Tunnels, Light, 2022 and You
By General Manager Nate Furler
As I write this, I envision a tunnel. It’s a tunnel lit by light at the end – but it’s still a tunnel. This passageway shifts, descends and climbs. On any given day the path changes. There’s no longer a linear approach forward; the journey is one of switchbacks. But the light’s still there.
This is the story of your Co-op as we begin our new year. Our “tunnel” consists of several factors – three of which are these: The coronavirus, as well as climate change, continue to impact our staff, our shoppers, and thus our store operations. And because of these factors, our supply chains continue to shift and adapt. Lastly, our critical labor shortage persists. These are significant challenges, and these are challenging times. Yet we move forward, day by day, or in reality – sometimes five minutes at a time.
The meaning of that familiar, and beloved, term – cooperative – is at test. What does “cooperative” truly mean? In a society of increased individualism, how do we continue to serve – and thrive? How does cooperation override divisiveness? One thing is clear: it is our duty to address these challenges. Our Cooperative Principles and Organizational Ends exist to remind us of who – and what – we are. That is what a cooperative is. That’s where the light resides.
I have witnessed small and not-so-small beacons of cooperation this past year. We experienced a weather-related, 18-hour power loss recently. It was a long 18 hours. We opened our front doors to chill the store and secure our produce. Co-op staff removed nearly everything from the store needing refrigeration and placed product on ice behind the store (via carts down the hill due to lack of elevator function). The following morning Sno Pac Foods of Caledonia drove us a freezer truck. Sno Pac’s support saved us a considerable amount of waste. Our appreciation of their cooperative spirit is beyond words.
Co-op staff confirms the value of cooperation daily and their dedication humbles me. Each individual act of schedule adjustment is valued. They have taken on a marathon task of additional hours and departmental flexibility. They are front line workers. They’ve always been front line workers. The difference is that they’re now serving as such despite a pandemic.
The pandemic continues to teach me the value of service occupations – and that this value has been grossly minimized, frequently disrespected, and riddled with stereotypes. The simple truth is that we are deeply fortunate to have these people to serve us. These individuals will continue to utilize safety measures. We ask you to do so for them as well. Please practice graciousness and respect for their dedication.
Co-op shoppers continue to inquire why a favorite product is not in stock. Know that the answer to this is as multi-faceted and ever-changing as the pandemic itself. Department managers continue to navigate evolving delivery dates and product availability. We have labored to seek out comparable goods and continue to do so. Our local networks are strong and we work to strengthen them further.
Your Co-op is financially secure. 2021 saw a rebuilt cash reserve following the initial waves of the pandemic. This is an accomplishment to be certain, and the result of careful management of PPP funding, staff resources and your choice to shop Co-op. I caution, however, that a solid financial position cannot lead to complacency. I said to a staff member recently that “when the Co-op grows, goodness grows.” It’s really that simple. Our growth enhances our regional impact and has the potential to do so much more given the resources.
That’s what your choice to sustain your local producers, the health of you and your loved ones and your communities can do. But not your choice alone – yours, and your neighbor, and your neighbor’s neighbor and your co-worker and your family member and your friend and more. That’s cooperation. That’s the power of community. That’s what our collective future can hold.
As we move into a 2022 different from what we envisioned perhaps a year, or several months, ago, I look for the light. I look to you. Each one of you has the potential to illuminate our shifting tunnel. Your choice to shop Co-op matters. Your patience and kindness matters. Your investment, here, matters.
In collaboration,
Nate
