Grocery With A Conscience
Next week the CCM Board of Directors convenes for an annual retreat. A retreat sounds like hammocks and ice-cold beer by the beach. But that’s not quite the kind of retreat we’re talking about. On Saturday, August 6th, the board will conduct an all-day meeting where we’ll discuss the co-op’s Ends.
The ‘Ends’ are our mission statement—critical to the success of any business. In fact, the second chapter of Stephen Covey's bestseller Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is ‘Start with the Ends in Mind’. Starting with the Ends is exactly what co-ops do.
Starting with the Ends means that CCM is a retail grocer with a conscience. Before we sell a single bunch of organic broccoli or hormone-free ground beef, we start out by articulating our values. Our priorities must reflect the community we serve.
I don’t think many businesses do that. In fact, I think it’s rare these days. CCM has 'Ends Policies' that I, as the CEO, interpret for the Board. Then the board and I discuss my take on Ends such as ‘Quality Food Access for All’ or ‘Be An Exemplary Workplace’.
‘How Can We Make a Buck’, is often the only End in mind for some retailers. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but that’s not our End. CCM, like other co-ops, aim for a higher purpose that works together with local producers to serve our neighborhood. In doing good work we can make CCM a ‘Thriving Cooperative Enterprise’. That’s another of our Ends.
I’m looking forward to getting to know our board—it’s our first in-person meeting—and after the retreat I’ll share their feedback about how they would like to see CCM improve the health and well-being of our community. See you next week for our Member Celebration!
In cooperation,
Community Co-op Market CEO