Chicago Market Newsletter — March 2022
Funding Is the Critical Path
Our last major step before construction is the fundraising that pays for it all, so we're laser-focused on that:
- We're submitting our application to the Chicago Recovery Plan Grant THIS WEEK! Our team of writers, reviewers, and number crunchers has been amazing and this is a truly exciting opportunity for your Co-op!
- We've begun outreach to potential Series B Preferred Share investors. This Share offering is similar to the Series A we offered Owners in the fall, but targets accredited investors. If you know of a business or individual who might like to invest, please let us know.
- And speaking of Series A Preferred Shares, we're also planning for another round of outreach to Owners this spring, so the team is building up a volunteer base and putting the pieces in place for the campaign. If you'd like to volunteer with us to reach out to Owners or be part of the admin team, please email our volunteer coordinator to get plugged in.
Unfortunately, due to a potential conflict of interest with a new job he's taken with the city, John Law is no longer able to serve on our Board. He remains a huge supporter and friend to Chicago Market and in a lovely note to us even noted that, "My brief time seeing this rockstar team in action gives me complete confidence that this Market will be a huge success!" Well, John, we think you're a rock star too! Thank you for all you have done for Chicago Market and all the great things you will continue to do for us and for this city we all love!
Did you know...
...that grocery co-ops proved they are a resilient business model and critical part of a better food system during the pandemic?
"In fact, grocery co-ops have grown during the pandemic, with overall sales increasing 10% during 2020, a year full of supply and social disruptions."
photo: Putney Food Co-op (Putney, VT)
In the News
Update: Uptown Farmers Market Review — Board member Kate Grimm, Owner #1759, analyzed last season's market for the Board.
Update: Finalized Governance Documents — How does 'democratic member control' work exactly? Meet our governance documents!
Our Uptown Farmers Market is Back! — Announcing the first market day and return of vendors you love.
- Board Meeting — March 9, 7:00- 9:00pm
- Open House + Community Seed Swap — March 12, 11:00am-2:00pm
- Board Meeting — March 23, 7:00- 9:00pm
News from Our Business Owners
WasteNot has a Special Promotion for new members: sign up for residential service by 3/31/22 and use coupon code "GIVEME24" to receive a $24 credit.
And WasteNot CEO & Co-Founder Liam Donnelly was featured in Midwest Living Magazine explaining the making of a successful community-based compost service.
The Levantine Kitchen is offering new virtual cooking classes focused on meal prep for the work week. The classes will be about 90 minutes each and pricing is tiered ($15, $25, or $35, depending on how much you want to pay/can afford). Anyone who cannot afford the price of a ticket to classes can always get in — contact Charles who is happy to comp a ticket, no questions asked.
Get Involved
- Capital Campaign Callers — we are going to speak with EVERY Chicago Market Owner. Help us raise the funds to open the Chicago Market doors!
- Recruitment Specialist — join our Volunteer Coordinator in bringing on more volunteers for Chicago Market.
- Uptown Farmers Market Volunteers (starts May 4) — come once or every week! 2-3 hour shifts with both in-person and/or behind the scenes tasks.
- UFM SNAP/LINK Match Specialists — help our UFM shoppers buy yummy goodies with their SNAP/LINK Match benefits
Build a Better Market
We own this business together. We operate it. And together, we fund it.
You can do it!
Our Build a Better Market capital campaign team is gearing up now and will be calling Owners soon. But Preferred Shares are available NOW if you reach out to us! Email to get started.
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