Message From The General Manager
Well folks… it’s been a while since I was able to sit down to let everyone know what’s going on with our Co-op… but rest assured, we’re doing well and we’re still growing!
2020 was one heck of a year for us in more ways than one. Actually, at this time last year we were just chugging along as usual then… Wham! Covid came to Sitka and everything changed. First, in March Centennial Hall was closed to us and we scrambled over to ANB Hall. Then mask wearing, curbside pickups and home deliveries became the new “norm” for our delivery days. Next came the supply chain disruptions and shortages of many basic staples such as rice, beans, and flours. But the biggest challenge of all, however, came in the form of vastly larger orders. We went from importing an average of 5.7 tons of food per month to 7.5 tons… a 31% increase. To handle this sudden “surge” in volume we ended up having to switch to having three deliveries per month and, finally… last but not least… we ended up relocating to St. Gregory’s Church. Throughout all those changes… as well as a parade of new challenges… our Board, staff, and member volunteers rose to the occasion and never lost sight of our primary mission, to “Bring Good Food & Community Together.” While Covid has definitely changed things for us, some of those changes have actually been for the better. And… as for that “surge” in sales I mentioned… it continues to this very day and sales remain at historic highs. (Detailed information about last year’s operation will be presented at our annual meeting on March 21st and our annual report will also be posted on our website after the annual meeting.)
As we move further into 2021, who knows what the future will bring… but we are a “cooperative” and therein lies our strength. We’re a group of people that have come together to solve a common problem and whatever comes our way I’m sure we’ll adapt and rise to the occasion. We always have… and always will. Together we are creating an alternative food model for Sitka.