Volunteer Appreciation Party! March 7

Hello Dedicated Volunteers!

Just a reminder to those volunteers who donated more than 5 evenings of their time last year; It's time to be rewarded!  On Wednesday evening March 7 at 6:30pm we will be hosting a lovely and casual party at Bistro Bella Vita to say thanks for all you do.  Chef Aaron will be preparing delicious treats donated by our producers and the tab is on us.  You should have already received a personal invite from the volunteer email address, so don't forget to respond and RSVP.  Very often we only get to see one another under the hustle and bustle of a pickup night, so it is a real treat to get to have a leisurely chat and some laughs over a lovely meal.  I know not all of the volunteers know each other, but I do know quite a few of you, and I will be the first to say that it is a very friendly and endearing bunch.  I really hope that all of you can attend.  It is a great opportunity to meet some really nice people and catch up with some of your local farmers who would also like to thank you for help.  Please RSVP to volunteerwmcoop@gmail.com

How and Why to Research the Food You Buy

"If we took time to research anything, it seems it would be worth researching arguably the one thing (above all else) that could have the single largest impact on our health, on the health of the environment, and let's face it, basic human enjoyment -- food."

-- From "An Egg, Is an Egg, Is an Egg. Except It's Not." By Cara Rosaen

Click here to read the complete article.

Annual Meeting Tuesday March 13, 6:30pm

Annual Meeting
Tuesday March 13, 2012 6:30 PM

1111 Godfrey Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The West Michigan Cooperative is run by Producer and Member volunteers. Because we are all
volunteers, our overhead costs are low and fees to members and producers are kept at a minimum.
We need input from both Producers and Members at the Annual Meeting every year so that the West Michigan Cooperative can move forward and make necessary improvements to remain a successful business.
You are requested to attend the Annual Meeting so that you can find out what the Board of Directors
has accomplished in 2011 and bring new things to the table for the 2012. We will also be electing new
board members to replace those whose terms have expired.

Part of being a Cooperative is “cooperation” – we need everyone to pitch in to make the co-op a
success. Which opportunity to help looks interesting to you?

Board of Directors:
Has a minimum of 6 and maximum of 9 members, there are 2-4 seats open
The board meets once a month
Board members oversee the operation of the co-op and plan for its future
Committees:
Community Relations – promote the co-op to members of our community
Member Relations – help coordinate volunteers for pickup and plan member events
Producer Relations – review potential producers and track producer licenses
Website Committee - oversee and manage the co-op website
New Building Committee – research potential future locations for the co-op
Volunteers:
Pickup Night – greeters, checkout, setup and tear down
After Pickup – coordinate closing of the shopping cycle the day after pickup
Events – promote the co-op at various events in the community

Be at 1111 Godfrey on March 13th  at 6:30 and let us know where you can help and what ideas you can share.
RSVP at (616) 951-3287
See you there,

Georgia Monroe, President
Board of Directors