I’m a proud member and owner of NCCM and am excited for an amazing, community-owned full-service natural grocer that is good for my family, our community and the planet. To do good you must DO something, Yvon Chouinard (owner of Patagonia) once said. Another wise mantra encourages us to be the change we want to see in this world. These mantras have inspired my participation over the past years: connecting with like-minded community members, recruiting natural grocers, meeting with developers and community leaders, presenting at community meetings, and surveying the community. Despite much community effort, we have not yet been able to recruit a natural grocer for various reasons. One traditional natural grocer told our steering committee that “no one will come close to Stapleton.” He cited income levels in the 2-3 mile urban trade area (majority is low-to-moderate income) and density as two major factors. I feel NCCM, a community-owned natural grocer is a solution! Who better knows this community than we do. I first experienced how amazing co-ops are while in grad school at UNC Chapel Hill. Co-ops are more than a natural grocer, they are also unique community gathering places that give character to a community. NCCM has over 500 members and needs over 600 fully vested members to launch into our next phase (signing a lease, hire a General Manager and pursue bank financing, member loans, additional grants and other forms of financing). I feel the time to join is now, because this will allow this amazing amenity to open on its rapid timeline (who wants to wait?!). I’m inspired by this NE Denver/ NW Aurora community and the way WE are making this a reality together. To learn more: http://www.northeastco-op.org/. We the community has the power to make this happen.
—Juli Pearson, steering committee member and Eastbridge Resident
