Annual Meeting April 29 SAVE THE DATE

All members of our Co-op are invited to the 2009 Annual Meeting:

WHAT: Report on progress; nominations for the Board; Q&A; see the empty building in its "before" state

WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 7 pm

WHERE: Pioneer Market, 77-81 Congress Street, Troy, NY

BYOC: Bring your own chair.

Federal Help for Co-op

Members of the Troy Community Food Co-op, including the General Manager and members of the Board, met with Representative Paul Tonko in Troy on February 17, and encouraged him to do all he can to help us get assistance from the Stimulus Bill or other federal appropriations. Rep. Tonko knows we are a large, well-supported and important constituent with a valuable, shovel-ready community project.

February 2009 Update

The answer to everyone's question -- When is the Co-op opening? -- is clear. As fast as we can build community support for it!

This past week, we received the commitment from Pioneer Savings Bank for the loan to purchase the building and make some renovations. That's a big step forward!

However, the money from Pioneer is only available until June 1, 2009 and only after we raise the following in owner contributions:

-- $120,000 in member-owner shares (we have $84,900),
-- $300,000 in owner loans (we have $170,000), and
-- $300,000 in grants and other fund-raising (we have $205,900).

In total, we need $720,000 in owner contributions to leverage all of the bank financing for the Co-op and give us enough money to operate the Pioneer Market.

In addition to the owner contributions required to trigger the bank loans, the Board Members and I are working to close a gap of $300,000 needed for in-store equipment. We are reaching out to different community organizations and lending institutions to raise this money through grants and loans. But if Co-op member-owners help with even more owner contributions, we will get there even faster and have the customer base we need to support our urban food co-op.

2008 Troy Victorian Stroll

The Co-op joined hundreds of Troy businesses, artists, churches, and other organizations holding open houses during the Victorian Stroll on December 7, 2008. In preparation for the festive day, a group of volunteer member-owners washed the floors and remaining old shelves on the morning of Friday, Dec 5. That afternoon, another group of members volunteered to deck the halls and a Christmas tree. Baked holiday treats and plates of snacks donated by members began arriving Sunday morning. The day dawned with light snow and a cold wind, just right for the holiday season. The Tri-City Banjo Band provided entertainment, children created their own holiday decorations, and many people stopped by to chat with each other, the General Manager, and Board members. Thanks to the member-owners who volunteered to make the 2008 stroll a fun community event!