by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Challenging times
Hello, May. Hello, dear Owners. Our daily operations have changed so much in the last two months due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is highly probable that the pandemic will have lasting effects on how we run our business in the future. Our Co-op has been through tough times over the last 45 years, yet I have complete confidence that we will get through this pandemic crisis and be stronger because of it. Hang in there, and wash those hands!
Thanks to our staff
Thank you for being on the front lines as well as behind the scenes ordering products, receiving deliveries, stocking and restocking our shelves, ringing out our customers at the register and delivering groceries to our customers. Your resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking to provide the safest environment for our customers, staff and vendors is nothing short of amazing. You have all responded with unimaginable bravery and commitment. Thank you.
Thanks to our customers
Thank you for continuing to shop at your Co-op, and for your patience as we negotiate these uncharted waters and navigate ways to meet your needs. Your outpouring of support and positivity helps remind us that our work is meaningful and appreciated. And, thank you for practicing social distancing and washing your hands!
Included in this issue of the Reader is an article by Kirsten Moore, Cooperative Services Director, which offers an in-depth description of changes in operations, new services and products, limitations in products and services, Owner benefits, and employee safety that have been implemented with regard to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is a must-read if you are at all curious to learn about the multitude of things we have done to stay open and to best navigate our new normal.
Hours of operation Update
The State of Wisconsin Safer At Home Order #28 has been extended and expanded effective through 8:00am May 26, 2020. Therefore, our open hours remain from 10:00am-8:00pm with the first hour of business (10:00am-11:00am) reserved for elderly shoppers and those shoppers with compromised immune systems.
We have made one exception to our hours of operation, which is later this month on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Our open hours are scheduled to be 8:00am-6:30pm (the first hour reserved for elderly and shoppers with compromised immune systems).
Delivery and curbside pickup update
We have had to clear many hurdles with regard to expanding our online shopping service to meet customer demand. We have redirected staff hours to develop ordering systems behind the scenes, and to shop and process the growing number of orders we have received. In addition to that we have added curbside pickup at all three stores to help manage the increase in online sales as another means for customers to receive purchases without having to enter the store. There have been kinks along the way, but we are working through them as issues arise.
On the horizon
There are a few things you can still count on in the spring despite the pandemic: local asparagus and morels will find their way to the Co-op, and budget planning for the coming fiscal year is in full-swing. We have been developing the Fiscal Year ’21 budget over the last several months in between final union contract negotiations and COVID-19 changes in operations, and we are about three-quarters of the way through the process. In mid-May, our Finance Committee will have an opportunity to review and provide input on the budget before recommending approval to the Board of Directors at their June meeting.
At this time of year we would normally be in the throes of planning our Annual Meeting & Party, which has been held in early July in concert with the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center’s La Fete de Marquette. However, in a joint decision reached with Wil-Mar, we have decided not to hold our Annual Meeting & Party in its usual format this year. Check the Board report for more information.
Until next month, stay well.