Chicago Market Newsletter - November 2018

Howard Bowers Fund Grant Received!

Chicago Market is proud to announce we've been awarded a Howard Bowers Fund grant for $1500.00 from the Cooperative Development Foundation. We'll use the funds toward the cost of Board development - we are currently working with a consultant from Cooperative Development Services (CDS) to strengthen our Board governance practices and ready us for the transition from a working board to a governing board. 

Thank you CDF - we're so appreciative of your support!

The Howard Bowers Fund strengthens the food co-op community through training and scholarships. Since its establishment in 1994, the Bowers Fund has given more than $500,000 in grants to support the food co-op sector. The Fund is a project of the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF), a public charity headquartered in Washington, DC that promotes and develops cooperatives to improve economic opportunities for all. 
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Owner Loan Update 

The Owner Loan Campaign is wrapping up soon and we have a long way to go! Owner Loans are a crucial part of our fundraising plan because they demonstrate our community's support for the Co-op to financial institutions, who will provide a significant portion of our funding.

Email us if you have any questions or to arrange a document pickup.
Looking for a mailing address? Send your documents to:
Chicago Market
PO Box 408560
Chicago, IL 60640

Watch the Owner Loan Videos!

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Owner Corner  

How can you support your Co-op?

We know you want to help your Co-op grow. Each month, we'll feature a pro tip right here in the Owner Corner. If you happen upon an effective approach, be sure to share it with us by emailing and we'll share it!

Pro Tip - Give the Gift of Co-op!
The perfect holiday gift for that local-food-loving, sustainability-minded, community-centric person on your list is the Gift of Co-op Ownership. Make them an Owner of Chicago Market and they'll receive Ownership in this local business, the Owner tote bag, a water bottle, pen and button and they'll be welcomed into the Chicago Market Owner community. Shop here!

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Upcoming Events

• Ownership Info Session - it's not too late to bring a non-Owner friend out tonight to learn about Ownership. Full info here.
  
  
• Food For Change screening and discussion - November 20, 8pm, at Comfort Station -  Food For Change is a film about the resurgence of food co-ops in the United States. Free. click for more info
  
  
• Market Mixer - We're mixing, celebrating and meeting Owners at My Buddy's, November 27, 6-8pm. More info and RSVP here.
  
  
• Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Winter Walk on Wilson - Join us for warm drinks, festive music and holiday gift shopping! And walk Wilson Avenue to connect with all the great businesses in the neighborhood, including our business Owner friends at Long Acre/Kalish. November 30, 5-8pm at Chicago Market! More info here.
  
  
• Holiday Food Drive - You can help us give to those in need during the holidays and thank our wonderful partners at Lake View Pantry - they loan us their meeting space regularly - by donating to their Holiday Food Drive at our Holiday Pop-Up Market, November 30.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Stewardship Committee

Our future home is beautiful but needs care before we open. The Stewardship Committee will lead the coordination effort necessary to maintain the safe, secure and dignified presentation of the historic structure, parking lot and adjoining public way. The Committee will also lead community outreach to initiate and strengthen bonds with existing neighborhood organizations. Interested in joining the team? Email us.

Accountant

We're looking for a CPA who can help us with accounting duties. If that's you, email us.

Owner Loan Campaign caller

Our Owner Loan campaign team needs callers (and emailers). It's easy and helps build YOUR store. Email our volunteer coordinator to learn more.