to post prominently on their soon-to-be green lawns.
What’s the story with Granite City Grocery? It’s been nearly two years since a small group of Barre City residents organized an event at Currier Park to launch the idea of starting a food co-op for downtown Barre. "When it became clear that no chain grocery store was going to come to downtown Barre, a lot of us were dismayed but also hopeful, says Emily Kaminsky, outgoing President and one of the founding owners of Granite City Cooperative, dba Granite City Grocery. "In the span of just a few weeks, a bunch of us realized we could bring fresh food to downtown Barre on our own in a way that would transform our community. And, the efforts to start a food cooperative were born. Barre is not alone in this effort. We are part of a nationwide food co-op startup movement which is witnessing the birth of over 250 new food co-ops nationwide."
The small group that started the effort is now a growing cooperative of over 400 owners united under the name Granite City Grocery and committed to establishing a retail store in downtown Barre. With donations from the community, a grant from Food Coop Initiative, and financial and technical support from other area co-ops, GCG is now an incorporated cooperative with an organizational infrastructure, a professional and independent market study, a functioning financial model, and a plan for growing ownership to 600 by June 2014 and 800 by year-end.
"A store is certainly in our future; that's why we organized. But, we can't forget that we have a cooperative now - a democratic association of over 400 people who want to transform Barre with fresh, healthy food," says current President of the Board, Chris Riddell. "We're excited about what lies ahead for us and invite others who are interested in our vision of a healthy and vibrant community to purchase a share in the cooperative today. We've set a goal of 200 more owners by June 30th. When we reach that goal, we will be able to take the next step in our development which includes testing the financial and design feasibility of our top three sites."
The Granite City Grocery Board of Directors looks forward to giving its owners and interested community members an update on April 16th and April 17th. Space is limited for these two events and RSVPs are appreciated. RSVP at www.granitecitygrocery.coop/events, email info@granitecitygrocery.coop, or leave a message at 802/279-7518.
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