Let The Planning Begin

Cook County Whole Foods Co-op, a member-owned community grocery, working to create a  healthy and sustainable society, was founded in 1976.  The store moved around the community as sales grew and membership increased.  In 2001 the Co-op moved into its current location on the East Bay in Grand Marais.  Sales topped $300,000 that year and continued to increase as we grew into our larger space.  Everyone wondered what we would do with all of the space, but before long we added an addition to allow for more storage and easier access for deliveries.  Our sales are now approaching $2,000,000/year, and it's time to expand yet again.  The Board of Directors looked at a number of possible locations for a new store in our community, but it quickly became apparent that our present location was where we wanted to be.  Unfortunately, our current building was not designed as a grocery store and the multi-levels make it difficult for shoppers and employees.  That means we need to start over and build a new store on our site.  We hope to build an energy efficient green building that's designed to be a grocery store and designed to meet the needs of our owners.  Here are a few of the steps that we've taken so far on the road toward expansion:

Fall 2010:  The board had a retreat with Bill Gessner, a consultant who helps Co-ops plan for expansion.  Bill went through steps of readiness with the board and wrote a pro forma which forecasts future sales potential and business expenses.

Spring 2011:  A market study was conducted to determine the optimal location for our Co-op and to project future sales in a larger space.  Three sites in Grand Marais were studied, and it was determined that our current location was the best site for our store.

Summer 2011:  The board voted to expand on its current location which will involve moving into a temporary location during the project.  Relocation and construction are tentatively scheduled for October 2012.

January 2012:  National Cooperative Grocers Association Development Co-operative (NCGADC) was hired to help with the expansion.  The NCGADC provides focused, highly targeted development services to strengthen the operations of food co-ops, help them expand and help ensure success following an expansion.  They have helped with numerous Co-op expansions throughout the United States and will make sure that we're on track and making good, feasible decisions during the process.

February 2012:  The board of directors voted to hire Builders Commonwealth from Duluth, Minnesota to design and build the new store.  Builders Commonwealth is a cooperative and plans to use local builders and contractors as much as possible through out the project.  They were the contractors for the Whole Foods Co-op in Duluth when they expanded their operation and moved into their current store so they have experience building a grocery store and have experience building green buildings.

What's next?  We'll start putting ideas and plans on paper.  We'll have brainstorming meetings to get input on what owners want in a new space.  We'll locate a temporary space and will start planning for our move.  We'll start raising money for the project.  We'll finalize plans, contractors, fixtures.....  So, hold on to your hats.  We have a lot to accomplish before October.  I'll keep you updated on this blog.  Feel free to e-mail or stop by my office to give input on the project.  It's going to be an exciting year.