Welcome to the New CGN

I’m pleased to say that the new Cooperative Grocer Network (CGN) platform is up and running at www.grocer.coop. We launched first to CGN Account Managers (guardians of the many Spaces in the CGN galaxy), and they’ve been reviewing their rosters and opening the gate.

It takes some time to become familiar with a new platform, but don’t be shy—get in there, take a tour, and click around. It’s now possible to initiate Discussions via email and to receive a digest of CGN notifications. The list of formats the site can upload is a wonder to behold—all the better to expand our resource collection as media tools evolve and become easier to use. 

I’m very appreciative of the fact that so many co-ops and associate member organizations are deciding to join or renew their involvement with Cooperative Grocer Network. We are at the beginning of a new era, a critical moment for food co-ops—let’s think about that.

There are more new co-op startups than ever working to get “doors on the store.” New stores are becoming familiar with the food co-op business model as they implement strategies they’ve learned from those who’ve been around for a while.

It’s safe to say that all of our stores are running into the challenges of increased competition. Much of what we’ve worked so hard to achieve (good food for more people) has become a powerful idea embraced by the general public, including those who once were on the periphery of our movement. Conventional grocery stores have gotten smarter about marketing and promoting natural, organic, and faux-local foods. While many of our largest and most successful stores continue to thrive, they too face challenges. 

What do we have as a competitive cooperative advantage? For one thing, we have a long tradition of organic sharing, of working together to find strength and inspiration. We communicate with our shoppers (including our owners) in ways that are often deeper, richer, and more significant with respect to the health of local communities. We know we have a powerful impact on people’s lives—we see the results every day. 

This is where CGN remains vital to our success. In providing a strong collaborative web platform, as well as a magazine (the one here in your hands!) to broadcast our evolving history, CGN is a place where we can network every day as the good work moves ahead. It’s a safe place to make vital connections, drawing on wisdom gleaned from experience. The voices at CGN reflect an array of strategies and perspectives. They include seasoned pros, board members, social media experts, and people who are emerging leaders. And, as you know, there’s a vast repository of searchable resources at CGN, documenting our efforts.

Together, using CGN as one of our many significant food co-op support organizations, we can expand our reach, improve our systems, identify sources of talent and capital, and find more enjoyment and ease as we take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Special thanks are in order. Ben Nauman of National Co+op Grocers has moved on from the CGN Board after giving us amazing leadership and service, most recently as board president. I’m so grateful for the mentorship he offered in my first months on the job. Marc BrownGold, operations manager at Willy Street Co-op, said yes to the request that he return to the board to fill out the remainder of Ben’s term. It’s great to have him on the team. We’re pleased to announce that both Martha Whitman and Zafra Whitcomb will be serving for another term—we are wisely keeping our Whits about us.

Organic sharing—let’s do this! 

P.S. Please don’t hesitate to contact me as you get familiar with the new platform. I look forward to building something remarkable with all of you in the years ahead. [email protected] ♦