1 minute read
From the General Manager
The Amazing Race
By Chris Maher, General Manager
One thing life has taught me is, we’re all in this together. Actions transcend borders and boundaries, demographics and definitions. And, venturing out and finding others to support in our shared journey matters to folks halfway around the world whom we’ve never met. Helping those who help others regardless of where they are or who they serve, creates a ripple effect with its own momentum. You never know what corners collaboration is hiding behind, and where you’ll find “community.”
BriarPatch offers products grown and prepared by folks in our immediate area, and goods from producers farther afield whose values align with ours. Equal Exchange bananas and coffee make their journey to us thanks to cooperative efforts from farmers. The supply chain spans a huge geographical distance, but travels a direct path guided by a shared desire to help folks support themselves and their families while treading lightly on the earth.
As members of a co-op, we bring our unique perspectives and personalities to the intersection of our shared interests, as embodied in our Ends Policies and played out each time we shop here. In fact, it’s this convergence that’s allowed us to exist as long as we have and provided us with the financial soundness to expand to the second store.
And, as we grow to Auburn, the “Endurance Capital of the World,” it’s interesting to think BriarPatch has been running an “endurance race” for over 45 years now, as a relay team depending on the strength, drive, focus and support of its owners and community. As I see it, expanding to Auburn gives us the opportunity to deepen the bench. We will have two stores, but one heart and one path forward.
We may not always agree on everything, but we agree the Co-op is a good thing, that its existence benefits us individually and collectively. And one thing I’ve learned about “good things” is they’re meant to be shared.
