CreekSide Co-op E-news Oct. 19, 2010

Hello Co-op members, In this issue: New Neighborhood Businesses Weavers Way Ogontz Discount for Creekside Members Funding Status Farmers Market Update New Neighborhood Businesses The drive to create a co-op in Elkins Park and thus lift up the neighborhood’s business center is already having secondary impacts. Local businesses tell us that their Sunday business has increased as a result of the foot traffic our farmers market has created in the neighborhood. Two yoga studios, “Shakti Yoga” and “Banyan Yoga and Ayurveda”, and a family restaurant “Yo Dogs” are three CreekSide farmers market vendors that have opened or will open soon in our neighborhood since the farmers market was launched.  And, as we understand it, a convenience store not associated with CreekSide Co-op plans to open in the former Elkins Park Pharmacy space.   Weavers Way Ogontz Discount for CreekSide Members The Weavers Way Co-op, our friend to the West, is staying true to the spirit of cooperativeness, and is extending a five percent members’ discount to CreekSide Co-op members on Saturdays at its newly renovated Ogontz store. Since we don’t have member cards yet all you have to do is tell the Ogontz folks you are a CreekSide member. This will give you access to member privileges at a cooperatively-owned grocery store while we continue to work to get our store launched.   Funding Status There has been significant community reaction to the news that the USDA was not able to provide a direct loan to us, plus the more recent question of our eligibility for the programs to which we applied, despite a letter confirming our eligibility that we received over a year ago.  New, potential funding sources, including The Reinvestment Fund, have emerged and local business people are working on ways to help guarantee our loan. Thanks to your efforts, there is committed political support from various elected officials at the state and national levels who are as surprised and frustrated as we are at the USDA's decisions.   We are exploring opportunities for an appeal of the USDA’s program eligibility decision as well as other possible government agency funding.  There are indeed some promising options - stay tuned. Farmers Market Update Our farmers’ market is thriving as Summer has turned to Fall. Just think about what we have done since we began this market in April. We have increased the healthy and sustainable food choices of our members, families and friends. We have also provided significant support for local farmers and merchants. And by popular demand among community members and vendors, the CreekSide Farmers Market will continue through the week before Thanksgiving.  We remain as committed as ever to providing the community with a viable, full-service, member-owned food co-op.  We appreciate your continuing confidence and support as we move forward. All the best, The Board of Directors of the CreekSide Co-op