Co-op Market

Grocery & Deli

Monday - Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

526 Gaffney Road
Fairbanks, AK 99701
907.457.1023

How to Vote for Your Board of Directors Electronically

By 1 Comment

This year we’re again offering electronic voting through DirectVote by Survey & Ballot Systems. Every Owner with a current email address on file should receive an email invitation to vote on-line.

Voting electronically makes voting and tabulating the results a lot easier, but it does require some ability to be “tech savvy.”

So, to help you we, we offer these words of advice.

1. WAIT – If we have your current email address, you will receive an email directly from DirectVote by Survey Ballot Systems on September 14th.

2. PREPARE – Your internet server might think the email is spam. To avoid this, add noreply@directvote.net to your approved email list (whitelist).

3. CHECK YOUR SPAM – If you don’t receive an invitation email by noon, please check your spam folder. Look for this email header: “Important: Login Information for Co-op Market Board Election.”

4. COPY AND PASTE – DirectVote will send you a username, password and URL address to use when voting. The URL may or may not appear as a clickable hyperlink depending on your email service. If it isn’t clickable, simply copy and paste the address into your browser address bar.

5. WATCH FOR POP-UP BLOCKERS – You can read about each candidate before voting, but you will have to click a button on the ballot to do this. The candidate biographies will pop up. Some browsers don’t allow pop-ups, so you will need to disable the pop-up blocker for this ballot.

6. READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS – Be sure to read everything on each screen of the ballot so that you do not miss important instructions. This will help prevent frustration and problems.

7. SUBMIT your ballot. Your vote will not be complete until you hit the “submit” button on the ballot confirmation page.

If electronic voting is troublesome or if you don’t get the invitation email, please send an email to Kristin Summerlin, Marketing and Owner Services Manager, at ksummerlin@coopmarket.org. She will also be able to help you if your email address has changed.

We will mail paper ballots to Owners with no email address on file. We will also offer paper ballots at the check-out registers. You will need to have your Owner number to vote. If you don’t know your number, ask a cashier to look it up for you. Remember that there is only one vote per Owner number, even if several people in your household use that number.

Thank you for helping us save trees by voting on-line! And thank you for participating in the democratic management of your co-op.

 

Key Ingredients: America by Food

By Leave a Comment

We’re pleased to announce that we’re partnering with UA Museum of the North and the Downtown Association to bring a free exhibit to UAF’s Community and Technical College this fall. Key Ingredients: America by Food was produced by the Smithsonian Institution as part of the Museum on Main Street initiative. It is touring the state thanks to a grant from the Alaska Humanities Forum. While in Fairbanks, the exhibit will feature local photos, recipes, stories and more.

Key Ingredients dovetails beautifully with Co-op Market’s emphasis on good, healthy, sustainable and local food. As Co-op owners and shoppers, you know and care more about the foods you eat than the average person. We’d like to tap into that knowledge and help build the story of food in Fairbanks. Do you have family recipes that use local ingredients? Do you have a special way with caribou or salmon or blueberries? Do you grow your own food, or wild harvest it, or hunt and fish for it? Please share your stories, recipes and photos with us! You’ll be adding key Fairbanks ingredients to the Smithsonian’s exhibit.

To learn more – and to share your Fairbanks food lore – click here.

Help Shape the Future: Join Our Board of Directors

By Leave a Comment

You own a grocery store! Have you ever thought about it that way? You took a leap of faith and invested your money in Co-op Market Grocery & Deli. You built a vibrant new retail food co-op, the first one in Alaska.

As a Member-Owner, you can do more to ensure our success than just shop with us. You can help shape the future of Co-op Market and make sure we remain true to our values and mission as we continue to grow. You can serve on our Board of Directors.

Co-ops are not just businesses: They are democratic organizations governed by an elected Board of Directors made up of Member-Owners. Our nine-member board is the legal steward of the Co-op and fulfills the obligations of running a business. The board provides leadership, vision and guidance. It oversees wise use of Co-op resources and sets long-range goals.

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. (Find out more about cooperative values and principles here.)

This year the board will be finalizing its board policies and Ends Statement and will begin to work with our General Manager to clarify our plan for growth and expansion.

Do you believe in the cooperative values and principles? Are you passionate about bringing good healthy food to the community? Do you want to help create a flourishing local economy with a real focus on sustainability? Do you have a background in business or volunteer organizations and relevant life experiences to share? You’re an ideal candidate!

Here are some things you need to know.

The Board of Directors

  • oversees the Co-op’s financial condition.
  • connects to our owners.
  • shapes our Co-op’s vision and works closely with our General Manager to set long-term strategies.

The Co-op Market board operates under the Carver Policy Governance Model.

To be eligible, candidates

  • must be Member-Owners of Co-op Market Grocery & Deli in good standing.
  • cannot be a Co-op Market employee.
  • must know how to focus, communicate clearly, and understand strategic thinking.
  • should have prior experience making decisions in a group setting.
  • must be able to undertake fiduciary responsibility on behalf of the Co-op and its owners.

Directors serve for a two-year term. For 2014/2015, four of the nine board seats are up for election.

The board meets monthly. Directors commit to an average of 4 to 8 hours of service per month, depending on committee and project workload. They also commit to attend yearly national cooperative training and conferences.

Applications are available here, or you can get a paper copy at the customer service desk. Completed applications, along with a current digital photograph, are due by September 5, 2014. (Your photograph should be a headshot only and in .jpg format.) All Member-Owners will receive candidate bios, photos and a ballot. On-line and paper ballot voting will begin on September 25. Winning candidates will be announced at our annual meeting on October 23.

For more information, please contact Board Chairman Robert Leach at board@coopmarket.org.

GM’s Response to Ms Magazine Debate

By 8 Comments

At the heart of every cooperative is the desire to build common ground for member-owners and customers regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs. Co-op Market Grocery and Deli is no different. We welcome everyone.

It is also important to understand that as operators of a successful business we work to choose natural and organic products we think our customers will want to buy. We welcome comments and suggestions. Anyone can fill out a comment card at the customer service counter and we will consider these suggestions in our decision making. At the end of the day our board of directors has delegated operation to a management team focused on making good buying decisions to serve the needs of our member-owners. Sometimes people ask us to stop carrying products that other people want to buy. This makes decision making a little harder.

When faced with such dilemmas I believe that it is important to consider what is most important to our co-op and why did we set out to open this store to begin with? Probably our most important goal throughout the development years was improving the local economy. Another goal is providing our member-owners with the healthiest and freshest food possible. We also want to be both economically and financially sustainable. Finally, we care about our community.

We are proud of the work we are doing to create local economy, especially in our meat department. This week we are increasing the amount of local beef we buy and we’ve added local pork. Reindeer, goat and buffalo are regular offerings. All of our fish and seafood is wild caught in Alaskan waters. Our chicken is from our neighbors in Washington (since there are no poultry processing facilities in Alaska). Soon we’ll see more and more local produce. Last year local produce accounted for 35% of produce sales. This year we hope to increase that to 51%. Local eggs have just hit the shelves and we hope to offer more. (Call our fresh foods buyer, Steven Vandermaas, at 457-1023 Ext 104 if you have local eggs to sell.). We offer coffee from two local vendors – Diving Duck of Fairbanks and Kaladi Brothers of Anchorage. You’ll also find local ice cream and milk and many other local products in our aisles.

Possibly our most delicious local food comes right out of our own kitchen! Our talented chefs create amazing soups, salads and sandwiches using local meats and seafood and fresh organic vegetables. Many vegetarian and vegan options are available as well. Currently we are looking for a double soup warmer so that meat eaters and vegetarians can both find the soups they crave.

Perhaps our most important goal is sustainability. How do we provide our community with a financially sustainable community grocery store that thrives for years to come? This was the question I was working on when the debate over Ms magazine came to my attention. We have recently joined National Cooperative Grocer’s Association and a Development Advisor spent a week here helping me to assess how we need to improve operations. We’re excited about the opportunity NCGA offers us. Coming in June you will see Co+op Deals throughout the store. You might even get a coupon book or sales flyer in the mail. NCGA also helps us to offer education, recipes and information about natural foods.

Concern for community is another goal near and dear to us. Last fall we started the popular Lend a Hand program that gives you the opportunity to round up at the register and help your favorite charity. Our member-owners and customers donated over $1500 to both Stone Soup Cafe (Breadline) and the Foodbank.

As cooperators we do not represent one political agenda. When we offer reading material that we think people will want to buy that does not mean that the opinions represented in the magazine are ours. We strive to offer a balance of reading material that interests our customers. You will find food, farming and exercise magazines, literary magazines, and both the New Republic and Ms. While we welcome suggestions, our professional staff makes the buying decisions for our store. We will not be voting on what magazines (or other products) to carry but ultimately, for member-owners, the best way to vote is by buying the products you like.

Again, what matters most at our co-op? Local economy, healthy food, sustainability and community.

Thanks,
Mary Christensen
General Manager

Lunch, Breakfast or Dinner at the Co-op – We Have You Covered

By Leave a Comment

Thanks to our amazing deli crew; Jessica, Kirsten, Stephen and Trevor we are raising the bar on great food for breakfast, lunch and even dinner!

For breakfast select from oatmeal cups, quiche, scones and cinnamon rolls. Pick up a cup of hot coffee or our homemade chai and you’ll be ready for work! You can even pick up lunch at the same time.

LUNCH MENU – Week of January 27 – 31

SOUP – It’s what we are famous for! Our cooks choose from our fine selection of organic vegetables and local meats to bring you soups that are both delicious and unique! The soup changes daily and is often vegetarian. We also carry extra soup in the Grab & Go case so you can take home your favorites.

Look for our DAILY SOUP SELECTION pinned to the top of our FACEBOOK PAGE.

SOUP & SALAD MENU

MONDAY::

Roast Beef Sandwich

Ham and Apple Sandwich

Deviled Egg Wrap

Mediterranean Smash Sandwich

Marinated Vegetable Salad

Garden Salad

TUESDAY:

Romesco Sandwich

Ham and Cheddar Sandwich

Turkey Chipotle Sandwich

Roast Beef Sandwich

Mushroom Wrap

Greek Quinoa Salad

Garden Salad

WEDNESDAY:

Romesco Sandwich

Turkey Chipotle Sandwich

Mushroom Wrap

Ham and Cheddar Sandwich

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Greek Quinoa Salad

Golden Raisin and Wild Rice Kale Salad

Garden Salad

THURSDAY:

Roast Beef Sandwich

Mushroom Wrap

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Ham and Cheddar Sandwich

Herbed Hummus  Sandwich

Mexican Quinoa Salad

Garden Salad

Golden Raisin and Wild Rice Kale Salad

FRIDAY

Herbed Hummus Sandwich

Roast Beef Sandwich

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Ham and Cheddar Sandwich

Italian White Bean Sandwich

Mexican Quinoa Salad

Cranberry Apple Kale Salad

Marinated Salad

SATURDAY:

Herbed Hummus Sandwich

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Ham and Cheddar Sandwich

Italian White Bean Sandwich

Turkey Chipotle Sandwich

Cranberry Apple Kale Salad

Lentil Salad

Garden Salad

SUNDAY IS THE SAME AS SATURDAY

Help Paint the Co-op Mural!

By Leave a Comment

If you have come to the market in the past week  you probably noticed a few changes to the outside of our building.

We are having a mural painted on the wall to the right of our front doors. Our artist in residence is Nichole Feemster. She is an Alaskan artist and 2011 graduate of UAF. Nichole’s first large scale project was a mural installed last spring at the Seward library. Learn more about her & her work at http://feemsterartinak.com/.

One neat thing about this project is the COMMUNITY PAINT DAYS. These will be on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th (weather permitting).

We are looking for volunteers (ages 16 and up) to help paint the background and Nichole will then add her flair and details to the mural. We’re asking for a 4 hour commitments from people. Either 10am – 2pm or 2pm – 6pm.

If you are interested please contact Amber at atelling@coopmarket.org to sign up for a shift.

Wall Ready for Mural 1150353_579416002121704_2054131956_n copy 644294_580645961998708_97644303_n

On Becoming a Board Member

By Leave a Comment

What is the Board of Directors and what does it do?

The Board of Directors is the governing body for the Member-Owners of Co-op Market Grocery & Deli. It is composed of nine people, elected by the Member Owners. Terms for Directors are two years. The Board is responsible for ensuring organizational performance on behalf of all of Co-op Member Owners.  This work includes developing clearly stated expectations through written policies; delegating responsibility for, and authority over, the achievement of stated objectives; and monitoring compliance with written policies.

The Board of Co-op Market should be strategic and visionary with its view toward the future of our cooperative, rather than focusing solely on the short-term. The Board governs the organization and delegates all operational duties to one employee, the General Manager. The Board is involved in strategic planning, financial oversight, Ownership linkage, and community outreach.

What does the Board of Directors NOT do?

The Board of Directors does not make decisions about, become involved with, or take part in any of the day to day activities or decisions regarding the operation of Co-op Market. The Board’s sole official connection to the operations of the cooperative is through the General Manager.

 What are the requirements for running?

Directors must be Member-Owners of Co-op Market in good standing without a substantial conflict of interest resulting from an affiliation with any enterprise that is in competition with the Co-op.

Once elected, Directors must sign a Statement of Agreement and publicly disclose any potential conflicts of interest. As for personal qualifications, Board experience is helpful, but not a prerequisite for Directorship.

 More important are the willingness to work closely and cooperatively with the other Directors; commitment to providing the time and energy necessary to accomplish the Board’s objectives and fulfill the required term; the ability to learn quickly; and organizational skills.

How much time would I need to put into serving?

The Board holds one regular meeting for two hours each month, at which attendance is expected. Beyond this regular meeting, the time commitment for a Director typically averages out to an additional two to three hours per week, including preparation for regular monthly meetings as well as special Board meetings called by the Chairman of the Board.

Member-owners are always welcome to attend the meetings of the Board of Directors on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:15 PM at Stone Soup Café. You can see how the Board functions and meet the current Directors. You may gain useful perspectives on the issues currently facing Co-op Market.

When will elections be held?

The annual election begins in the fall with the mailing of our yearly newsletter Fudz. You can bring your completed ballot into the store, vote online or bring your ballot to the annual Board Meeting (need date). The 2013 election will begin on September 26th. This year’s annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 pm at Birch Hill Recreation Center.

OK, I’ve decided to run – now what?

To help the Membership make an informed decision regarding the Directors they elect, we ask you to fill out the Board Candidate Application. Please request an application by emailing nominations@coopmarket.org and email your completed application back to nominations@coopmarket.org by August 16, 2013 at 5 pm. Your personal statement, answers to the essay questions, and a photograph of yourself will be published in the Fudz Newsletter in October, online, and through other avenues.

It sounds like a big step! And worthwhile! As a cooperative, Co-op Market is only as strong as its Ownership.

Shaun Lott – Front End Manager

By Leave a Comment

Are you wondering what a Front End Manager is? Well, the Front End Manager is the person who hires and trains all of our cashiers and makes sure that we live up to our bottom line of offering exceptional customer service. Shaun Lott is passionate about our Co-op and especially excited about offering really great service to all of you!

Shaun is a science geek, a mother, and a gardener. A longtime volunteer for Co-op Market, she’s determined to learn everything that she can about the cooperative business model.

She has a special interest in good healthy food for all, and she believes the road to success is education (something at which co-ops excel). She has experience in food preparation, retail, and inventory management and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Shaun is excited to be part of the management team of Co-op Market Grocery & Deli and looks forward to serving the community when the grocery store opens.

Shaun Lott photo

Sarah Wickline Jackson – Wellness Department Manager

By Leave a Comment

Somewhat new to Fairbanks, Sarah, her husband Max and their 2 cats have quickly fallen in love with the area and everything the community has to offer.

Prior to arriving in Alaska Sarah spent several years working for Scholastic Publishing in Washington, D.C.. Her roles for Scholastic involved working with local schools and running events in the nation’s capital.

Sarah’s interest in healthy living started when she worked for Whole Foods Market.  She loves to learn about new products and to share her excitement with the community.  Sarah is looking forward to bringing that same enthusiasm to her work at the Co-op.
Apart from Sarah’s passion for healthy living she enjoys cooking up a frenzy at home as well as getting outside for long runs.  The native Bay Stater also loves traveling whenever possible.

Sarah’s duties will include managing a top notch Wellness Department (known usually as Health & Beauty Dept.) and participating on our Marketing and Outreach Team.

Sarah Wickline Jackson photo

Lesley Jones – Fresh Foods Manager

By Leave a Comment

Lesley moved to Alaska with her family in 1995 and has been an Alaskan at heart ever since. She attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks for a short time before moving to Seattle, Washington to complete her education. A graduate of Bastyr University’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Culinary Arts program, she has recently returned to share her passion for simple, therapeutic nourishment with her home community.

 

Lesley is a slow food enthusiast who combines her whole foods culinary training with intuition and mindfulness in the kitchen. She is excited for the opportunity to work with the Co-op Market Grocery & Deli to offer high quality, seasonally appropriate and locally-sourced deli options to the greater Fairbanks community. When not spending time in the kitchen, she enjoys traveling, camping, listening to music, and watching movies.

Lesley Jones photo

 

Store Hours

  • Monday-Sunday: 10am – 7pm

 

Signup for Email Updates…

Sign up now!

Location

526 Gaffney Road
Fairbanks, AK 99701

Stronger Together

Alaska Grown