As we move into the summer season and our gardens begin to bear the fruits of our labor, we are reminded of all the hard work that goes into making our Co-op successful. Tidal Creek Board of Directors wants to recognize the commitment of all our Co-op owners. We are here because of your support!

Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market is a cooperative business that works to support high quality foods standards, fair trade, and local and sustainable products. Anyone can become an owner of Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market by purchasing an annual equity share of $30 per household. Equity shares are an investment in the store, so being an owner helps the Co-op build capital. Also, Co-op owners share great benefits:

• You are an owner of a cooperatively run local business;
• You can participate in the governance of the Co-op by voting, by becoming a member of the Board of Directors or by serving on a Board committee;
• You benefit from an owners-only savings shopping list, over 110 products at an average of 22% off;
• You receive a 5% off coupon in each newsletter (look for the “Wild Card” on the reverse side of this newsletter);
• You receive a free subscription to this newsletter, which includes notices of events, recipes and other information to help you live a healthier lifestyle;
• You can special order products at a 10% discount – increasing your savings;
• Your grocery dollars stay in the local economy; and
• You are an owner of a store that provides the best, locally grown, certified organic and natural products.

What is the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors of Tidal Creek is a group of nine Co-op members elected for 3-year terms of service by the general membership in yearly elections. Generally, each election, seats need to be filled.

What are the functions of the Board?

1. Board represents cooperative owners;
2. Board establishes and works within cooperative policies;
3. Board hires and oversees the General Manager;
4. Board is responsible for acquisition and preservation of cooperative assets;
5. Board preserves the cooperative character of the organization;
6. Board assesses the cooperative’s performance; and
7. Board informs members.

Who can run for a seat on the Board?

Any owner who has paid their equity share for the year can vote and run in the election. The position is voluntary, but it is expected that a Board member will dedicate at least 8 hours a month in service. Two hours of this time will be taken by the monthly meeting of the Board, which is held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. Generally, terms of office are for three years, but in the event that a Board member has to resign before their term expires, a shortened term of one or two years may become available. Board members are allowed a special discount on purchases at the Co-op.

Many people who serve on the Board have never been on any kind of committee before. What’s important is your willingness to serve the Co-op. If you are interested, please pick up a Board Member Application at customer service. We look forward to working with you!

- The Tidal Creek Board of Directors

As we move into the summer season and our gardens begin to bear the fruits of our labor, we are reminded of all the hard work that goes into making our co-op successful.  In the past few months, the Board has continued to work on the Planning Committee series focused on four topics: Gate-Keeping of Natural Foods; Ownership Linkage; Community Outreach & Education; and Cooperative Business Models.

One thing that the Board learned during the Planning Committee meetings is that our owners don’t necessarily understand the cooperative business model. So, what is a cooperative anyway? A cooperative is an organization made up of people who choose to work together or pool their resources in order to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and desires through joint ownership and democratic control of a business enterprise.  Cooperatives differ from traditional ventures in that they are based on self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, and solidarity.

Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market is a cooperative business that works to support high quality food standards, fair trade, and local and sustainable products.  Anyone can become an owner of Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market by purchasing an equity share.  Equity shares are an investment in the store, so being an owner helps the co-op build capital, however co-op owners share great benefits:

• You are an owner of a cooperative run local business
• You can participate in the governance of the co-op by voting, by becoming a member of the Board of Directors or by serving on a Board committee
• You benefit from an owners only savings shopping list, over 110 products at an average of 22% off
• You receive a 5% off coupon in each newsletter (look for the one on the reverse side of this newsletter)
• You receive a free subscription to this newsletter, which includes notices of events, recipes and other information to help you live a healthier lifestyle
• You can special order products at a 10% discount – increasing your savings
• Your grocery dollars stay in the local economy
• You are an owner of a store that provides the best locally grown, certified organic and natural products.

Today there are more than 3,100 households which enjoy the benefits of ownership!  That’s a lot of people working together to fulfill our vision of fostering and nourishing the health of the individual and our community through a thriving natural foods cooperative business.  Thank you for working with us!

The Board and the ownership would also like to extend our thanks to outgoing Board member Melissa Foley. She has served as our Secretary for several years, has been integral to our work over the past, and will be hard to replace.  Melissa we will miss you!

Spring has finally arrived! The warmer weather has us all peeking our heads out and beginning to enjoy the sunshine. As always, Tidal Creek is committed to providing a community space for its owners to shop and eat together. Now that the weather is warmer, Alive at Five has been reinstated. The Board looks forward to meeting and talking with owners in this unique venue featuring great local music and beer and wine tastings on the first Friday of each month. Come tell us your thoughts!

The Board has also made listening to staff and owners a priority by hosting brainstorming sessions about the future of our co-op. The Planning Committee series focused on four topics: Gate-Keeping of Natural Foods; Ownership Linkage; Community Outreach & Education; and Cooperative Business Models.

The first meeting was held February 23rd at 6:30 pm and focused on Tidal Creek’s Gate-Keeping of Natural Foods. The Board asked the question, “Is Tidal Creek meeting the needs of its customers by carrying “clean” foods?”

The group discussed the fact that our customers expect that Tidal Creek does the homework for them, i.e. non-gmos, no trans fats, and no high fructose corn syrup. The customer can assume that the products in the co-op are “clean.” The group discussed that we have an established image in the community that we are proud of. We serve small markets: gluten-free; lactose-intolerant; vegetarian; and people interested in ethical eating. The group agreed we are meeting the needs of our customers.

Look for updates regarding the other meetings, and remember The Board welcomes anyone who wants to participate in creating a plan for our co-op. Come tell us how we can meet your needs!

In Cooperation – Your Board of Directors

Greetings Tidal Creek Owners! What a great time of year this always is at the co-op. From the incredible seasonal selection of apples and cider, to the smell of fresh hot coffee on a freezing day, to the tastes and smells of pumpkin, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon that seem to be everywhere, this always seems to be folks favorite time of year at Tidal Creek.

Despite the hustle and bustle all around, however, your Board of Directors has been very busy both trying to navigate the tough economic times we continue to face, and plan for what we see as a bright future ahead for the co-op as demand for local and regional foods continue to be on the rise, and people continue to turn to co-op for safe and healthy foods.

High on our list of work has been working with our General Manager and our consultants to plan for a basic renovation/expansion of kitchen and retail space, which we aim to accomplish for as little as possible. Also, as this is being written, a vote is being undertaken at the co-op to amend the bylaws to allow for a new category of ownership, the Worker- Owner, which would allow Tidal Creek employees to purchase ownership in the store and receive a rebate based on their hours worked. It is such a novel idea that other co-op’s nationwide have been inquiring about it, asking for our model. The board would like to recognize especially Parrish Ravelli for his year long work to make this a reality.

As always, the Board needs and desires YOUR input on these and any other issues that are important to you, Tidal Creek’s owners. Feel free to contact us any time; you have a say in your co-op’s future!

Have a safe and happy holiday season, and we will see you at the co-op!

TC Board of Directors

Greetings Co-opers, I hope that you have survived the heat of the Summer and are enjoying the Fall!

Since the last newsletter a lot of great things have been happening! First and foremost was the August Board of Directors meeting in which our CPA, Chuck Earney, presented on the end of year audit review and financials for the last fiscal year, 2007-2008. As we predicted, the valuable lessons that we learned through purchasing Stoneground Bakery, in downtown Wilmington, came with a price. Due to this price, Tidal Creek, and the Board of Directors, are unable to return a Patronage Refund for the 2007-2008 year. However, as our accountant presented, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel and we are not far from it. Our Tidal Creek store preformed consistently and financially strong for another year, which gives us the reality that our Business Model works! As we move forward, the Board of Directors is highly optimistic about this current year and beyond! As we move out from underneath the cost of Stoneground Bakery, and into the light, we plan to hone in on the values and practices that set Tidal Creek Coop apart and with your support will jump back into “the black” expeditiously!

In thinking about what sets us apart, we have begun the implementation process of the Worker-Owner Program, which will allow for a two-pronged equity structure and has a goal of providing the Tidal Creek employees the opportunity to invest more in the Tidal Creek store that they work so hard to grow! In the upcoming months, we are going to need the help of the ownership as we look to amend the By-Laws to fit this program that, we hope, will enhance the active participation of both levels of ownership and will continue to make Tidal Creek a leader amongst our peers. (see page 3)

Right now we are smack in the middle of “National Co-op Month” and it is a great time to reflect on our role in the community. Through providing food and product choices that are environmentally and economically supportive, opportunity for active participation through ownership and equity, and outreach education to the community that we serve, Tidal Creek strives to be not just a store, but a Cooperative of Owners.

As we celebrate this month, and all of the things that make Tidal Creek unique, let’s welcome our newest members to the Board of Directors. Jane Bace, Stephen Chu, and Kathryn Sissler have been elected by the ownership, to represent the ownership, in moving us closer towards our vision and the ends that we seek. Let us also take a moment to say Thank You and Good Luck to our past Board Member, Mindy Totten, as she moves on after 3 years of service and dedication. We hope that all that she has done for the Coop will come back to her in many wonderful ways!

Parrish Ravelli
TC Board of Directors

There are lots of exciting things happening at Tidal Creek, and the Board of Directors is working hard to make the co-op the best it can be. A co-op exists for the benefit of its owners and we value owner input above all.

Please know that Anthony Garguilo is the liaison between owners and the Board. We recently voted to suspend the monthly scheduled Owner Forums due to a lack of attendance. However, Anthony has volunteered to go on call. If you have any issues or concerns or feedback for the Board, you can reach him at 910-409-2735. Of course, all owners are welcome at every board meeting, the 4th Monday of every month from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Co-op.

We are also preparing for Board of Directors elections in September. Now is the time to contact Jessica Ashcraft at the store if you are interested in running for one of 3 open positions. See page 8 for more information on Board nominations.

The Board is thrilled that the Worker-Ownership Program is finally beginning to take flight. Because it is such an innovative approach to have a dual acting Worker – Ownership and Consumer-Ownership, it has taken some time to work out all of the kinks, and there may be a few more to work out by the initiation date of July 1st. It is our hope that the Worker-Owner Program will allow the staff members of Tidal Creek to take that much more ownership in their own place of employment.

Finally, an update on the bakery. The Stone Ground Bakery downtown has been subleased and some of the equipment is for sale. Any interested parties should direct inquiries to Elise Rocks of Worsley Real Estate, 910-256-0044.

Cooperatively yours,
The TC Board of Directors