Prairie Food Co-op Community Grocery

Leslee Keri

  • published Meet PFC's Project Manager! in Meet PFC's Store Team! 2024-08-05 10:47:22 -0500

    Meet PFC's Project Manager!

     

    We are excited to introduce to you Chris Gilbert, our Project Manager. In this role, Chris is leading nearly every facet of the work needed to open our store. This includes overseeing the construction work, developing merchandising plans for produce and deli, and establishing systems (like  payroll and our point of sale system). He is also working on identifying local vendors and sourcing quality products for our store. His to-do list is significant, but we feel confident he has the skills and background for this job as he’s already proven to be an invaluable addition to our team.

    Chris has been in the retail grocery business for over 34 years. He started his grocery career in a big box supermarket retailer in New England where, over 27 years, he held every position in the store, including the opening of three new stores and assisting with five remodels. He has managed stores ranging from $13 million annually in sales to $40 million a year in sales.  Since 2016, he has been in the co-op world. He started as the General Manager for Concord Food Co-op in New Hampshire and most recently was the project manager for Wild Onion Market in Chicago.

    Welcome to the PFC Team, Chris!


  • published July Construction Update in News 2024-08-01 20:22:05 -0500

    July Construction Update

     

    Our community-owned grocery store's site at Eastgate Center is bustling with activity, and it's thrilling to witness the transformation unfold daily and weekly.

    The framing and rough electrical work for our front facade are complete, creating the backdrop for our store's vibrant and eye-catching signage. Over the past few weeks, meticulous floor saw cuts were executed, plumbing and electrical lines were laid down, and concrete was poured to cover it all securely.

    Last week, the grease trap underwent installation and inspection, ensuring proper waste management. Additionally, the rooftop unit (RTU) on the building is operational, maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the store while construction work continues.

    This week marks the initiation of further interior work, including the installation of ductwork and the creation of an opening for our overhead door. In the coming days and weeks, you can expect to witness a flurry of activity as these tasks are undertaken.


  • published Dorothy Swit in PFC Board Candidates 2023 2023-05-08 21:24:46 -0500

    Dorothy Swit

    • Hometown: Lombard
    • Owner #: 1247
    • Term: Elected 2023.

    "Prairie Food Co-op is an asset to the community and I would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors to create the best possible co-op that serves not only the owners but all the customers."

    Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

    This is an exciting time for Prairie Food Co-op as the store is soon going to become a reality. The mission of the co-op is one that resonates with me and I am proud to support it. I would use my organization, communication, and program creation skills to work in the best interest of the owners and the co-op.

    Employment: Please tell us about your past or present employment

    I have worked for the DuPage County Department of Probation and Court Services for 14 years. Working in this position has given me the opportunity to work with strict deadlines, read and interpret laws, and to collaborate with multiple levels of the organization to achieve goals. While in college, I worked at Trader Joe’s as part of the first crew in a new store and enjoyed being around food and discussing it with the customers.

    Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

    Management, Communications

     

    What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director?

    My education and career experience would be an asset to Prairie Food Co-op. I have a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration. While obtaining the degree, I had to demonstrate a working knowledge of human resources, financial management, ethics and social responsibility, multicultural diversity, and labor relations. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to use good communication skills and a collaborative mindset to successfully reach goals. While with the DuPage County Department of Probation and Court Services, I had the privilege to work with my team create the first of its kind, first time offender court. This specialty court provides first time drug offenders the opportunity to change their lives and, at the end of their probation, remove the conviction from their criminal record. The program was nationally recognized for its innovation and enhanced services to the community.

     

    What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

    First and foremost, my goal for the Co-op would be opening a successful store. It will be important to foster a sense of community though education, engagement, and access to healthy and local food. That can be achieved by helping people gain an understanding of where food comes from and the community created around it. I would like the co-op to be sustainable and welcome everyone for generations to come. I understand that my work with the co-op directly impacts all it will serve and I do not take that responsibility lightly. It would be an honor to help create something that the owners and community can be proud of.

     

    What experience (if any) have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

    I do not have experience with cooperatives outside of shopping at them periodically, but look forward to the opportunity to be able to contribute to growing Prairie Food Co-op into a thriving community.


  • published Donald March in PFC Board Candidates 2023 2023-04-06 22:56:56 -0500

    Donald March

    Owner Number 1554

    "I am a long time Lombard resident, with a variety of skills that will be extremely helpful in the growth of OUR, of Lombard's Prairie Food Co-op."

     

    Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

    Interested to get involved in something that will benefit the community

     

    Employment: Please tell us about your past or present employment

    From 1978 to 1992 I was employed by Osco drug, a division of Jewel at that time.  I ran their corporate record retention center, then supervised their print shop. In 1980 I joined Osco's management training program.  I served in various locations as a mgmt. trainee, assistant manager and assistant general manager in free standing Osco drug stores and in Jewel Osco combination stores. In 1992, my position was eliminated and I was laid off during  a corporate reshuffling.  In 1994 I was hired by the USPS as a mail carrier and in 2015 I became a VOMA ( vehicle maintenance specialist).  I retired in 2017, to care for my ailing wife.  During my time with the Postal service, I was active in the NALC (the mail carriers union).  I served as vice president and president of local NALC branch.  Our branch merged with a larger NALC branch, where I served as a shop Steward and a member of Branch 825's executive board.  I also served on several committees and became a route adjustment specialist at one point.  As a hobby I am a writer and have published 42 books in several different languages, all of which are listed on Amazon.

     

    Volunteer: Membership/Affiliation/Leadership Past and Present:

     In 1994 I was hired by the USPS as a mail carrier and in 2015 I became a VOMA ( vehicle maintenance specialist).  I retired in 2017, to care for my ailing wife.  During my time with the Postal service, I was active in the NALC (the mail carriers union).  I served as vice president and president of a local NALC branch.  Our branch merged with a larger NALC branch, where I served as a shop Steward and a member of Branch 825 executive board.  I also served on several committees and became a route adjustment specialist.  As a hobby I am a writer, I have had several articles published in regional sporting magazines and have published 42 books in several different languages, all of which are listed on Amazon.

     

    Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

    Management, Fundraising, Marketing/Public Relations, Event Planning, Finance, Communications, Agriculture

     

    What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director?

    I have a BS in Agriculture and Communication from the University of Illinois and a minor in Advertising and Marketing.  I have extensive experience running a large retail store, and I have been a resident of Lombard for 39 years and counting.  I have run large meetings and have Hired and trained people.  I have above average communication skills, I have chaired and participated a while varieties of committees.

     

    What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

    Help direct and help grow a Food co-op that will help my community

     

    What experience (if any) have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

    In college I belonged to a food co-op Strawberry Fields and my grandson attends a pre-school co-op in Lombard.


  • donated 2020-10-30 07:40:34 -0500