Quick recap
The meeting was well attended and focused on discussing the future of Louisville Community Grocery (LCG), a cooperative grocery initiative, following the dissolution of its partnership with LACE. MK Lindsey presented case studies of successful food co-ops across the country, highlighting different business models and operational approaches. The group explored four potential paths forward: transferring operations to another entity, finding a developer for property development, establishing a food hub/distribution center, or continuing with the current mission. Roger Quinn, president of the Arthur Kling Old Louisville Community Center, offered his facility as a potential location for a food hub operation. The conversation ended with discussions about Board membership expansion and the need for continued owner engagement through 4 active committees, with door prizes awarded to several attendees.
Summary
Cooperative Enterprise Financial Stability
The meeting focused on the financial status and future steps for a cooperative enterprise. The Board reported that the LCG finances are stable for at least two years. The lenders have expressed confidence in the group’s mission, allowing them to manage the funds responsibly. The discussion also touched on the importance of community representation and the need for sustainable strategies to achieve their goals.
Co-op Leadership and Development Updates
The Board discussed the need for a finance chair to support the new treasurer and emphasized the importance of financial oversight for the co-op’s credibility. They also highlighted the need for a co-op owner to take on the role of Board secretary. They mentioned the ongoing survey about the co-op’s future, which remains split between two options, and encouraged attendees to consider alternative paths forward. They concluded by introducing the Site Selection and Business Development Committees’ work, noting their shift from focusing on the Finzer property to exploring new options due to delays in the Smoketown Community Land Trust’s development plans.
Co-op Grocery Store Insights
The meeting focused on a presentation by MK Lindsey, who shared insights from her research on co-op grocery stores, including a case study of the Dorchester Food Co-op in Boston. Lindsey highlighted the co-op’s demographic alignment with the group’s target areas, its lease model, and the challenges of long-term rent increases. She also discussed the co-op’s investment in infrastructure, such as walk-in coolers, and its reliance on grants, community investment, and traditional debt financing. The presentation concluded with a reflection on the Dorchester’s regret of not implementing pickup and delivery services earlier, which they felt was costing them revenue.
MK Lindsey presented three case studies: a co-op that faced financial challenges but was stabilized by a 10-year grant, Weaver Street Market in North Carolina which achieved significant scale through vertical integration and community-focused practices, and Eastside Food Co-op in Minneapolis which doubled in size through a successful expansion. The discussion highlighted key factors for success including member capital, strong partnerships, careful site selection, and community engagement.
Grocery Store Development Strategy
The Board presented a strengths/weakness/opportunities/threats (SWOT) analysis highlighting opportunities such as new grocery stores in The Highlands in Louisville, as well as potential partnerships with housing authorities and local farmers. However, challenges were also noted, including the complexity of real estate deals and the need to determine store operations and staffing. The group also reviewed their timeline since 2015, including past negotiations with Louisville Metro Government for bond funding and their current efforts to move forward after dissolving a partnership with LACE.
Community Grocery Initiative Future Plans
The meeting focused on discussing the future of LCG, exploring various paths forward including partnering with a community center, continuing development of a brick-and-mortar store, or creating a food hub. The group discussed the possibility of using the Arthur Kling Old Louisville Community Center’s basement space as a temporary location, with the Center’s president offering to provide the space on a revenue-sharing model. The conversation ended with announcements about the upcoming Ownership and Outreach committee meeting on March 2nd by Zoom, Board membership roles open (seeking 5), and a call for volunteers to help with fruit tree pruning in community gardens (Reach out to Amanda for more information).
Please contact LouisvilleCommunityGrocery@gmail.com with questions, to volunteer, and to receive calendar invitations to upcoming committee meetings.