The Communicator - February 2005
3
Edward Bain, General Manager
General Manager's Report (January, 2005)
I recently read a work by Alvin & Heide Toffler, well known for their previous
works Future Shock and the Third Wave. The book, Creating a New Civilization:
The Politics of the Third Wave, is a very small book, easy to read, with some great
thinking in it. I would like to recommend it to the many of you out there who, like
myself, find a lack of coherence in the direction our world seems to be spinning.
The book is a considered and encompassing analysis of our global social evolu-
tion and what cultural influences we are and will be subject to. The central theme
to the Tofflers work is that we are in the midst of one of the most significant social
revolutions that our world has ever experienced and that revolution has and will
change every aspect of our culture in a relatively short time frame. Their piece does not paint a rosy picture of the
future. However, contrary to the inadequate and hardly optimistic picture that many people feel and are stifled by,
coupled with consequent lack of a positive vision by either of our major political parties, this is an enlightened set
of concepts. And the Tofflers do present a perspective that draws out some clarity as to ways in which our society
could more consciously embrace and implement changes that would be both positive and opportunistic for these
changing and uncertain times. Look for this book in the Simply Living Book area at the market. More copies are on
order now.
Speaking of changes that are positive and opportunistic, I want to emphasize the new look at the front of the store.
A SHOUT OUT goes to Russell Selkirk, our employee of the month, for his good work and encouragement to transi-
tion the front register area. Look for additional changes that will streamline and modernize the front area. Good job
to Russell!
In addition, Mike Reed, Gwen Uetrecht, and Kellie Fiorello have been upgrading our newsletter to reflect a much
more attractive, inviting and informative format. We hope this is only the beginning of a continued movement
toward our goal of making both our newsletter and website networking pieces create synergy for our market, our
members, and our small business community - a synergy that drives our value set of Lifestyles of Health and
Sustainability (LOHAS). In addition, we want it to drive relationships of capital exchange that bring opportunity
and advancement to our participants. Remember we all make it happen for each other. If you are a small
businessperson, get familiar with your local community of LOHAS value members and put an advertisement in our
newsletter. When you think advertising, take it from me, don't think it will bring business to your door overnight.
Think that you will be exposing the service 0pportunity that you have to share with like-minded people and that
you are familiarizing them with your name. Advertising is not about immediate results, however, it is about aware-
ness of your available service and long-term exposure.
We want to make our networking vehicles LOHAS Cadillac limousines, running on alternative energy. We want them
to be rich in information, attractive in content, roomy to comfortably accommodate many of our small business
partners, engineered with stylish design and economic opportunity, loaded with LOHAS horsepower to engage and
deliver to people outside our normal circle. You might say that sounds trite. I say, "Get on board and take a ride!
We are going somewhere at very affordable prices."
Don't miss the market's Annual Music Benefit. We have a music lineup that is fantastic and we are hoping to get
Jimmy Socrates the Magician back again this year for the kids! Come celebrate with us and help us keep our tradi-
tion of fundraising and fellowship alive for another year!
Remember your dollars work for you at your local co-op and please let me know if we can do a better job serving
you!
Sincerely,
Edward Bain, General Manager
P.S. Our Co-op Cow really needs a name bad. Got a good one? The prize for naming the cow may surprise you. Look for
entry forms at the counter. Kids and adults can submit suggestions!