Report From The Fall General Membership Meeting
Twice a year, the South Philly Food Co-op gathers its members together to celebrate the successful past accomplishments and plan for the future. This past October’s meeting was no different in focus, yet it featured some important reviews.
Co-op Volunteer of the Year: Leigh Goldenberg
One of the most important aspects of this Co-op is that it is driven by volunteers. Currently there are no paid staff members. 40 active volunteers help to chair and participate in the various committee work necessary to build the Co-op. In addition to the great work from all of our volunteers, Leigh Goldenberg, who is the chair of the Events Committee, was chosen as volunteer of the year. (Pictured right, "drafting" a soup at Soup Swap II.)
As chair of the Events Committee, Leigh helped organize and plan the Co-op’s most successful fundraising campaign, The Garden Tour. Beyond raising over $9500 and including tours of 16 gardens throughout South Philly, this tour helps realize the community of the Co-op. It encourages people to get out and meet their neighbors and to become part of the Co-op.
Food Co-op Initiative Grant
In addition to the success of this year’s Garden Tour, the Co-op has also been awarded two separate grants, including one from the Food Co-op Initiative for $10,000, a prestigious accomplishment for the Co-op as we were one of 10 winners from a pool of 40 applicants.
Consider Running for the Board in the Spring!
The chair of the Co-op's Leadership Committee, Aubrey Jones, reminded the assembled crowd that elections for our Board of Directors would be happening at the Spring General Membership Meeting. We encourage all members who meet the very basic criteria for being eligible to serve on the Board to consider running. The health of any organization can be measured in the degree to which elections for its governing body are contested. We'll be sending out more information about how you can be nominated to appear on the ballot in the spring. Eligibility requirements can be found in our Bylaws (Article 5. Paragraph 3). Get involved now with one of our committees and you will have already taken care of one requirement!
While there are many great accomplishments to review, the committees are continuing to do more work on future events. These include organizing more house parties to increase our membership to our next goal of 600. If you missed this Fall’s General Membership meeting, consider attending the meeting in the Spring. It’s an excellent way to stay aware and involved with the many opportunities to help the Co-op grow.
Upcoming Events
We have two exciting events in November. These events are open to the public. They provide opportunities for not-yet members to meet people who have become member-owners and learn more about the Co-op (while having a lot of fun!)
Holiday Shopping Kick-Off at Occasionette, with Farm to City
Thursday, November 21, 5-8pm
1825 East Passyunk
Visit Occasionette to get a jump on your holiday shopping! Co-op members will receive 10% off all purchases and will receive a free tote bag. This lovely housewares shop also plays host to Farm to City's Winter Harvest buying club, so you can learn more about this program (or pick up your pre-order that night). We'll have refreshments, good cheer, and fellow Co-op members on hand!
Green Street Coffee Roasters and Kermit's Bake Shoppe Special Tour and Tasting
Saturday, December 14, 10am
1919 Alter Street
Join the Co-op for a very unique west of Broad Street tasting experience. Meet at Green Street Coffee's roasting facility for a tour, explanation of the roasting process and a tasting of their finest selections of coffees. What else could you want on a cold weekend morning in December?
How about pastries? Yes there will also be a selection of freshly baked goodies from Kermit's Bake Shoppe, baked on premises just two blocks away. Both local suppliers will be ready and eager to sell you their wares to make as fine holiday gifts and party treats. This is a great way to meet your neighbors and enjoy some off the beaten path insider knowledge to local fare.
Shop South Philly Shout Out
One of the exciting, new benefits of the South Philly Food Co-op is the Shop South Philly Program. Although many South Philly businesses are now participating by offering discounts to our members, we are also featuring like-minded businesses across the city.
One of our latest additions is Mariposa Food Co-op (4824 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143), who is offering a 5% discount for members who show their membership card. Check out the entire list of businesses on our website.
Member Count as of November 5th
Thank you to everyone who became a Co-op member in October. Since our last newsletter, we've welcomed 15 new members who joined at one of our events, at a Civic Association meeting where one of our Speakers Bureau members was talking about the Co-op, at our Fall General Membership Meeting, by mailing in an application or just finding someone they know on a committee and handing over an application.
We're getting closer to our next big goal of 600. Check our our Timeline to Opening to see what reaching that goal means for our progression.