I can’t tell you how great it is to finally be in Moscow!  

By the time you read this,  I will have been at the Co-op for several days and will have already met a few of you at Annual Meeting.   I have been very excited about the prospect of being the General Manager of the Moscow Food Co-op since I first heard about this opportunity over seven months ago.    Since accepting the position in mid-August, I finished up my last few weeks as the Store Manager of the Berkshire Co-op in time to attend the NCGA (National Cooperative Grocers Association) General Assembly meetings in Cambridge, Massachusetts a few weeks ago.  It was a great way to begin my new role by having the opportunity to meet and interact with General Managers from over 100 Co-op’s from across the nation to discuss issues that affect all of us, share best practices  and develop strategies to  keep the co-op  movement thriving  and growing.

I have also had the opportunity to visit a few co-ops on my trek toward Moscow.  Whenever I visit another co-op or independent grocer, I’m always looking for those great things that they are doing that I could bring back to my store.   I’m also noticing all of the great things that my store is doing that would benefit whatever store I happen to be in.  In the end, I’m always grateful to be back in my own store and very appreciative of everyone who works so hard to make it the place that it is.

And it is with great anticipation that I write this message.  I am eager to get to Moscow and begin working with the staff, Board, owners and community to continue all of the great things that are happening here at the Co-op.