06/20/2007: "Buyer’s Club Co-Op Being Formed"

A San Juan Island Buyer’s Club Co-op is being formed that will order regional organic dry goods and make them available to members of buyer’s club. Organizers Cloud McCauley and Maureen Marinkovich plan to have a membership drive once they complete talks with the SJC Health Department, and secure a lease agreement for a building to house the co-op.

The space they plan to lease will be located in the Surina Business Park off of Malcolm Street. A turn key 300 sq ft unit located on the west corner of the business park will be the start up location.

McCauley and Marinkovich said that while the rent for one year, and the simple equipment costs, will be covered by a private donor, the co-op will still need to pay for town utilities and provide “volunteer help to get things up and running”. They plan to ask for a suggested, but not required, yearly donation of $50 - $75 per family unit, depending on ability and/or some volunteer time at the members convenience.

The plan is to place an order whenever the combined order meets the required $500 minimum. In the beginning this may be once a month, but will increase with demand.

The lease agreement, Heath Department regulation talks, non profit business permitting and membership organization all will be negotiated and should be settled by July. They hope to place orders beginning in August.

Proposed operation:

• All members would have a personal key to access the co-op and would pay on the honor system into a locked drop box. (no staffing)
• Hours of operation will be unlimited to members (keyed access) and open to the public at large one day a week through volunteer staffing.
• The co-op shop will be monitored by a video camera to ensure security.
• Orders will be placed at the co-op so that we can see what others have ordered so as to share, not double order, and be inspired as things play out.
• A fridge, sink, shelves and bulk food bins will be installed.
• All proceeds generated will go directly toward the operation of the co-op. This is a non-profit co-op that needs to cover expenses as we go. The proceeds from yearly membership and fundraising are expected to cover monthly expenses, insurance and initial operation costs. We have been granted a year paid lease by a private donor.
• Large wholesale quantity orders will be sold on UNFI delivery day and will be paid for at time of pick up.
• Bulk bins for small quantity purchasing of basic regional dry goods, dried fruits, nuts, regional grains and basic grocery items will be routinely stocked and available for purchase at individually preferred amounts. (dependent on Health Department’s approval)
• Smaller quantity purchasing of goods will be based on 10% above wholesale cost of goods and will be paid for at time of purchase. (Lowest price in town!!!)
• YOU get to decide what is stocked and how this space is used!

For those who want to become a contributing member, they area asked to wait until the lease is finalized. Once that is in place, more information will be made available by the organizers - including how and where to join the co-op.