CONNECTIONS IS A PUBLICATION OF THE MERC CO+OP
Owner Days coupon inside!
AUTUMN 2020
IN THIS ISSUE
General Manager Updates Elections & Proxy Owner Days & Annual Meeting Holiday & Local Highlights
FROM THE GM
Adaptation, Evolution and Expansion in Yet Another New Normal RITA YORK HENNECKE, GENERAL MANAGER
The Merc Co+op has experienced immense challenges over the last several months with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the opening of our Kansas City, Kansas store. It has been a test of our agility and tenacity as we work toward our vision to be a thriving multi-store cooperative. In the 2020 Business Plan, we stated that we would “become a more inclusive grocery store that is viable in a low-income population.” When the March stay-at-home order was put into place and our shoppers came to stock up, what flew off the shelves – and what did not – told us a lot about people’s needs and priorities. Our research and work to open the second store
501 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City
and what we have learned during the pandemic has prepared us to better handle the economic struggles that our communities face. We are working to address the diverse needs of the people we serve by fulfilling requests for more economical, healthy and locally produced groceries. We are actively reaching out to people we have not previously served or who may have felt excluded based on price, product or the reputation of the co-op. Even though so much has changed over the course of the last year, we remain dedicated to our three strategic priorities:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anthony Lang President board@themerc.coop Kelly Barth Barbara Clark Judy Dutton Rachel Jefferson Dorri Rowan Mark Sprague Deon Whitten Board meetings are generally the first Monday of each month. The next board meetings are October 5, November 2 and December 7. Email ownerservices@themerc.coop for log in information.
CO+OP DIRECTORS
Rita York Hennecke General Manager gm@themerc.coop Zac Hamlin Human Resources Director hr@themerc.coop Jason Lovell Finance Director finance@themerc.coop Seth Naumann Store Director - Lawrence lawrencestore@themerc.coop Valerie Taylor Richardson Marketing Director marketing@themerc.coop Jeff Terrell Store Director - Kansas City kckstore@themerc.coop
Connections is published by: The Merc Co+op 901 Iowa St. Lawrence, Kansas 66044 785.843.8544 Open daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 501 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kansas 66101 913-320-0404 Temporary COVID hours Open daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m. www.themerc.coop ownerservices@themerc.coop © 2020 Community Mercantile, Inc.
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901 Iowa St. Lawrence
Sustainability We are grateful to have the opportunity to serve more people year after year. To do so as responsibly as we can, nearly all of our packaging is compostable. This includes: • plant-based flatware, cups and straw free lids • waxed paper boxes • paper coffee, soup and water cups and lids • paper bakery sleeves, grocery bags and napkins
• • •
delighting customers offering more equitable products and prices cultivating more inclusive experiences
For decades now, we have described ourselves as a community hub where folks have “a place to shop, gather, eat and learn.” We have been taking a hard look at what that means now in a world where congregation is no longer encouraged. As a local, communityowned essential business we will act in an abundance of caution for the protection of our shoppers, our staff and our stores. While we look forward to safely reopening our salad and hot bar in Lawrence and debuting similar options in KCK, the future of self-serve foods is in limbo. Until we know more, our prepared food programs will focus on enhancing our selections and providing more meal solutions for households. We are taking a cautious and steady restart to in-store dining, cooking classes and in-person education. In the meantime, we will partner with, promote and support organizations and educators, like schools, scouts and libraries to conduct virtual education and outreach.
The Black Lives Matter signs we put on our store fronts – and the complaints that we have received about them – serve as a reminder of the work that we need to do to stand up for racial equity within the walls of our stores and in our communities. With more diverse shoppers, owners, coworkers, board members and food producers, we are serving a more meaningful role in our communities. Providing equitable access to our cooperative creates a powerful opportunity to take part in owning a business and having a voice. It is such an important time in our nation that we exercise our democratic right to vote - not just for our government representatives but for our cooperative representatives. If you have not voted in the board of directors elections, I encourage you to do so. You can find a ballot on page 5. In many ways it feels like our world has been flipped upside down. But, there are a few things that remain constant and true here at the co-op: producers delivering their local goods, employees stocking shelves and helping shoppers, and community members catching up in the aisles. We are perservering. Whether you’re a brand new owner or have been with us from the start, I want to send a sincere thanks to you for supporting our co-op in 2020.
Our KCK building includes a variety of sustainable features, including: • The parking lot’s pervious pavement is designed to let water naturally seep through it to be absorbed into the soil beneath. These pavers are known to reduce pollution run off, puddles and flooding, erosion and overheating. • The silver cisterns on the back of the building collect rain water from the roof which is then used to irrigate our landscaping. • Kansas City offers businesses single stream recycling. As it is much easier than sorting out recyclables for individuals, single stream increases recycling rates. Our Lawrence location is celebrating a variety of sustainability successes, including: • Since their start up on April 12, 2018, our solar panels have saved 425,461.75 kg of CO2 Carbon Emission, which is the equivalent of 7,080.94 trees planted. (Stats taken 9/17/20)
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As the city of Lawrence does not offer single stream recycling for businesses yet, we have been searching to find a vendor. We are excited to have found a local partner with Honey Creek Disposal.
Questions? Contact us at ownerservices@themerc.coop.
AUTUMN 2020
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OWNER PARTICIPATION
Board Elections VOT E N OW THRO UGH OCTOBER 20
The Merc Co+op’s Board of Directors represents all 8,400+ owners and shapes the vision for the co-op while evaluating the performance of the business. Claim one of your most powerful rights of co-op ownership and vote in our 2020 board elections! The Board of Directors is comprised of nine co-op owners who are elected by the general ownership and serve three year terms. There are six candidates running for four open seats on the board. HOW TO VOTE Voting will take place through a secure, online portal at themerc.coop/elections as well as by paper ballots available in store and on page five. All co-op owners with shares paid in full by September 7, 2020 are eligible to vote. MEET THE CANDIDATES View their full statements in store and online at themerc.coop/elections.
Election Timeline SEPTEMBER 8-OCTOBER 20 Votes accepted in store, by mailed ballot and online at www.themerc.coop/elections. OCTOBER Stay tuned to our website and social media to find out when candidates and board members will be in store. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Virtual Annual Co-op Meeting Board election results announced. Details on page 6.
Questions JUSTIN BORDER
´
SOFIA GALARZA LIU
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STEFANIE CARUTHERS
RACHEL JEFFERSON
JUDY DUTTON
LEANNE RICHARDSON
ELECTION/VOTING Contact Laura Marsh, Outreach Coordinator at outreach@themerc.coop or 785-843-8544 BOARD Contact the Board of Directors and Election Committee at board@themerc.coop.
OWNER PARTICIPATION
Growing our cooperative business OUR CO-OP CAN NOW WELCOME UP TO 100,000 OWNERS In 1974, the co-op set a membership cap at 1,000 in our Articles of Incorporation. In 1992, our owners voted to amend and increase that cap to 10,000. With nearly 8,500 owners, and entering a new city with a second store, we were dangerously close to nearing that cap and not being able to allow anyone over 10,000 to become an owner. In order to change this, we added the issue to the 2019 board election ballot. We needed 33% of our owners to vote in favor of it, but our annual election voters average just 6%. With no fix in sight, the co-op’s attorney and long-time owner Rep. Boog Highberger carried our issue all the way to the state capitol where it became House Bill 2401. In January, Highberger alongside owner Rep. Eileen Horn and Marketing
Director, Valerie Taylor, testified to the House Judicial Committee. Then, Highberger and Taylor testified again in February to the Committee on Federal & State Affairs. When the pandemic ended the progress of the bill, Highberger pursued another procedure for asking the district court to ratify the election proxy votes for increasing that cap. The judge took note of our efforts and ruled in our favor. The amendment has been filed with the Secretary of State’s office, and as of July 23 our co-op can have up to 100,000 owners. Thank you to Boog, Eileen and to our owners who signed the proxy in the 2019 election for helping our co-op grow and be more inclusive of the communities we serve!
Official Shareholder Ballot FUL L N A M E
OWN E R NUMB ER
PH O N E - help us update our records
E M AI L - help us update our records
Board Elections Using the check boxes below, please select up to four. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
o o o
JUSTIN BORDER STEFANIE CARUTHERS JUDY DUTTON
o o o
SOFÍA GALARZA LIU RACHEL JEFFERSON LEANNE RICHARDSON
________________________________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF OWNER ON ACCOUNT DATE
Mail this ballot c/o Owner Services at The Merc Co+op, 901 Iowa, Lawrence, KS 66044 or vote online at themerc.coop/elections
FROM THE BOARD KELLY BARTH, ELECTIONS CHAIR
Several years ago, my friend Hannah moved to Kansas from England for school and to live with her new American husband. Though through marriage, she is allowed to live here, she isn’t allowed to vote in what she describes as one of the most important elections of her lifetime. However, as an owner of The Merc Co+op, a place she regularly shops and an organization she deeply supports, she proudly cast her vote in the Merc Board election. We urge all co-op owners to follow Hannah’s lead. Read the candidate profiles on the website, and cast your vote. Your voice matters.
AUTUMN 2020
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Virtual Annual Co-op Meeting R S V P O N L I N E TO DAY Tuesday November 10 7:00-8:00 p.m.
We are cooperators, and we want to work with other local businesses to forge connections between people and strengthen our local economy. Merc Perks, our community partner program, is an example of our values in action: providing access to local and healthy food and products, as well as building a community based on hospitality and generosity. Merc Perks highlights local businesses that offer valuable, exclusive deals to owners of The Merc Co+op. Just show your owner card to enjoy the perk, and tell them the co-op sent you!
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 is the first time in our 46 year history that we will not plan an in-person Annual Co-op Meeting. Instead, our board of directors and support staff have partnered with local Matty D Media to design a free informative, engaging and worthwhile online experience. Zoom meetings have a capacity for logins, so please RSVP in advance at www.themerc.coop/acm. You will receive a Zoom link prior to the day of the event.
Stay up to date on current perks and partners at www.themerc.coop/perks.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? In addition to board election results and updates about your co-op, every owner who logs in to the meeting will receive: • One $5 coupon for use on co-op purchases • Automatic entry for a chance to win a variety of valuable prizes, including gift cards to the co-op and local businesses.
Want to see your business represented and offer a perk? Fill out the form at www.themerc. coop/perks or email outreach@themerc.coop.
QUESTIONS? To RSVP online, visit themerc.coop/acm or contact Laura Marsh at ownerservices@themerc.coop or 785-843-8544.
Ms. R’s cafe
my tees & photos JULIE BEAR DON’T WALK ACUPUNCTURE & INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
Support these local Merc Perks partners! 6
CONNECTIONS
OWNER BENEFITS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR OWNERSHIP!
Special Owner Savings
October 1-31
D I L A V N I
Owner Days
Save 10% on a purchase under $100
Good for use at all locations in Lawrence and Kansas City!
OR
Save 15%
on a purchase $100 or more OR
Save 20%
Your investment in our consumerowned cooperative business provides a reliable source of healthy, local and organic products while investing in the sustainability and well-being of our community. Our bi-annual Owner Appreciation Days coupon is one of the most valuable ways for your co-op to say thank you for your participation.
on a purchase $150 or more
OFFER VALID OCTOBER 1-31, 2020 Offer applies before tax. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. May not be used to purchase non-taxable items, alcohol, catering orders, special orders, gift cards, class gift certificates or owner shares. One coupon use per owner number.
Join us during this month-long savings event to stock up on your favorite deals and enter to win prizes and gifts!
AUTUMN 2020
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Thanksgiving Meals Place your order online at www.themerc.coop/thanksgiving. Payment due at time of order.
ONLINE ORDERS DUE
NOVEMBER
22
PICK UP IN LAWRENCE
NOVEMBER
25
Family Style
Traditional
Vegan
Maple Glazed Yams with Cranberries Green Beans Amandine Classic Mashed Potatoes Traditional Herb Stuffing Homestyle Poultry Gravy Cranberry Relish Dinner Rolls
Roasted Turkey Maple Glazed Yams with Cranberries Green Beans Amandine Classic Mashed Potatoes Traditional Herb Stuffing Homestyle Poultry Gravy Cranberry Relish Dinner Rolls $ 12.99 per person
Mushroom Walnut Loaf Maple Glazed Yams with Cranberries Green Beans Amandine Mashed Potatoes Vegan Stuffing Mushroom Gravy Cranberry Relish Dinner Rolls $ 12.99 per person
Everything but the turkey
49.99, serves 4-6
$
Individual servings
Individual servings
Desserts
Nine inch pies and cakes, select varieties available in store Classic Apple Pie Cherry Pie Peach Pie Pumpkin Pie
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Local Sweet Potato Pie Local Bourbon Pecan Pie Douglas County Pie Cranberry Apple Galette
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cherry Cheesecake Pumpkin Bread Assorted Cookies
Prices vary
A La Carte Select from a variety of pies and holiday dishes ready to heat and eat. Available in Lawrence in our Fresh To Go case and on our Bakery table!
FEATURES
Local Turkeys
Hey, neighbor! Your community-owned Seasonal Drink Menu We are excited to launch our new Fall & Winter made-to-order drink grocery store is opening menu. Be on the look out for your seasonal flavors, like pumpkin Saturday,favorite July 17th! spice, frosted mint and more.
Vesecky Family Farms Baldwin City, KS
Bauman’s Cedar Valley Farms Garnett, KS
Come on in, enjoy a free cup of fair trade coffee and discover something delicious!
As Easy As Pie With Merc Made varieties, special seasonal selections and popular brand name favorites, your coop has all the pies you need to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Really, it doesn’t get easier than this!
(Coupon on back.)
Our fresh-never-frozen local turkeys are free-range raised on Bauman’s Cedar Valley Farms in Garnett and Vesecky Family Farms in Baldwin City. All local turkeys are free of antibiotics, added hormones* and preservatives. Availability begins Saturday, November 21 at the Lawrence store. No reservations needed!
New Sandwich Combos We are thrilled to introduce our new combo meals featuring any of our seven made-to-order signature sandwiches plus a bag of chips and drink for just $7.99. From fried chicken to local pastrami to vegan tofu, we have something for everyone!
In addition, a variety of natural fresh and frozen turkeys and hams will be available at both stores throughout the season. Looking for something special like rib roasts, duck or select cuts of your favorite holiday meats? Contact our Lawrence store butchers at meatsea@themerc.coop. *Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in poultry.
Essential Party Dips Dips are a holiday requirement. From boosting crunchy chips to fresh veggies, it’s not a party without a party dip. Your co-op has a variety of options including creamy dairy dips, unique plant-based selections, and the tried and true traditionals like salsa, guacamole and hummus.
Check out our sandwich menu online at www.themerc.coop/deli.
On The Cover Sharing is caring! Our Merc Made Pumpkin Bread recipe can be found online at www.themerc.coop/pumpkin-bread.
AUTUMN 2020
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Give the Gift of Heat
Kansas City BBQ
There is no better way to fire up the ultimate hot sauce fan. Whether shopping for a bona fide hot head or a red hot rookie, we have a variety of locally made fiery options. These bottled and canned treats complement most any meal and make great gifts and stocking stuffers.
Nothing lights a fire quite like BBQ, and we are lucky to be surrounded by some of the best BBQ establishments in the country. Check out our selection of local sauces and rubs - mix and match and package them up to make a great gift for grillers and BBQ aficionados. Louisburg Apple Cider Since 1977, Louisburg Cider Mill has produced 100% not-from-concentrate apple cider made with US apples, mostly from orchards located along the Missouri River Valley. They continue today as they began — determined to make their cider the best anywhere in the country.
Pitmaster LT’s Shawnee, KS
Farm to Market Kansas City, KS
Maggie’s Farm Lawrence, KS
Moon on the Meadow Lawrence, KS
Mellowfields Lawrence, KS
Jones Bar-B-Q Kansas City, KS
Yoli’s Tortilleria Kansas City, MO
Wakarusa Valley Farms Lawrence, KS
BoysGrow Kansas City, MO
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change for our
New Roots to Refugees KCK Recipient - November
About Change
Apply To Be A 2021 Recipient
Upcoming Change Recipients
Change for our Community gives shoppers the opportunity to donate their spare change to local organizations every time they shop. Each month, a different organization is featured at each store as the recipient, and 100% of all donations collected go to that specific organization.
Our co-op is accepting applications for consideration as 2021 Change for our Community partners. The application window is open from October 1-31.
October • Groundwork NRG (KC) • Willow Domestic Violence Center
In fiscal year 2020, we-as a co-op community-raised $96,333. Since the program began in January 2014, we have raised over $430,000.
Sunrise Project Lawrence Recipient - July 2020
Applicants must be local, non-profit organizations serving the community. To learn more about eligibility and apply online, visit www.themerc.coop/change. Questions? Contact Laura Marsh, Outreach Manager at outreach@ themerc.coop.
Project RALLY KCK Recipient - September 2020
November • New Roots for Refugees (KC) • Coalition for Homeless Concerns December • El Centro (KC) • The Giving Tree (adopted families)
Growing Food Growting Health Lawrence Recipient - April
AUTUMN 2020
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901 Iowa • Lawrence, KS 66044 501 Minnesota • Kansas City, KS 66101 www.TheMerc.Coop
Free Streaming Film Food co-ops are telling their story across the U.S. in the acclaimed documentary Food For Change. The film is available for free streaming now until the end of 2020 to all co-ops and their owners. (Find the link in the white box at left.) The film tracks the ups and downs of cooperatives from the Great Depression to the present through rare archival footage, animation, graphics, and interviews with co-op leaders. Co-ops are organizing screenings to educate their members and the general public about the nation’s longest surviving alternative economic system, which is also a social movement based on principles of cooperation. Steve Alves, an internationally-acclaimed filmmaker and member of the Franklin Community Co-op in Greenfield, Massachusetts, narrates the film he directed. He sees the story’s theme of cooperation as particularly relevant to today’s political climate. “It’s American history, from the Great Depression to the present, with co-ops as the protagonist,” says Alves. Food co-ops introduced whole and organic foods to the American diet in the 1970s; today they are the champions of local food systems.
Stream the free film at the link below. vimeo.com/292605673
“Across the U.S. we’re experiencing both a renaissance and a challenge to food co-ops,” says Sean Doyle, General Manager of the Seward Co-op. “As food co-ops have grown to be successful businesses with annual sales of over $2 billion, they are facing fierce competition from corporate chain stores in the natural foods market they created. We want the public to know our story and what we stand for.”
The Merc Co+op helped sponsor the making of this film and since 2016, we have hosted three free screenings in Lawrence and KCK.
Stay up to date on news, sales and events by signing up for our e-newsletter! Enter your email online at www.themerc.coop, send us an email at ownerservices@themerc.coop or sign up with a cashier.