As I returned to the market for a second time today, I sat down at one of the new patio tables next to the general manager’s wife, Tracy. I had come to check on the progress and to pre-celebrate with the community of people who have become our friends over the course of working together on the Company Shops Market project. It is the eve of the store opening. Not the big celebratory event. That is coming in a few weeks. But for now, the store is opening with less fanfare so they can use the next few weeks to work out the kinks and get the store running smoothly. Both of us were out later than we intended, but we didn’t want to go home just yet. “It’s such a beautiful night and you can just feel the positive energy here tonight,” we agreed.
These are the last hours of a process that for me, began almost 4 years ago. This co-op started as a dream of a handful of community members who became local leaders. Eric Henry, Sam Moore, Charlie Sydnor. Businessmen and farmers. They soon convinced other civic minded people to join their vision. People like CSM’s tireless board president Sharon Dent…. And myself. And Nate. We are supporters, ownership shareholders, and volunteers. Since then, over 2000 people have joined the effort to open a co-op grocery store in historic downtown Burlington, NC.
For the last several days, individuals from other food co-ops have joined Company Shops Market staff and volunteers to unpack and fill the shelves with bounty of local, natural and organic foods. That is something truly amazing about co-ops. They work cooperatively to help each other, to share their knowledge and lend a helping hand.
We are so excited that Company Shops Market is open for business…. today! Here are a few photos from yesterday showing just a few of the many people who have helped make this community-owned market a reality.
