Weavers Way Mt Airy by Albert Yee (dragonballyee.com/blog/)Philly’s got food co-op fever. With veteran co-ops like Weavers Way and Mariposa, plus newbies including, the South Philly Food Co-op and the Kensington Community Food Co-op, member-supported groceries are here to stay. If you need the extra incentive to join or start your own, attend the Mid-Atlantic Food Co-op Alliance’s Conference for Start-up Food Co-ops right here in Philadelphia.
The all day event will provide the dos and don’ts for building successful, member-owned enterprises – all with the advice from local co-op owners and experts. The day will kick-off with a registration/coffee hour, followed by a welcome and intro session, a plethora of workshops and a closing session.
Here’s a sneak-peak at some of the day’s workshops:
- An Overview of Food Co-op Development Process
- Sustainable Membership Drives
- Access to Capital: Leveraging funding from multiple sources
- Alternative Co-op Models (panel)
- What’s So Special about Co-ops?
- How to Stay Motivated and Maintain Enthusiasm from Your Members
Plus, there will be plenty of representatives from PA co-ops to meet and ask questions. Staff from Mariposa, Weavers Way, Kensington Community and Swarthmore food co-ops will all be attendance.
You can register for the conference here. Early registration (by April 15th) is $40, and walk-in registration is $50. Scholarships are also available for those in need (simply apply to info@mafca.coop).
Saturday, April 16
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Brossman Center, Lutheran Theological Seminary
7301 Germantown Ave.
