We've been keeping an eye out for the latest signals that Spring is among us. Soon, we'll start to see our Purple Carrot Market yard signs blooming! Our "We own it..." signs rotate between Purple Carrot Market owners and sprout up just as bright as the fresh Spring grass. So, watch for signs of Spring as well as the neighbors growing our local food co-op through their ownership! For owners who would like to host a sign, contact purplecarrotmarket@gmail.com to join the list.

For more information on co-op ownership, click here.

While we are very excited that we've reached the 400 owner milestone, we all want to quickly build our ownership to the point where we can open our grocery store.  On Sunday, March 15, from 4:00 - 6:30 pm we invite owners to join us for a little food and a lot of discussion and brainstorming to think of new ways to spread the word on the Purple Carrot.  We only ask you to commit 2 1/2 hours to this brainstorming session.  Whether you stay involved in any other way is totally up to you!  If you are able to attend, please email us at purplecarrotmarket@gmail.com so that we know how many people to expect. 

Owners are the lifeblood of any start-up food co-op.  Not only do owners provide the working capital for the co-op, but they demonstrate community support for a locally-owned grocery store.  On February 1, the Purple Carrot reached the 400 Owner Milestone!

Our current financial projections indicate that we should have at least 600 owners before we begin the "build out" process.  We're over 65% of the way there!   As we work on building out the store, we will continue to grow our ownership with plans to have 800+ owners by the time we open our doors.
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The Finance Committee will review the cost assumptions that underlie the financial projections and work to provide the Board the best information for deciding when we begin building our store.  When we do begin build out, we will be working on detailed designs and equipment needs; running an owner loan campaign; and approaching financial institutions to lend money for the construction and equipment.  The Board is committed to taking the time to set our co-op up for success when we begin operations.

How can YOU help?  If you're not an owner, please learn more about the Purple Carrot and make your investment NOW.  If you are an owner, talk to a friend, neighbor, or co-worker about joining you and the 398 other owners in making a difference in our community.  The sooner we reach the ownership level we need, the sooner we open our grocery store!

Seeing education as an avenue to interact and connect with the community - owners and non-owners alike - the Board of Directors has established an Education Committee for the Purple Carrot.  The goal of the Committee is to "create a strong and steady commitment to engage our community through education, and create a framework of reciprocal connection which benefits all:  co-op<>farm/producer; co-op<>families and children; co-op<>business; co-op<>community.

The responsibilities of the Education Committee include:

• Be aware of needs within the community that an educational event sponsored by the Purple Carrot Market might address.
• Set annual goals for educational points to cover.
• Organize and host various educational opportunities to reach a variety of ages.
• Connect with entities in the community to bring forth educational opportunities for wholistic health and living.
• Obtain and provide educational materials related to the Purple Carrot Market and the community.

Elise Carey has agreed to serve as the chair of the Committee.  Anyone interested in being part of this committee should contact the Purple Carrot via email (purplecarrotmarket@gmail.com) or call 320-412-3580.