by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello dear Owners,
“Though, February is short, it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises.” -Charmaine J. Forde
February brings us a handful of days to celebrate: Groundhog's Day, the Full Snow Moon, Super Bowl 2023, Valentine’s Day, and Mardi Gras, to name a few.
February is also Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month and told Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” If you’d like to learn more about Black History Month and Black history in general, you can start here: blackhistorymonth.gov.
Checkout Changes
The self checkouts lanes have been installed at Willy West and we are live-testing to work out the kinks. We have some limitations in functionality, but we are working to resolve those issues. Check it out!
Never fear, we have register lanes that are staffed by real people too.
Another change of note at the register, which was initiated from a customer comment voicing their frustration in our procedure, is to shift from cashiers saying an Owner’s name to an Owner saying their name at the onset of a transaction. We are starting this shift in procedures on February 1, 2023.
To learn more about this procedural change at the register, please refer to Kristina Kuhaupt’s article on page 16 as well as the initial customer comment on page 3.
Change in Services
We are discontinuing our EatStreet program at all three stores effective February 17, 2023. We are looking at other options for online ordering and delivery. Stay tuned for future updates.
North Customer Bathroom and Staff Break Room Renovation
Our North bathroom and break room remodel project start date was delayed a few weeks. That said, we anticipate that the project can still be completed by the end of April, just in time for the farmers’ market. Stay tuned for project updates.
Bond Repayment on the Horizon
Can you believe that it's been five years since the remodel at Willy West was completed? To those of you Owners who purchased a five-year bond to support the remodel and expansion work, thank you! You will be receiving payment of the original bond plus interest at the end of February.
And, this coming summer, the seven-year bonds come due for the Willy North opening!
FY22 Patronage
On January 16th, patronage was issued via a store credit to our 17,072 Owners who qualified and purchased at least $510 worth of eligible goods from the Co-op in the last fiscal year will receive a store credit. A letter was sent to you if you were to receive patronage that provided you with details related to your unique account details.
Store credits are available (for Owners receiving one) at the registers now through June 18, 2023.
PBS Wisconsin Garden & Landscape Expo
We're sponsoring and exhibiting at the PBS Wisconsin Garden & Landscape Expo, February 10-12. Stop by our booth and say hi!
Hoping the month brings you love and sweet surprises.