by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Welcome August! The final month of summer before we find ourselves in the month of September. It seems unbelievable that only yesterday I was transplanting seedlings, and now they are producing fruit—oh the wonders of Mother Nature. This month you too may be working to squeeze in one more home repair project or get away before school starts like I am! Good luck checking off what’s on your to-do list.
There is a laundry list of Co-op events and projects to report on this month. We are in the throes of preparing for the prior year end close and financial audit field work. The first capital improvement projects of the new fiscal year are already underway and include the replacement of the final run of legacy produce cases at Willy North, which will likely be done by the time you have received this issue of the Reader. Willy East will see a few minor but important additions, including an outdoor bussing station, and Juice Bar countertop and tile installation. And, much staff attention is focused on the remodel and expansion at Willy West that continues and is about half-way done. We are in the planning phase of the freezer walk-in replacement at the production kitchen with September as the target date. We also welcome new members to the Board of Directors and begin their onboarding and orientation this month. Whew!
SPEAKING OF BOARD MEMBERS
Congratulations to our three newly elected Board members; Stephanie Ricketts, Trevor Bynoe, and Michael Chronister (vote tally can be found on page 5). Thank you to all five candidates who decided to run for the Board, and to you, our Owners, who participated in this year’s Board election.
A heartfelt thank you to outgoing Board member Holly Fearing. Holly was seated on the Board in 2012, and elected to another term in 2015. Holly served for five of her six years as the Board President. I can say without hesitation that our Co-op is better because of Holly’s leadership and dedication—thank you Holly!
And, a final note of thanks to Emma Cameron and Bruce Slaughenhoupt who served on the Board, but resigned prior to completing their full term. (Read more about the Board vacancies in the Board Report included in this issue of the Reader on page 5.)
ANNUAL MEETING AND PARTY (AMP)
Last month we held our 44th annual business meeting and party. My sincere thanks and appreciation to our staff, vendor partners, and event organizers (Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center) for their part in this truly amazing Co-op and community event; this year they all outdid themselves again. Additional highlights from the business meeting can be found on page 5 in the Board Report.
The AMP weather-wise was a hot and dry one, but the rain that came on the second night of La Fete was a game stopper. Please consider sending the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center an additional donation to make up for their nearly 75 percent loss of typical Friday night revenues from beverage, Ferris wheel and other revenue sources they didn’t have due to the rain, wind and lightning!
WILLY WEST EXPANSION
Work continues as planned, on schedule and on budget, at Willy West. Yay! The construction work in the new space is complete or nearly complete; soon you will be directed to the new bathrooms and Community Room through a temporary hallway or tunnel pathway. This is to allow for the demolition of the existing bathrooms and Community Room to make room to construct the new Cheese department and Juice Bar counter. Stay tuned.
FINANCE COMMITTEE SEEKING NEW MEMBER
The Board’s Finance Committee has a vacancy to fill. We are continuing our search for qualified candidates with financial experience who are committed to Willy Street Co-op and its ideals. The average time commitment is five to six hours each month. Please contact Ben Becker (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (link sends e-mail)) if you are interested and would like to volunteer.
FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE GM
Face-to-face time with the GM will be August 12 from 12:00–2:00pm at Willy East. You can also reach me by calling me at my direct line: 608-237-1210 or emailing me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (link sends e-mail).
RETAIL OPERATING HOURS. MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Labor Day, Monday, September 3: retails close at 7:30pm.
Staff picnic, Saturday, September 8: retails close at 6:00pm.