Newsletters: September - October 2007

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General Manager's Report
Three-phase Renovation Begins this Fall

Natural Times-September/October 2007

By Larrane Hartridge

The renovation design is complete and ready for your eyes. Check out the new layout displayed on the wall to the right of the entrance. It's a massive change from what we have now. We have been working very closely with Mad Dog Design and Construction and have created a three-phased construction plan that allows the store to remain open throughout the renovation. Get ready, we are all in for some very interesting shopping experiences.

In Phase One, the former Crystal Connection space will be renovated and the new restrooms will be built in the existing store. We will use our exit doors as both the entrance and exit while we are in Phase One. This should begin before the holiday season. Phase Two is scheduled to begin after the New Year.

Phase Two will involve opening up the finished new space and new entrance and closing the back of the store (deli seating, stock room, some grocery). The new space will house the produce, dairy and bulk sections, in addition to some grocery items. This will allow space for the new kitchen to be built. We will continue to produce food from our existing kitchen and have a large Grab n' Go selection. When this section is complete, we will move the freezers and the new meat and seafood coolers to their permanent locations along with a large selection of the grocery department.

Phase Three, the final phase, will include the expansive new deli service area, the deli seating and the wellness department. It's going to be very challenging to work hand-in-hand with the contractor and the customers to meet everyone's needs, however we know from past experiences that you, our owners, are great supporters of our staff and are willing to put up with a few temporary inconveniences.

We had thought we would be further along with the project by now, but because we are adding so much new equipment and raising the ceiling height we have a lot of mechanical, electrical and plumbing design work to complete.

As last reported we have $290,000 in committed owner loans. Unfortunately, we have only received $256,000 of that commitment. Our initial goal was to raise $400,000 during our campaign, to assist with the expansion cost and help defray some of the high interest charged by banks. We need your help. If you are still intending to loan the Co-op money, or are interested in finding out more about the program, please contact me directly at 850-942-2557 ext. 237. It's not too late!

The Board of Directors has approved returning $35,758 in patronage rebates for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. All checks for more than $0.50 were mailed in early August. If you have not received your check, we may not have your correct address on file, your rebate amount may be less than $0.50, or your ownership may have begun after April 30, 2007. For patronage rebate questions, please contact Michele Buchanan at: michele@newleafmarket.coop or 942-2557 ext. 238.