A Message From The GM
Hello Everyone,
Growth: “The process of increasing in amount, value, or importance.”
Growth – this one word definitely sums up what’s been happening with, and within, our Co-op these past seven plus years. Looking back over 2018, I can’t help but be both amazed and proud of what our Co-op is accomplishing. One year ago when I sat down to estimate what our growth would be for this year I was hoping that we might grow another 10-15% above what we had done in 2017. Thanks to the growing awareness of what the Co-op offers not only to our members, but also to the community as a whole, we ended up growing by an astonishing 22.8% over 2017. Members are now ordering more and more often, several local businesses and organizations are also now ordering through the Co-op, and the local “buzz” about who we are and what we’re trying to do has only increased. More and more of our bumper stickers are being seen on cars in town, our social media presence has increased, and… friends are telling other friends and family members about the Co-op. One might say we are growing “organically.”
Another positive change that took place this past year (from the GM’s perspective) is how well the new Board has come together and stepped up to take an active involvement in, and oversight of, the Co-op’s growth and development. Thanks to them much was accomplished this past year including, but not limited to: generating a new business plan; reviewing our Governance Policies; negotiating a potential lease (on-going); creating a Capital Campaign (to meet the needs of our potential expansion), and; to just working well together with a positive and creative dynamic. This bodes well for our future.
Of course, everyone knows I’m a shameless promoter of the Co-op because I believe in what we’re doing and accomplishing is extremely worthwhile… and needed in Sitka.
I remain extremely optimistic about our future and I’m proud to be in a position to help “Bring Good Food & Community Together.”
Eat Well… Live well… Be well.
Keith Nyitray
General Manager