Cast Your Ballots to Keep Us Strong

From modest beginnings to the vibrant food market you see today, it might surprise you to learn that the Wedge Co-op was born during a backyard meeting in the summer of 1974. That November, our cooperative opened in the basement shop of an apartment building on Franklin Avenue, half a block west of Lyndale in the space now occupied by Extension Generation.

A joint effort by a group of neighbors, the Wedge Co-op initially relied on its members to perform a great deal of the physical labor in the store. In fact, working a few hours per month was required of members. Those days are long gone. The baby-boomers who launched the Wedge also started families and began careers by the mid-'80s. While they and their baby-boomer counterparts wanted natural food in ever-increasing numbers, they didn't have time to stock the beans and sweep the floor at the co-op anymore.

The nature of Wedge membership changed as its membership changed, and our store has grown beyond the founders' wildest dreams. But, members' active participation is as important as ever. Our members are the very reason this store exists. We appreciate the daily conversations, suggestions in the comment box and your occasional letters. You keep us informed about your perspectives and priorities so we can provide top-notch service to a diverse group.

We need your input now more than ever. This month we ask you for your help in a very special way. Please vote in the Board of Directors election - it's simple, fast and painless! The board candidates are all service-oriented members, who have been recommended by our nominations committee.

The WedgeShare candidates are organizations whose goals align with aspects of our mission. The Bylaws have been rewritten in accordance with updated co-op law and options for smoother operations (including the option of on-line voting in elections when we have the technology). You'll find your ballot on the back page of this newsletter, and everything you need to make your decision is just inside the cover.

What's more, when you send in your completed ballot by the dates mentioned in the instructions, you'll receive a $5 gift certificate, to be mailed later in the year. We need to achieve a quorum for this election to be valid! Can we count on you?