Speech given by Marilyn Scholl at the Groundbreaking of River Valley Market
Northampton, Massachusetts
May 17, 2007
Congratulations Northampton!
Congratulations River Valley Market!
Congratulations Co-op owners!
Welcome to the Co-op family!!
One hundred and sixty-three years ago a small group of factory workers in England had a dream of self-sufficiency and of changing the dynamics of “the rich get richer” that was prevalent in the Industrial Age. They started the first cooperative store with five products and a big vision. They believed that owning a store together, cooperatively, operated for their own benefit, would change their lives. It did, and more!
Their vision led to a worldwide movement of people working together to meet their own common needs. Reliant not on government or on charity, but self-reliant. Imagine a world of cooperative economics. Commerce that values people and the planet as much as it does profit. Business for the common good. Imagine the possibilities!
The cooperative business model is as valid, and as needed, today as it was then. For decades, food cooperatives in this country have been quietly leading a food revolution, providing honest information about food: what’s in it, where it comes from, and what it means to you. Co-op’s protect consumer rights and the integrity of our food. We know good food. Because no one is more passionate and knowledgeable about food, co-ops bring you the best—fresh, wholesome and delicious food.
Member linkage can get dirty! Even the Northhampton mayor (center) got in on the digging.
We’ve had our ups and downs learning how to be savvy AND ethical business people while pursuing our mission. Today food cooperatives are thriving. The last ten years have been very strong with steady growth. Existing co-ops are expanding their stores and opening new stores. Brand new co-ops like yours are sprouting up all over!
Independent food co-ops are vital, local businesses that are integral parts of the fabric of their communities, preserving the community’s unique character, providing jobs, stabilizing the local economy and creating markets for local farmers and producers.
Co-ops help each other. Many cooperatives around the country have joined River Valley Market as members, made investments, donations, loans and deposits on your behalf to help secure financing for this project. Over fifty other co-ops have made financial contributions of one type or another to help make your dream a reality. The food co-op family is excited to welcome our new baby sister co-op into the fold and we’ll will be there as you grow. We’ll keep our eye on you and our hand extended as you learn to crawl, then walk and run. Across the country food co-ops are celebrating with you today!
River Valley Market Board of Directors get involved in operations!
Co-ops are businesses people trust. Why?
YOU own it — not some out-of-town or out-of-country corporation that only wants to profit from you.
YOU control it — you elect people you know — your friends and neighbors to provide guidance, oversight and leadership on your behalf.
YOU benefit — Co-ops exist to serve their members’ needs. They keep capital in the community, have social and economic goals, and are open and democratic. Let your co-op know what you need and know that it must balance your needs with those of hundreds of others.
With ownership comes responsibility. As owners you need to watch out for what you’ve created — support it, promote it and use it. Expect it to be awesome!
Because you own it and control it, as long as you take care of it, it will always be yours!
Long live River Valley Market!
Long live Northampton Community Co-op!!
Photos by John Eicholz, GreenField Market
