by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello May—Hello dear Owners
"When April steps aside for May, like diamonds all the rain-drops glisten; fresh violets open every day: to some new bird each hour we listen." -Lucy Larcom
I don’t know about you, but warmer weather is reason enough for me to celebrate.
That said, the month of May offers a few other reasons to celebrate including May Day, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day.
Up & Coming Food Co-op Conference 2022
This month we also plan to celebrate start-up cooperatives! Willy Street Co-op is, for the third and final year, the host co-op of the annual Up and Coming Food Co-op Conference. This conference is designed to provide resources, expertise, and networking opportunities for start-up co-ops Boards and leadership teams. This year, unlike last, the event will be in person and is scheduled for May 19 - 21, 2022. This event promotes and celebrates Cooperative Principles #6: Cooperation Among Co-ops.
Business Matters
We have made a decision to not bring back Juice and Coffee Bar made-to-order beverages for the foreseeable future. However, we will continue to offer a selection of bottled Co-op made beverages and self-serve coffee. This was a hard decision to come to, but the pandemic set us back in terms of staffing, training, processes, and sales. Simply put, sales have not returned to the level needed to support our made-to-order programs.
We have again adjusted retail hours of operation by expanding hours at Willy West to 8:00am-9:00pm, and at Willy North to 8:00am-8:00pm (effective May 2). The East Commons and outside seating are also open now, as well as outdoor seating at Willy North.
Fiscal Year Update
We are, now through July 3, in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. We are fully focused on budget and capital expenditure planning for the coming fiscal year (FY23) and wrapping up current fiscal year (FY22) projects.
Still in this fiscal year, we hope to accomplish a few bigger projects including, reorienting the standing cheese case at Willy West and the installation of a new beverage case at Willy North. And, now that Willy East has a new salad bar, Sally the Salad robot will move to Willy West. Look for these exciting changes in the coming month or two.
In terms of budget planning for next fiscal year, the Finance Committee has provided input to shape the budget. In June, the budget will be presented to the Board for their review and approval. Stay tuned for updates.
Board of Directors Update
We have a few Board Officer updates to report to you. Last month, Jeannine Bindl stepped down as the Board President, however, we are fortunate that she will remain seated as a member of the Board for the remainder of her term. Thank you, Jeannine, for your leadership serving as the Board President for the last 4 years.
Jeannine’s resignation as President left a vacancy that needed to be filled. Sarah Larson, previously Board Vice-President, has been elected the Board President and Ann Hoyt has been elected as the Board Vice-President. They will each fill these roles until the new Board is elected, seated, and the Board elects officers in the fall.
And, finally, a fond farewell to Michael Chronister, who served on the Board for 4 years. Thank you, Michael, for your service to the Co-op, good luck in your future endeavors.
Mark Your Calendar
Stores closing at 7:00pm on these dates:
- Memorial Day, May 30
- Year-end inventory count, July 3
- Independence Day, July 4
Next month brings the end of the traditional school year and the start of the neighborhood festival season!