Chris Maher, General Manager It goes without saying that 2020 was a challenging year for us all. As we dealt with the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, we were yet again faced with catastrophic climate change induced wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoffs. And our co-op rose to the occasion. 2020 saw 7% sales growth, despite the loss of sales from the Deli Food Bar, Bulk and Special Orders, and was driven entirely by basket size as transaction count plummeted by over 30%. Our longestablished relationships with sources outside of the mainstream food system provided the versatility to keep our shelves full of most of the products that were under unusually high demand. We reimagined ways we could support vital community members. From bringing burritos to our 211 operators to guaranteeing loans for local farmers, we sought opportunities to keep those who keep us safe and healthy know our gratitude and find solid financial footing.
Staff expressed enthusiasm for pandemicrelated initiatives, like the increased employee discount, customer metering, augmented PTO, and Hero Pay. We will continue to support them and listen to their feedback as we move toward a light at the end of the tunnel and into a changed post-pandemic era. We are thrilled that $1,893,000 in patronage dividends has been declared with $379,000 paid out to Owners. Additionally, as an expression of our gratitude for putting your trust in us, we are adding a $10 store credit to your owner account. The retained portion of the dividend has been put to good use as we replace worn equipment, maintain our facility and invest in the long-term success of your co-op. 2020’s difficulties proved that we can pivot, we are creative, thoughtful and ready to bring a successful second store to fruition. BriarPatch staff is resilient and continues to be a beacon of joy and well-being in our community. The achievements of 2020 show that we are ready for anything that 2021 and beyond brings our way.
Alan Weisberg, Board President
Local
frontline workers, both our own staff and public health and safety workers.
Dear members, Please take a look at BriarPatch’s Global Ends Policies in this report. They communicate what we want our co-op to be and to help achieve.
This success was no accident. Our GM and his team are forever focusing on the future and the ability to respond to the unforeseen. They act quickly and in the spirit of cooperation, communicate new policies to you and the public clearly and with transparency.
Each year, our staff prepares a report to the Board about the Co-op’s progress in achieving these Ends. My job in this annual report to members is to give you the views of your elected Board of Directors regarding our progress in 2020. Without reservation, I can tell you the Board is delighted with the achievements of our staff in 2020. Despite the many challenges of the pandemic, we experienced a substantial growth in sales over 2019, and an even greater growth in net income. At the same time, we expanded our many efforts serving the community, including new ones specifically aimed at supporting
Our results in 2020 are testimony to the resilience and adaptability BriarPatch has developed in the past decade. We are confident that this same resilience will carry us to a successful launching of the new store in Auburn over the months to come.
107,829
pounds of carrots sold
$182,000
of loans guaranteed under FarmLink
13%
increase in sales of Local/Regional products
Environment
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
29%
President
reduction of our refrigerants
50%
of our energy from our solar array
225 lbs
of our disposable gloves recycled
Community
$10,972 donated to Education
Income Statement
2019
2020
Sales
35,397,000
37,797,000
Cost of goods sold
21,330,000
Gross profit
Balance Sheet
2019
2020
Cash
4,501,000
6,874,000
22,850,000
Inventory and other assets
1,486,000
1,427,000
14,067,000
14,947,000
Fixtures and equipment, net
10,975,000
10,620,000
Payroll and other personnel costs
9,871,000
10,015,000
Total assets
16,962,000
18,921,000
Other operating costs
3,245,000
3,312,000
Accounts payable and other liabilites
2,194,000
2,337,000
Total operating expenses
13,116,000
13,327,000
Loans payable
4,432,000
4,073,000
Other income (expense)
(50,000)
789,000
Owners’ equity
10,336,000
12,511,000
Net income
901,000
2,409,000
Total liabilites and equity
16,962,000
18,921,000
$170,044
$6,441
in donations to local nonprofits
donated to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion groups
13.2%
62,924
Co-op
1,031
new owners
increase in hiring staff with varied ethnic backgrounds
Facebook likes, shares and comments