2009: Transition Time
added 12/17/08
From the Editor
by Rosemary Fifield
Director of Education and Member Services
The year 2009 promises to be a year of significant transitions. Here at the Co-op, many transitions have already taken place!
To begin with, we are no longer selling cigarettes at any of our locations. At its August 2008 meeting, the Co-op’s Board of Directors voted to end the sale of tobacco products as of January 1, 2009, and to make the facilities of the Co-op entirely smoke-free by 2010. To help achieve the latter, smoking cessation information and opportunities will be made available to customers and staff alike throughout the coming year.
A major change has taken place at our Lebanon store with the retirement of former Food Store Manager Bob Hayes after 11 years at the helm, and the promotion of employee Bruce Follett to the position of store manager. As General Manager Terry Appleby notes in his column, Bob was a major contributor to the success of the new store he helped open in October, 1997, and we will miss him and all his great stories. At the same time, we welcome Bruce into his new job, knowing he brings strong, solid leadership and a warm friendly manner to the position.
The newly reopened Co-op Community Market is generating plenty of excitement on Lyme Road! What began as a tiny convenience store in a former gas station has become a beautiful and environmentally sound building chock-full of Co-op ambiance as well as products.
Meanwhile, here at the Co-op News, we’re happy to announce several changes of our own as we head into the new year.
Helen Brody has joined our cadre of columnists with her feature called “Member to Members.” As a food historian, author, and former food retailer who has long been curious about the inner workings of the Co-op, Helen plans to research and write about fun topics she hopes will be of interest to members who want to know more about this cooperative business they own. Her premiere article covers the Co-op cashier experience.
Co-op Sustainability Coordinator Emily Neuman has joined forces with Nutrition Educator Mary Choate to produce a new series called “Healthy People, Healthy Planet.” Together, they will address the closely linked topics of wellness and sustainability in a series of related articles meant to help all of us choose wisely for the health of ourselves, our families, and our future.
Last, but not least, our first electronically delivered Co-op News debuts with this issue. Our super-talented web designer and content manager, Ken Davis, has combined his passion for graphic design with his electronic know-how to create an alternative to the print version. Interested in joining our paperless readership? Join our list!
All in all, it’s an exciting time to be part of the Co-op community. We hope you will share your ideas with us for how we can continue to serve you best. You can always reach us by email or give us a call at (603) 643-2667. Service Desk staff will be happy to direct your inquiry to the staff person who can best meet your needs.
Happy 2009!
What Do You Think?
Have some thoughts about this article? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us your suggestion or question. Want to sign up for the email version of the Co-op News? Join our list!
