Newsletters: May - June 2007
General Manager's Report
By Larrane Hartridge
Happy Birthday to Us!
It's May again and New Leaf Market is celebrating its 33rd birthday. The Co-op has come a long way in that time. We are now an $8,000,000 business with thousands of owners. I'd like to thank all of you for your support and patronage of New Leaf Market. We would not be approaching another HUGE expansion if it wasn't for you.
Owner Loan Program Update
Speaking of the upcoming expansion and renovation, the owner loan program is coming to a close. I want to thank all of you who have committed to make an owner loan. I also want to recognize those of you who are not participating. So many of you have shared stories about the Co-op and your kind words mean a lot to our staff. We extended our original deadline of April 16 to Monday, April 30 to allow time for a second appeal letter and additional phone calls. If you have been thinking about contributing and haven't done so yet, please contact Cristin Burns at 942-2557 ext. 246 or Cristin@newleafmarket.coop. Because of the print delay I cannot give you an accurate total of loans, however look for updates in the store or on the web at www.newleafmarket.coop.
Architects, Contractors, Banks...Oh My
After substantial consideration we have hired Architects Lewis and Whitlock and Mad Dog Design and Construction. We are thrilled to work with both of these highly-regarded local firms. For our bank we have chosen the National Cooperative Bank. Although they are not local, we are receiving a very competitive rate and getting to support another cooperative business at the same time. When it comes to the layout of the store we are relying on consultants PJ Hoffman, grocery designer, and Allen Seidner, deli and kitchen designer. We expect to have a final drawing soon. When it is complete it will be posted in the store for all to see.
Construction
In all likelihood construction will begin in the latter part of this summer (July or August). Our goal is to remain open throughout construction; however we anticipate that doing so may result in creative shopping experiences. Please be patient with us as we figure out the logistics of construction. As soon as we better understand the phases of construction we will post updates on our website.
NEW Deli Manager!
We have completed a national search for a deli manager and are pleased to announce that Brian Baisch is New Leaf Market's new deli manager. Brian and his family are returning to Tallahassee, from Pensacola, FL, where he was the kitchen manager at the Fish House. He brings years of culinary, training and leadership experience to the job. We are confident that Brian is the right person to take the deli to the next level.
During the search two deli employees acted as interim managers. I want to thank David Sabow and David Roloff for holding down the fort. Their help allowed us to take our time to find the right person for the job.
