On March 27, 202, the Co-op Curious Learners hosted a presentation by Mary Lavelle (General Manager) and Amy Robertson (President of the Board) from the Cortes Natural Food Co-op on Cortes Island.

Starting as a “buyer’s co-op” in 2003, the Cortes Natural Food Co-op has had a long and successful journey to becoming the grocery store and cafe it is today,  It is one of the top employers on the island (employing 20 people even in the off-season), an attraction for tourists and visitors, and the go-to grocery store for many year-round residents. Active members enjoy several benefits, but membership is not required to shop there — so the store serves many times more people every year than its approximately 360 active members.  With over $2 million in sales each year, the Co-op also makes a conscious effort to be a good neighbour. As General Manager Mary Lavelle put it during an interview for Cortes Currents, “Staff, board, management — we’re always considering the community. That is one of the factors that we always consider in our decision making… And I think that’s part of what makes us so special.”

To visit their website, click HERE.

For a summary of the highlights of Mary and Amy’s presentation, click HERE.