Comments on: Brainstorming The Hub City Co-Op

By: Danielle

Danielle — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:41:44 +0000

Golden G-Funk, is that you? Will you move back to Sptbg if we open a co-op???

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:05:25 +0000

I belonged to a co-op in Pittsburgh for 22 years before I moved to SC. The Semple Street Food Co-op provides quality goods at low prices. I really miss some of the creulty-free organic health and beauty items that were offered. Members got a discount. The discount was bigger if you put in a few volunteer hours. Of all the things that I miss about Pittsburgh, the co-op is certainly one of the things that I miss the most. I’m excited about your project and would like to get involved. There is such a healthy energy surrounding people who cooperate to bring health and choice to a community! When is the next organizational meeting?

By: Steve Shanafelt

Steve Shanafelt — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:13:21 +0000

Update: The first meeting has been announced.

“Please mark your calendars, the Hub City Co-op will be having its first meeting at the Spartanburg Library Headquarters on Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 pm in the Barrett Room. Please plan on attending! The agenda will be posted here in the next day or so, but it is mostly an informative and upbeat introduction to what we are planning. It will be nice to see you all!”

Here’s the Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=89567718726

By: Ashley Campbell

Ashley Campbell — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:44:28 +0000

Good morning Steve!
Please contact me at your convenience, hubcitycooperative@yahoo.com, as I would like to speak with you regarding this project- some exciting things are happening!
Thanks!
Ashley Campbell

By: camelmike

camelmike — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:11:49 +0000

Salt, sugar, coffee, flour, whiskey and tobacco would be a good foundation for any general store.

Most could be produced locally year round! Salt could be problem though.

By: Angie

Angie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:13:34 +0000

Cate,

Those are great ideas-we are so grateful for the response that this project is receiving in such a short period of time. Keep an eye out on Facebook (and I’ll keep the Spark updated as well) for information about when and where our first meeting for potential members will be.

I am so excited that the community is embracing the idea!

Angie Shuman

By: Cate

Cate — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:35:28 +0000

I’d love to have the opportunity to buy in bulk: granola, nuts, etc. I’d like to be able to bring my shampoo bottle down to the Co-op and fill it up.
I’d like to be able to buy local produce year round, not just during the Farmers’ Market season. I’d especially like to be able to buy local meats.
The most exciting thing to me about this endeavor is not the commerce – it is the community-building aspect. The Co-op could become a homegrown (excuse the pun) community meeting place, and provide a much-needed physical community message board. Additionally, it could become Spartanburg’s Green Mascot and a hub for distributing information about sustainability.
Three cheers for the enterprising folks who are spearheading this project. I look forward to finding out more!

By: Golden

Golden — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:31:39 +0000

Buy non-perishables in bulk, and divide up the order among those who want them–that’s the beginning of a co-op!

By: Daniel

Daniel — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:43:45 +0000

I would love to help in any way possible.
I’ve been a barista for nearly 3 years now and would love to participate in a downtown cafe. Little River Roasting company would be perfect for this.
I can’t wait to see how this goes, keep us updated Steve.

By: Sylvie

Sylvie — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:25:06 +0000

bees curious!

By: Ashley Campbell

Ashley Campbell — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:05:31 +0000

Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your question regarding the membership. The store will be open to anyone who would like to shop there, a membership is not required, but will offer you incentives if you join. The actual details will be decided in future meetings- but you can be sure that it will be benificial to be a member of the Hub City Co-op. This is a wonderful write up, and please do check in on the facebook site often for current news and updates.
Thanks!

Ashley Campbell

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:50:24 +0000

Is this the kind of thing anyone can walk into and buy stuff or do you have to buy a membership?

By: Steve Shanafelt

Steve Shanafelt — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:49:48 +0000

Outstanding, Angie! You’re much farther along in the process than I would have guessed.

By: Christopher George

Christopher George — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:32:20 +0000

I’m all over this idea! As soon as you guys set a date for a meeting, I’ll be sure to attend.

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:09:22 +0000

Steve,

What you are thinking is exactly what we are planning! Supporting local growers and producers (breads, coffee, soaps, etc.). And a cafe is most definitely something that is going to be an integral component because, yes everything is better with coffee! I can tell you this-we have a tentative location, possible investors, tentative by-laws, and an outline or what our vision is. Also, a community garden is also in the plan to be available to co-op members, as well.

Spartanburg is in desperate need of a local grocery, and I believe that we are ready for it.

I’m so glad that you are on board!

Angie Shuman