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Chicago Market August 20 Ownership Info Session
You've seen some Chicago Market posters. You've heard your friends talking about this local, sustainable food co-op coming to the Gerber Building at the Wilson 'L' station. Maybe you visited us at one of our Pop-Ups. But what exactly is Chicago Market?
Come to one of our upcoming information sessions to find out. Owners and Board members will be on hand to answer your questions and tell you more about the Market. And we'll be prepared to sign up new Owners who are ready to buy a stake in this cooperative grocery store.
LOCAL FOOD + COMMUNITY
Chicago Market wants to change the way you shop for groceries. Chicago Market will be a community-owned grocery store that exists to rebuild the connection between food producers and consumers. Powered by its individual Owners, each of whom own a stake in the store, the co-op will feature local, sustainable foods from producers right here in the Midwest.
WHAT'S AN OWNER?
Chicago Market is member-owned, but open to everyone. Owners receive a variety of benefits — both in dollars and in control over the direction of the Market. You'll be a key player in building the co-op community and changing the local-food landscape.
OWNERSHIP BENEFITS.
Cooperative ownership means you hold equity in Chicago Market, and that comes with direct benefits:
** A voice. Owners can be members or leaders of committees and run for the Board of Directors. Owners have voting rights in many matters and have power in shaping Chicago Market.
** Patronage refunds. Depending on how often you shop at Chicago Market, you may earn an annual patronage refund based on purchases once the store is profitable.
** Savings. Owners are eligible for Owner-only sales and promotions.
** Discounts. Owners receive discounts on classes, workshops and other special events.
HOW MUCH IS A SHARE?
A one-time investment of $250 provides you and your entire household lifetime ownership equity in Chicago Market. Payment plans are available.
Receive an Owners-only Chicago Market tote bag when you join!
READY TO JOIN?
Join our vibrant community, and help build your dream grocery store. Become an Owner at www.ChicagoMarket.coop/Join
RSVP Requested -
MORE Meeting
Do you want to learn “MORE” about how you can contribute to making our cooperative grocery a reality?
If your answer is Yes (and we sure hope it is!), then have we got an event for you! A series of them, actually.
Chicago Market’s MORE (Marketing, Owner Recruiting and Engagement) committee meets every other Tuesday. Our committee’s job is to figure out and execute effective ways to spread the word about Chicago Market…encouraging people to become Owners and otherwise engage Owners – just like you – to become a more active part of our Co-op community.
Currently the MORE team is far too small for the huge task at hand. We need, well, “MORE” Owners – and even Owner-curious folks – to join our team and lend a hand. Skill sets and background that can be helpful on this team (but are not required) are - marketing and promotions, writing, social media, community organizing and event planning. But mostly, you need to be excited about your Co-op and willing to lean in.
Interested? RSVP and join a meeting to get involved!
See you soon! (And thanks.)(We meet in a private residence in Andersonville - we'll email you the address once you RSVP.)
What to expect at the meeting:
This is a working meeting but we want you to have some context for what is going on, so we'll start with an overview of MORE and what we are working on. We'll have a specific agenda of things to work on. Following the meeting, you'll have an opportunity to socialize and ask questions about MORE and what you heard at the meeting. We want your input and ideas as appropriate during the meeting but it's not a brainstorming session, so new ideas may get moved to a parking lot for future consideration.
- 7:00 - 7:15 Intro to MORE and 2018 Owner Growth Plans
- 7:15 - 9:00 Working meeting
- 9:00 - 9:30 Socializing and Q&A
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My Buddy's Mixer - So Nice, We're Doing It Twice!
Bring a Buddy To Learn About Chicago MarketChicago Market isn't just a grocery store. It's a community. And the best part about being part of a community is getting to meet new people and learn about awesome things happening in the city all around you.
That's why Chicago Market is hosting another mixer at My Buddy's. The first one in July was such a success and so much fun, we are doing it again!
Not only can you come learn about the awesome community-owned grocery store coming to Uptown, you can also find out more about some of Chicago Market's close community partners.
Come as you are or, in the spirit of building community, bring a friend with you. It'll be a fun evening of drinks and food (with specials for Chicago Market guests!), community-building and learning. Plus, if you want to become an Owner of Chicago Market (and remember, we need to get to 2000 Owners by the end of this year to fund our store, so we need your support now),
you'll be able to do so right there.See you there!
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Up & Under Fest 2018
Announcing Up & Under Fest 2018! Join Chicago Market and Uptown United for the first-ever community event at The Wilson Underline! Enter at the southwest corner of Wilson & Broadway, under the L next to the Wilson stop on the Red/Purple Line.
We’re bringing back our Pop-Up Markets with some of the region’s finest growers and producers — PLUS, live bands, kids activities, Uptown and local businesses, wellness activities, tours of the future Chicago Market Co-op location and MORE! Grocery vendors align with Chicago Market’s Purchasing Values.
Vendor and soundstage lineups to be announced soon!NEW OWNER PRIZES
New Owners are automatically entered to win a raffle prize to be drawn at the event. We must reach 2,000 Owners by the end of the year to fund the buildout of our store, so we need your support *today*!! If you’re not yet an Owner, join us now!
FREE EVENT
Come experience the community and the best of local food! An optional gate donation of $10 is suggested. As a first-time event, your RSVP is much appreciated! Proceeds after festival expenses to benefit Chicago Market and Wilson Underline programming.
Come join this community festival to meet and mingle with fellow Owners, celebrate the accomplishments of our community-owned organization, and learn about opportunities to participate in our path forward toward opening our grocery store doors.
Want to bring a friend? The more the merrier! Our first 1,270+ Owners is just the beginning of our community - we’re must grow our Ownership to 2,000 Owners by the end of 2018!
ABOUT THE WILSON UNDERLINE
The WILSON UNDERLINE seeks to provide the newly renovated CTA Wilson Station with a dynamic public space dedicated to the Uptown neighborhood by providing opportunities for collaborative community programming and creative public engagement; a space that draws the community together and enriches the Wilson Station project from the ground up. Read more and subscribe for updates.