Expansion Project
Community
Feedback
Ferry County Co-op
The data from the membership survey showed that our community is looking for a space that encourages gathering, learning, sustainability, and nourishment.
Top Three Survey Takeaways
02.
03.
Our members are cautious but encouraging
We love our bakery/deli and would like more!
Community is a priority
Money and financial health are the biggest concerns, and members worry about staying competitive yet affordable in the current market. But most members offered great ideas and seemed excited about trying something new.
Lots of responses talked about seeing more from our great bakery and food counter such as more bakery offerings, expanded healthy breakfast and lunch options, and focusing on its uniqueness in our area.
Many survey answers asked for a space for classes where we can learn skills from one another, a place for friends to meet and chat, a space that can host meetings and functions
01.
CHALLENGE 1
CHALLENGE 2
CHALLENGE 3
Logistics of occupying the building such as insurance and liability
Some of our biggest goals may require additional infrastructure such as staffing, remodel, or builds
Meeting all the requests, needs, and great ideas from our membership
Plan
Gather more information and data about what it would take to be successful, rather than jumping in too quickly without understanding all risks and requirements
Plan
Work with the insurance company to understand what constitutes “occupancy” and what level of coverage is necessary to protect the Co-op and the building
Plan
Develop a multi-use, multi-function space that can flex to entertain, host, and house as much as we can
Survey Says!
What Do You Love About Our Co-op?
Other top mentions were the convenient location and the ability to special order products
What Are Our Biggest Challenges?
Finances and the money to support a large project like this was concerning to the members. Many people also worry that there will not be enough of a customer base to support the business, especially during the winter
How Could This Space Further Support Our Community?
Our members think that a space to host meetings or events would be most beneficial. They also liked the idea of the Co-op offering catering services.
What Types of Classes Would You Like to See?
There was also a lot of interest in learning to become more self-sufficient with homesteading skills or gardening.
(Fly tying gets an honorable mention.)
What Store or Bakery Items Would You Like to See Expanded?
Some fun ideas from the members include more cheeses, take-and-bake dishes, products with reduce-reuse-recycle focus, and more GF/DF/V options.
People want to see a larger variety of breads including sourdough and rustic varieties.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us!
We Our Co-op
We look forward to continuing to work with our membership on this next adventure