Co-op Market is pleased to announce the hire of Mary Christensen as General Manager to begin store renovation and set-up with plans to open the grocery in Fall 2012.

Mary Christensen has been in Fairbanks for 34 years and a local business owner for 18 years.  She brings a wealth of experience and expertise in retail operations to Co-op Market.  In her new role she will be overseeing building renovations and store set-up, merchandising, and hiring additional employees.

Since 2009 Mary has volunteered in almost every capacity with Co-op Market.  She has been a board member, volunteer coordinator, and point person with co-op start-up support services.  Mary has visited over 20 cooperatives and attended 4 conferences in an effort to learn about cooperative management.

Mary says she is excited to work with the co-op:  “I can’t wait to get up and go to work every day.”  She is already working with subcontractors and engineers to finalize floor plans and interior design work.

The plans feature a fresh food area, bulk section, deli, produce, meat department, and wellness department.  The store is going to be a full service grocery emphasizing locally grown produce and meat, sourcing goods from outside Alaska as necessary.

Mary’s goal is to work with member-owners, board members, and hired employees to make Co-op Market a valued community asset to our member owners, and a food market of choice for all Fairbanks.

Rob Leach, Chairman of the Board says, “We thank Mary for her hard work and dedication that has brought us to this point and look forward to having her in the role of General Manager as the very first Cooperatively owned grocery store in Alaska becomes a reality.”

To learn more about Co-op Market call 457-1023 or visit www.CoopMarket.org