Progress Update from the Board

Summer 2010

Sarah Walz, New Pioneer Food Co-op Board President

In the last issue of the Catalyst the board provided a brief statement letting you know our strategic priorities for the next three to five years, which include investigating the following:

• A purchase of the Coralville store, which the Co-op currently leases
• Relocating the Iowa City store outside the floodplain

Regarding the Coralville store, we are in the process of collecting relevant information so that we might engage with our lease holder.

Regarding the Iowa City store, recall that the board’s unanimous decision to pursue a new site for the Iowa City store was based on the following:

1. Due to our location in the Ralston Creek floodplain we are unable to expand the store on its present site—not upward or outward—and are limited in the improvements we can make to the store.
2. Continued growth in sales and membership has strained the capacity of the current facility and placed a burden on staff to maintain stock and service.

We are focusing on three items as we investigate potential sites for relocation:

• Being secure from flooding
• Remaining in/near downtown Iowa City
• Allowing opportunity/space for
    future growth

At present, we are identifying any properties outside the floodplain and close to downtown that are vacant or potentially ripe for redevelopment by the Co-op, as well as any proposed developments that have adequate space for co-development. As you might expect, finding a workable location will not be  easy—it will require time and careful planning. Given the challenges of real estate development it is possible that we may not find a space that is adequate or financially feasible.

In the spirit of collecting more relevant data, we have commissioned a market study to help us understand the needs and wants of our members: where you live, where you work, how you shop, etc. Because member input is vital to this process, the board will host a special open meeting on June 16, at 7:00pm to hear from you.

In preparation for this meeting we ask you to keep an open mind and an open eye. Please visit the New Pi website (www.newpi.coop) to review background information that the board has considered in making its recommendation to investigate a new location. This includes information on our location in the floodplain and its implications for the store.
Also, the next time you are shopping at the Co-op, think about what you like and don't like. What would you like to see improved; what you would like to keep the same? Are there changes that could make your shopping experience better or easier? Think also about possible locations: Is there a place outside the floodplain where you can envision a new downtown Co-op—a place that would be convenient for you to shop? Is there a place that would add to the vitality of the Co-op or the downtown community? Finally, consider the needs of your fellow members. The Co-op is now more than 22,000 members strong. Is there a location near the downtown that can better serve our growing membership?

We look forward to the member meeting and will continue to  report regularly to you on our progress.