Gaining Ground Film

by

A new film on growing food, empowering communities & changing lives

Sunday October 9 at 4 p.m.
Columbian Theater 1114 Marine Drive Astoria

sf-march-against-monsanto-2The negative impacts of industrial agriculture are everywhere. The increasing threat of genetically engineered food and the destruction of local communities can make us feel powerless to effect change. GAINING GROUND, a new documentary film by Elaine Velazquez and Barbara Bernstein, is an intimate view of rural and urban farmers embracing this challenge.

sg-vicki-carrying-strawberry-buckets-2
GAINING GROUND is coming to communities around Oregon this fall. This
film presents the personal stories of farmers and activists confronting the challenges of
feeding their local communities sustainably grown food. The documentary interweaves
experiences of Urban Tilth’s farmer-activists transforming corners of Richmond,
California’s inner city food desert into vibrant community gardens; Sun Gold Farm, a
small family farm in rural Oregon converting from commodity dairy to sustainably
grown produce and Stalford Seed Farms in the Willamette Valley transitioning from
growing grass seed to organic grains. As the film explores these paradigm shifts, it
personalizes class, gender, race and environmental justice issues by rooting them
within narratives of compelling individuals. While the film is sober about the obstacles
to creating change, it points the way toward hope.

ut-greenway-teresa-and-internsThe screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and people featured in the film. View the GAINING GROUND trailer: http://www.gaininggroundmovie.org

Local sponsors: Astoria Co-op Grocery, Columbia Riverkeeper, North Coast Food Web, Coast Community Radio and CREATE

Generally Speaking

by

By Matt Stanley/General Manager
Published in the Co-op’s Fall 2016 Newsletter

Over the last year and a half the Co-op Board of Directors has spent considerable time overseeing the continued maturation of the business as we prepare for expansion. We also sought ways to maintain the relevance of our co-op amidst increased competition and continued mainstreaming of organic and local foods.

A primary way we are making the Co-op more accessible and welcoming regards pricing. We’ve joined forces with 150 food co-ops nationwide to bring our community the Co+op Basics program. Co+op Basics include items in an increasing amount of categories at amazing everyday prices. The program has helped us grow sales considerably which in turn allows our store to further leverage our volume. We saw 14% growth in sales during 2015 and over 20% sales growth so far in 2016. Needless to say, more and more community members are turning to the Co-op for their grocery needs!

Additionally, we are connecting the community to our store by way of their financial investment in the Co-op. In October 2015, we ran our Equity Drive with a modest goal of $10,000. Instead, our current and new owners together helped us raise nearly $30,000 in owner equity during the month, and all in $25 increments!

Our planning includes continued use of this unique and powerful way that owners connect with our co-op. In 2017 we hope to be ready to issue preferred shares as a primary way for our Co-op to finance our expansion and relocation. Finally, we continue to develop our staff with a framework based on preparation for operating a significantly larger store.

In early 2016 we received help with an Organizational Assessment in order to ensure we have the skills and systems necessary to make our expansion a success. We continue to send staff to workshops and trainings relevant to their areas of work in order to maintain engagement with their roles in a growing business. It is critical that we continue to grow our sales in the current location in order to maintain momentum as we prepare for expansion.

Thank you for your continued support of your local Co-op!

Board Election Results

by

Our community owners elect a Board of Directors to oversee our grocery store. An election occurred at our Annual Meeting September 14, 2016. Here’s a photo of all the board members and staff we could wrangle for a photo.

Co-op Board & Staff

Each candidate was elected unanimously.  They are as following:

Allie Evans/ Current Board President

Dr. Allie HeadshotQ: What is your familiarity with Astoria Co-op Grocery?

A: My life has been largely centered around co-ops since college. I have lived in housing co-ops, worked at food co-ops, and shopped at co-ops. What draws me to the cooperative model is working together toward something we all believe in and reaping the benefits (in this case good food) while forming a sense of family and inter-connectedness. Naturally, I joined our Co-op when I moved to the coast in 2004. I joined our Board of Directors in 2010 and have served as President of the board since 2013.

Q: How does your education, professional background, and skills make you a good candidate for the Co-op board?

A: Professionally, I am a Naturopathic Physician (family medicine) but hold a very important other title as a mom. I graduated from University of Michigan and came out west to study medicine in Portland. There is an overlap in looking at the way the body works as a whole integrated unit and looking at the way our Co-op works much in the same way. A successful cooperative business and a vital and healthy body flow much in the same way and of course you cannot have a healthy body without a place to buy nourishing food.

Q: Why have you chosen to run for re-election to the Co-op board?

A: I am running for re-election to the Board because I am so excited and proud to be a part of the process of evolving and growing our store and our impact on the local economy and creating community and health. We are at such an exciting time as we enter into expansion. I would like to continue being a part of this process.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your term if re-elected?

A: During this term on the board I am committed to providing board oversight and guidance through the process of creating a new store that serves the community. I am also committed to continually improving board structure and process to ensure that we are able to meet changing demands of governing a larger store.

Dan Reef

Dan joined the Board in spring of this year. He is up for his first election and is looking forward to continuing his work with the Board.

DanQ: What is your familiarity with Astoria Co-op Grocery?

A: My wife actually discovered the Co-op in 2001. We became members (owners) and have been doing all our healthy choice/organic shopping ever since. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is always such fun and willing to help or follow up on any product questions.

Q: How does your education, professional background, and skills make you a good candidate for the Co-op board?

A: I was born and raised in Astoria and graduated from Astoria High School in 1982. After high school I traveled five western states building retail stores. In 1988 I started work for a commercial contractor from 1995 until 2014. My job was the on-site superintendent. I performed all the duties to build all sorts of commercial buildings including grocery stores, banks, schools, colleges, medical/dental, warehousing, condos, apartments, police stations, fire stations, and more. In 2014 I hung up my commercial construction hat and took a job with the City of Astoria’s public works department.

Q: Why have you chosen to run for election to the Co-op board?

A: I am running for the board because I feel I bring diversity and professionalism to an already very talented board.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?

A: During my time on the board I hope to be a part in the planning and construction of our new store and take part in the decision-making to make the Co-op the best store on the North Oregon Coast.

Todd Holm

Todd has served on the Co-op Board since fall 2015. He is up for his first election and is looking forward to serving a full term.

ToddQ: What is your familiarity with Astoria Co-op Grocery?

A: When my wife and I moved here over seven years ago we quickly discovered the Co-op and have been using the store as our primary food source since. I have always known that if you want to make good food you need to have good food to make and our Co-op has that and a whole lot more.

Q: How does your education, professional background, and skills make you a good candidate for the Co-op board?

A: I graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in 1979 and went to work, raised a family, 4 daughters and 1 son. I worked for the same company, Wicks Airfreight Inc. for 15 years. I stepped into banking in 2001, working with West Coast Bank as an Account Executive and accepted a regional position with US Bank in 2008 where I am still currently employed as a Marketing Manager for the Columbia Pacific region. I work exclusively with businesses, providing credit products, payment solutions and services that help our bank clients maintain positive growth.

Q: Why have you chosen to run for election to the Co-op board?

A: Being a member of our Board of Directors is a great honor and I am running for election because I feel that my past experiences as well as my banking background will be a great asset as we move forward with our expansion. I am looking forward to continue being a part of the decision-making process with this dynamic group of like-minded individuals.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?

A: During my term I want to help accomplish: continued positive growth, decisions that make the Co-op a great place to work, creating the best place to shop in Clatsop County and beyond, building a shiny new store in a great location that we will all be proud of, opportunities that benefit our community through the strength of our Co-op, and increasing membership.

Co-op Annual Meeting

by

Co-op owners, we hope you can join us on Wednesday September 14 at 6 p.m. for our annual meeting.  It takes place at the beautiful Red Building located at 20 Basin Street Astoria, OR.  The meeting will include an annual report presentation by our general manager Matt Stanley, a board of directors election and fabulous food catered by North Coast Food Web.

013

Farm Profile: Glory B Farm

by

Farmer Tom Zimmerman has been selling to the Co-op since the 1970’s when the Co-op was new and Tom was new to farming. As a 13 year old boy in 1976, Zimmerman moved with his family from Gearhart to the farm they own today in Gray’s River, Washington. When he was finishing up his studies at Clatsop Community College, Zimmerman decided he wanted a career in his family trade.

Farmer Tom Zimmerman and the Co-op's Kelly Huckestein.
Farmer Tom Zimmerman and the Co-op’s Kelly Huckestein.

“I’ve always liked growing plants,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman’s roots in farming sets him apart from some of the other small farmers we work with in the area. Another key difference is that the farm is certified organic. Many small farmers use organic practices, but find it difficult to make certification pencil out. Zimmerman says organic certification hasn’t been too hard; it does cost him, but the USDA chips in, typically paying about half of the fees, thanks to a farm bill.

Even for someone as experienced as Zimmerman, farming is always a challenge, for a variety of reasons including working with dynamic natural elements. That’s why a key to Zimmerman’s success is diversity of crops, which he calls a common sense approach to crop insurance.

“The most challenging part of the job; the weather, especially lots of rain, but it’s been pretty nice this year,” Zimmerman said.

Another challenge for smaller farmers is finding a place to sell their products. Zimmerman says there’s more competition with organic farms, and less of a market than some places in the country, but value added food processing such as Oregon Brineworks (in Hood River, OR) which he sells direct to helps.

Zimmerman says dry weather in California could impact and actually improve the market for local farmers.
“The farmers in California aren’t shipping cheap produce anymore,” Zimmerman said.

He does all his own distributing and knows all his customers.
“Growing good food for people that’s what the most rewarding part is, I’d probably be happiest if I didn’t have to deal with the money, but that’s not how we live our lives,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman grows all kinds of row crops, such as fabulous kale and other greens, celery, peppers, and strawberries. Look for Glory B (Zimmerman’s) veggies, berries, and honey at the Co-op.

Co+op Basics

by

Same Great Co-op. Better Prices.

How does our little store compete with the big guys?  We join forces with other community-owned grocers to boost our purchasing power and bring you everyday low prices on everyday groceries; what we call Co+op Basics. Throughout the store you’ll find low prices on many popular natural and organic grocery items marked with purple signs.

Don’t worry, we aren’t paying our farmers or employees any less. We’re simply committed to improving our selection so that everyone can find more value when shopping the Co-op.

Wine Tasting

by

IMG_7783LaVieille Ferme Rose, Blanc and Rouge are some popular wines at the Co-op.  They’re solid drinks at a very good price.  Lisa Parks from Galaxy Wine Co.  will be at the store with samples on Saturday May 14 at 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.  It’s all part of the fun for the last day of owner appreciation week.

Here is some information that Lisa provided on the wines:

Jean Pierre Perrin established La Vieille Ferme over 35 years ago, when he chose to produce an inexpensive, straightforward Rhône wine to sell by direct mail to French wine lovers. He used the same grape varieties in similar proportions to those planted at the family’s Château de Beaucastel, in a similar vinification process. The result was an immediate success in France, a wine of character and style in keeping with its Beaucastel heritage.Initially, Jean Pierre made only Côtes du Rhône, but steeply rising grape prices in 1976 caused him to switch to Côtes du Ventoux and eventually to produce a white wine from the mountainous Côtes du Luberon. La Vieille Ferme was introduced to the United States in 1970. The response was an immediate, overwhelming acceptance and an outpouring of critical acclaim from eminently knowledgeable critics who recognized La Vieille Ferme for its consistently fine quality and value.

Click here for more information.

 

Spring Farm to Fork Dinner

by

Tickets on sale now for Astoria Co-op Grocery and Columbia Memorial Hospital’s event

The freshest local food of the season will highlight an upcoming spring farm to fork dinner. Astoria Co-op Grocery, Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Nutritional Department, and Chef Marco Davis are joining forces again in an effort to inspire people to eat fresh and healthy foods.

Chef Marco and Farmer Teresa Retzlaff
Chef Marco and Farmer Teresa Retzlaff

The menu will include four courses with lots of vegetables and fish.  Davis creates the menu just before the dinner in order to capture the freshest most local food around.

“I like having relationships with people I’m getting food from.  I know they’re putting the same love into farming as I do cooking.  It tastes so much better and it makes me happy,” Davis said.

In addition to a meal there are elements of entertainment and education involved.  Many of the local farmers will attend the dinner and take turns speaking about how they grew the food.  The setting is in a gourmet demonstration kitchen so attendees will be able to watch and learn as their dinner is prepared before their eyes.

“Educating people about health and nutrition is important to the Co-op and a really fun way to learn is while eating amazing food and drinking wine with friends,” Astoria Co-op Grocery Marketing Director Zetty Nemlowill said.

CMH became involved in the Farm to Fork event because food is really the foundation of health in the community.

“As a Planetree designated hospital, we recognize nutrition and the nurturing aspect of food as a component of the care that we provide both to our patients and to our caregivers.  The Farm to Fork dinners provide education about healthy cooking and eating, but also about where to find fresh, healthy food in our community.  And, really, it’s super fun,” CMH Nutrition Services Manager Vann Lovett said.

The event is volunteer-run and any proceeds beyond the cost of ingredients go to North Coast Food Web’s Project Fruit Box which provides organic fruit to local schools.  Tickets are $40 each and include a four course dinner and wine. Space is limited so organizers encourage you to get your tickets as soon as possible.  Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

What: Spring Farm to Fork Dinner

When: Thursday June 2 at 6 p.m.

Wher­­­­e: Columbia Center Coho Room 2021 Marine Drive Astoria, OR 97103

Learn about Local Food

by

RetzlaffFor those who love the freshness of local food and the concept of supporting the growth of more small farms in the area, then this event is for you. Farmer Teresa Retzlaff—Owner of 46 North Farm in Olney—will be the presenter for our monthly food and wellness talk “Beers to Your Health” at Fort George Brewery.

Retzlaff’s talk will focus on things you can do, big and small, to help change the way food is produced and consumed in our region. Retzlaff says there are ways we can all support local farmers and grow the local food system; such as thinking about what “local” means, eating seasonally, and learning about how your food is produced. For example, ask questions about where your food comes from when you go out.

“That lets the restaurants know that you care. That’s why more farms are getting inquiries from restaurants, because their customers are asking questions. Consumers have so much power,” Retzlaff said.

Retzlaff hopes everyone can try and shift some food purchasing to local and support people who are trying to grow food in our coastal area.

Retzlaff’s local food presentation at Beers to Your Health happens on Thursday April 14 at the Fort George Lovell Showroom in Astoria (corner of 14th and Duane) at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and food and drinks are available from the Taproom. The event is free and open to all ages.

Planting the Seed

by

By Matt Stanley/General Manager
Published in the Co-op’s Spring 2016 Newsletter

You’ve heard us talk a lot over the last year and a half about our Co-op’s growth plans. Please be assured that despite a lack of big announcements about the where and when of our new store, lots of work is happening to prepare us for our expansion. Our focus on preparedness will ensure that when we do open the doors to an expanded location we will be successful. In the meantime, our store is growing rapidly in the current location and space is becoming a real challenge, both for shoppers and employees!

A critical step was checked off our to-do list when the owners attending our March Special Meeting at 14 Street Cafe unanimously voted to adopt preferred shares into our Articles of incorporation. We now have a powerful financial tool and new owner benefit at our disposal to raise the necessary equity to build our new store!

So now begins the hard work of preparing an effective capital campaign. By effective, I mean lots of member participation. For the purposes of this article, I want to plant the seed of an idea. What does it mean to invest in a local food co-op? Is it something we might consider as an alternative to traditional investments? What are the compelling reasons to purchase preferred shares?

In a capital campaign, the Co-op will reach out to the owners who use and benefit from the goods and services of the business to invest together to help it grow and thrive. A clear distinction to be made here is that the Co-op is not asking for handouts. Rather than making a donation, we’ll be asking you to invest in dividend-earning preferred shares.

I think the most compelling reason to invest in your Co-op is that it offers an opportunity to make a modest rate of return (3-4%) on something you’ll watch grow right here in your own community. You’ll see new jobs get created, more local products filling up the grocery shelves, and more fellow community members seeking out the Co-op as a way to live healthier lives. Even the strictest socially responsible index funds won’t let us watch our money turn into positive projects in our own community. Furthermore, parts of these portfolios won’t align with our values nearly as much as our food Co-op.

For the Co-op, the money we raise from preferred shares will create the necessary equity to leverage any third-party loans necessary to complete the project. The more capital we raise through preferred shares the less we need to borrow from a bank. The minimum investment in our preferred shares offering as per our recently approved designation rights is $2,500. For most of us, this is not an insignificant amount. We’ll be seeking an average investment of considerably more than that in order to reach our goal.

There are other ways to help us reach our goal of opening a new store if this minimum investment is beyond your household’s means. You can pay off your common share and even invest an extra $100 (for a total of $300), or you can encourage a friend to join the Co-op. Shopping at the Co-op as much as possible is a powerful way to demonstrate your support, too!

Finally, our capital campaign will require a dedicated team of board members, staff, and other volunteers. If you have experience with fundraising and want to lend a hand, please let me know ([email protected]).

For a detailed look at the approved designation rights, please check our web page. In the meantime, please trust that we are working hard to open an expanded location that will better serve our growing body of owners and staff.