From the Interim General Manager

Happy New Year and cheers to you, Co-op members, shoppers, and staff! The Co-op is here for another year of service to our community, and I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of it. Last spring, in the Natural Enquirer, I wrote to introduce myself as your Operations Director. This time, I write to re-introduce myself as your Interim General Manager.

In our reacquainting with one another, I’d like you to know that I consider myself to be a “co-op nerd.” A couple sentences to help define this attribute: any time I am traveling near or far, I always make a point to stop at the nearest co-op and “ooh” and “aah” over their unique spaces, local delights, and amazing (and sometimes curious) smells. When someone isn’t sure what it means to be a co-op, I am ready and eager to explain the business model, hoping that it means I’ll make a new cooperator and another steward of cooperative values.

Now knowing a bit more about my heart, I have to tell you what a remarkable co-op we have here in Skagit Valley. The rich agricultural presence in the Valley is enough alone to make the Co-op a special place, but what has been incredibly humbling for me to be a part of is the people who care for it. The staff are passionate about the products and services we provide, the Board is extremely intentional in giving back to our community, our shoppers are loyal, and our local farmers and producers are proud to be included in our store.

In reflecting on my time here thus far, I would be remiss not to recognize the General Managers who came before me. Todd Wood created such an exceptional foundation for our Co-op from 1978 to 2020. His creativity made this one of the most special co-ops many “co-op nerds” have ever seen. Tony White retired in December after his six-year tenure. Our strong foundation, along with Tony’s leadership, helped the Board to achieve its dream of giving back to the community with programs like the Growing Good Fund and Feeding Change.

As those who have come before me, it is now my turn to think of the year ahead and anticipate what is next. Since my start here in March, I have listened to the many voices of our care holders, and what I know is this: in the new year, I look forward to elevating our Co-op’s existing services by investing time in creating efficiencies and developing a culture of positivity.

You won’t see many big changes this upcoming year, but I hope that what you feel is a new lightness and joy while shopping here at the Co-op.

Leah Scates

Interim General Manager