At our co-op, we are dedicated to advancing our standards and services to cater to the needs of our valued members and shoppers. In line with this commitment, we are actively collaborating with our contractors to address and resolve issues that have posed challenges, particularly following our recent health inspection.
Our proactive approach includes undertaking structural repairs to fortify the building and prevent future issues. Additionally, we are in the process of obtaining estimates for building siding, a measure that promises a durable solution in the long term. Notably, in response to a recent bout of hard rain, we have pinpointed areas of water leakage and are swiftly taking steps to rectify them.
A significant accomplishment is the completion of a crucial repair on a long-overdue walk-in freezer. Furthermore, we have secured a motor and fan for the store’s central air-conditioning unit, albeit experiencing delays due to challenges in parts procurement from the manufacturer. Once the installation is completed, we will conduct a thorough pressure and balance test to identify solutions for regulating the store’s humidity levels.
In the Meat department, Brett and Johnathan have engaged in productive discussions with a merchandising representative from United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), resulting in a wealth of innovative ideas being integrated into our co-op. Recently, they proactively reorganized the bread and pastry displays to enhance the shopping experience and visual appeal. We invite you to visit and witness these positive changes firsthand.
Meanwhile, our dedicated Produce Manager, Sarah, remains focused on fostering new relationships with local farmers to showcase their fresh produce at our co-op. This week, Sarah and Jen, our Prepared Foods Manager, will be attending an National Co+op Grocers Fresh conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, to gain insights into fresh department practices and food safety protocols.
In recent weeks, we have proudly recognized and celebrated the achievements of our team members through internal promotions. Audrey has successfully transitioned into the role of Member Customer Services Manager, underscoring our dedication to cultivating talent and facilitating advancement within our co-op. Additionally, Anna, who continues to excel in her position as Customer Service Associate, has taken on the additional responsibility of Manager On Duty shifts, allowing her to expand her expertise into a supervisory role. Furthermore, Rory has been promoted to a Level 2 Customer Services Associate and Manager On Duty, marking another significant milestone in our team’s development and progression.
Our ongoing monthly Labor Management Committee meetings have served as a platform for us to actively enhance our collaborative and impactful partnership, ultimately bolstering the efficiency and effectiveness of our co-op’s operations. In addition to fostering a stronger working relationship, these gatherings have also provided a valuable opportunity to address and implement updates in standard operating procedures (SOPs) and systems, ensuring that our processes remain streamlined and up to date with the latest best practices. Through these discussions and actions, we are continuously striving to optimize our operations and promote a culture of continuous improvement within our co-op. Looking back, it’s evident that the current Union-Management relationship is the strongest and most successful one since the Union was first introduced to Three Rivers Market. The collaboration and communication between the two parties have significantly improved, leading to a more harmonious and productive work environment. This positive development has had a notable impact on employee morale, organizational efficiency, and overall success within the Three Rivers Market co-op.
We encourage members to visit the co-op and engage with us in discussions about any concerns, questions, or ideas they may have. Your feedback is invaluable to us and helps us enhance the relationship between members and the co-op. We want you to feel valued and heard, and your input is crucial in shaping the future of our co-op.
For members with busy schedules, we encourage you to share your feedback by filling out a Comment/Suggestion Form or sending an email to customerservice@threeriversmarket.coop or gm@threeriversmarket.coop.
With sincere appreciation,
Fadi Aboush – General Manager
Three Rivers Market
