Newsletters: January-February-March 2010
President's Report
Natural Times January/February/March 2010
By Joshua Youngblood
With another year behind us, we have an opportunity to reflect on our successes and good fortune. As owners of New Leaf Market, we have some outstanding achievements to look to, especially given the turbulent economic situations that have impacted so many communities and businesses around the nation. We all benefit from the stellar service provided by the store’s staff and from the Co-op’s great management, shown so clearly with the last expansion. New Leaf Market has gained a national reputation for sound financial decisions, careful planning, and outstanding in-store service.
The Board is certainly fortunate for the years of service provided by Candi Parker, who resigned as a director and Board Vice-President in October. Candi was instrumental in the implementation and monitoring of the Board’s governance model, as well as in strengthening the connections between the Board and the New Leaf Market management team. As a Board member, Candi exemplified understanding and dedication to the mission of the Co-op. Long-time Board member Dave Watson has accepted reappointment to the Board in order to fill the vacancy. Welcome back, Dave.
Following the past election, the Board also decided to move forward with a change in leadership. The very capable Jim Terrell has now been appointed as Vice-President of the Board, and I have been appointed President. Jim and I are very grateful for the opportunity to serve the Co-op in these new capacities. The Board is also grateful to Chuck Hungerford for his years as President. We are fortunate indeed to still have access to his experience and knowledge as we move forward.
Now, as we look to what the next year may hold, the cooperative must also try to envision how we will adapt to meet future needs and continue to strive to make the world better through our consumer choices. What will the next big step for New Leaf Market be? What further economic changes await Tallahassee and the country as a whole? How do we want our co-op to help shape the future of our community?
New Leaf Market is, of course, community-owned and operated and as such isn’t beholden to any national or international interests. But New Leaf Market is also a strong business driven by a mission to build something greater than ourselves by nourishing a vibrant and healthy community. We can serve as an example, both as a cooperative and as a soundly managed, local business. Our values and success can show how to thrive in difficult economic times, as well as demonstrate what great organizations can do for the people they serve and the communities they are a part of when profit is not the primary motivation.
What will New Leaf Market be in the future, not just by next January, but in five years, or after another 35 years? This is an essential question for the Board of Directors and all the owners to consider. Our co-op can rightfully be optimistic about the future. And we can be ambitious in the community, region, and world we want to create.
