by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Happy New Year 2020!
“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”
-T. S Elliot
January is the beginning of the new calendar year, but for the Co-op it is the start of the second half of our fiscal year. In terms of a mid-year update, sales for the first half of this fiscal year came in under budget, which means in the coming months we need to focus on increasing sales and adjusting (reducing) our expenses to match our actual sales if we are to end the year where we planned. Either way, we have some work to do.
In the new year we have even more ways for you to save; for example, look for Owner Rewards that can save you more than $75 in the first two weeks in January. Avocados and kale, oh my!
The first Wednesday of the month is usually Wellness Wednesday, but this month we are closed on that day (because it’s New Year’s Day). However, we are offering Owners a Wellness Any Day coupon to use any day you choose in January to receive 10% off your Wellness products. And, as an added bonus, during the second week of January, Willy Street Co-op brand vitamins are 20% off, which can be combined with your Any Day coupon! Shop and save!
Lastly, at the end of the month, we have planned a little fun and excitement. You will have a chance to win some cool kitchen appliances. Enter to win at each retail; no purchase necessary. Details will be posted in store.
Collective Bargaining Negotiations
As the calendar year drew to a close, collective bargaining took a break for the holidays. I wanted to provide you with an update about our negotiations. Since September 17, 2019, Willy Street Co-op has been engaged in productive, good faith bargaining with UE Local 1186, which represents many of the employees of the Co-op. It is the first time Co-op management and Union representatives have negotiated, and there was a steep learning curve for most involved. Despite that, significant progress has already been made in many areas, with dozens of topics discussed and many temporary agreements reached by both Co-op management and the UE. We believe this new partnership will continue to grow over time, and look forward to what the New Year will bring.
Production kitchen repairs
We have some repairs at our Production Kitchen that need to be tackled, which will require a temporary closure of the facility. We are working with the Union to address hours and/or compensation for Kitchen staff while these repairs are being made. For more information about what the temporary Kitchen closure means for product selection, see Patrick Schroeder’s article on page 19.
North Charging Station
After a few hiccups and unavoidable delays, the electric vehicle charging station at Willy North has been installed. So, if you find yourself low on juice and need a charge, you can now recharge at Willy North located at the Northside TownCenter.
Remember, by shopping at the Co-op (or any small locally owned business), you support the local economy by employing people from the community, purchasing products sourced from hundreds of local farmers, producers and service providers, as well as giving back to the community through sponsorships and donations. Until next month.