Second Annual Meeting Report

Durham Central Market owners were treated to a virtual store at the second annual meeting, Sunday, October 24, 2010. Tents stood on the store site, with food and beverage stations mimicking various grocery departments. Thanks to Counter Culture Coffee, we had a virtual coffee bar where owners swilled coffee and apple cider. People munched on snacks and kids carved pumpkins on a perfect autumn afternoon.

Robin Arcus, the board secretary opened the annual meeting, followed by a report from board president Michael Bacon. Michael stated the project is progressing, apparent by holding the meeting at the selected site. "We're here to show you how the store might be, provided we reach our goals." Those goals include 1,000 owners by year's end (to date we have 800), and raising the necessary capital, $1.5 million.

Stephen Hren, board member explained the upcoming investment campaign. "As other co-ops have done, we will be asking our owners for part of our initial start up costs in the form of investment loans." The board expects the investment campaign to roll out in early spring 2011. "The best way to help us succeed is to encourage other people to join Durham Central Market, and to provide the loans we need."

Currently, Durham Central Market is operating with a volunteer board and one part time project manager, Don Moffitt. The board of directors will increase its size in 2011 with the addition of elected and appointed members. Kirsten Ingebretsen, one of the newest board members was elected at the annual meeting.

Consider a DCM Share This Holiday Season

by Elena Feinstein

As we enter the winter holiday season, many of us will be thinking about how to negotiate gift-giving traditions in ways that are consistent with our values. If you're looking for a meaningful gift this year, I ask you to consider giving a share in Durham Central Market. I can think of no sweeter sentiment than giving a loved one (or your own household, if you're not yet a DCM owner) a stake in the shared future of our community. The tote bag or water bottle you receive when you purchase an owner share can serve as a tangible token of this significant investment, and the recipient will continue to enjoy the benefits of co-op membership once the store opens. This year, include someone you love in the joy of making our cooperative dreams a reality!

Third Friday Durham: LOCAL ART by Nick Brown!

11/19/2010 6pm-9pm @ 538 Foster Street

Come visit the office of Durham Central Market, a new neighborhood cooperative grocery, aiming to locate in the heart of Durham, eat snacks, enjoy drinks, and view a fantastic paint series by local artist – Nick Brown! This will be our last showing with third friday until March 2011... so don't miss it!

Biography

Nicholas Brown is a self-taught abstract painter living in Durham, NC. He started painting during his senior year of college using cheap paints and cardboard. Two years later Nick had his first show at small venue during Raleigh's First Friday. He hopes this show at Durham's Third Friday will be the first of many more shows in the Bull City.

Statement

I have always found meaning in the act of painting. My goal is that people also experience something in the act of viewing my work. Whether that experience is contentment, happiness, irritation, or plain emotion, I hope it impacts the viewer.

Meet Kirsten Ingebretsen

Kirsten Ingebretsen is our newest board member, elected at the annual meeting. Kirsten grew up in Jackson, Mississippi where, as a child, she shopped at the Rainbow Co-op. She moved cross country to live in San Francisco (1990–1994) just as the city's downtown farmers' market was evolving from a few stalls to a thriving enterprise. In 1994 Kirsten and her husband located to Durham where she went to work at Magnolia Grill (1996–1999). Here she became a self-proclaimed "foodie." She also became interested in homeschooling with the birth of her four children. Kirsten helped found the Hillsborough Montessori Farm School by working on the board of directors. She also developed the Durham Homeschool Community (DHC) which is a support network of homeschooling families. Kirsten brings fresh energy to the board by way of her interest in local food and knowledge of local restaurants and owners. Welcome Kirsten!

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