In my previous blog, we explored how the Vision Committee has distilled a fresh set of ends policies that will guide everything from our store operations to community outreach. Those statements—and the logic behind them—are laid out in full detail in the committee’s report. 

I was encouraged by the positive response to last issue’s article, and I look forward to seeing what others think of it. Please take some time to complete the survey that’s now online; it will be available through Monday, Feb. 16. 

Before you take a moment to complete the survey, we strongly encourage you to read the report first. It explains why we kept our mission unchanged, how each new ends policy builds on our past work, and the values that shape every decision we make. Understanding this context will help you decide whether each proposed policy is an improvement over the current one. 

Whether you’re a shopper, a member-owner, or an employee, your honest feedback on a simple “agree/disagree” scale will let the committee refine the draft, report back to the council, and ultimately finalize the new ends policies in a March/April meeting. 

Strategic planning begins 

What are we going to do to alleviate crowding in the store and in the parking lot? How can we reach more people? How will we use the newly purchased property at 707 Stone Cutters Way? These are some of the questions we’ll address this year in a strategic planning process.  

The council voted at its January 27, 2026, special meeting to charter a Strategic Planning Committee and to appoint a few members to get the work started. The committee begins with General Manager Mary Mullally, Council President Carl Etnier, Council Vice President Jeff Roberts, and member-owner Rita Ricketson. This group will be recruiting people to fill out the six- to nine-member committee; look for information in the newsletter and around the store. If you already know you’re interested in serving on the committee, please email me at the address below. 

The Wrap 

Q: What do you use to fix a broken tomato? 

A: Tomato paste! 

—Carl Etnier, Council President

Do you have any questions or comments about the council? Do you know any jokes even faintly related to food and/or co-ops? Please email them to me!