From Rise Community Market

Hello Valued Rise Community Market Member and Owner

At Rise Community Market, we stand as a testament to the power of community ownership. Each member is not just a patron but an integral part of our collective success. We are not merely a store within the community; rather, we are an embodiment of the community's resilience, striving together to ensure access to fresh produce and essentials. As a member of the market, you are an owner of the market.

While we've achieved significant milestones, our journey is ongoing. You may have noticed recent stock shortages during your visits, perhaps coupled with negative portrayals in the media. We acknowledge that our current state does not reflect our full potential. However, the essence of rising together lies in acknowledging challenges as opportunities for continuous improvement. We couldn't rise if we started at the top.

As a recipient of this email, you stand as a proud member and owner of Rise Community Market. Your initial investment signified a belief in the necessity of a local grocery store, a belief that materialized into our reality. Now, our collective responsibility lies in nurturing and expanding what we've initiated, a feat only achievable through community passion and involvement.

In the spirit of transparency, we've faced some setbacks. Equipment breakdowns resulted in significant product losses, impacting our financial stability. Operating within tight profit margins, recovering from such losses takes time. Despite these challenges, we've pursued fundraising avenues like GoFundMe campaigns and member drives. Rest assured, there are ongoing efforts to address these issues. Contrary to rumors, there are no talks of closure; instead, our focus revolves around overcoming these obstacles.

As an owner, here is how your involvement can profoundly shape our progress:

1.) Support Local First: By making Rise Community Market your primary shopping destination, you contribute to enhancing our stock and offerings. While we understand some items may necessitate trips elsewhere due to availability or cost factors, prioritizing us fuels our growth. Remember, your local spending stays within the community, benefiting local employees and the area's development. We understand that when a national chain sells 12 packs of soda buy 2 get 3 free or sells frozen turkeys for less than the store can purchase wholesale, that you will travel for those deals. They are the type of offer we simply can't afford to match. We are not asking you to spend more on these items or skip out on getting those bargains. We provide those items as a convenience. What we are asking is that when you start that grocery trip, bring your list here first and pick up the items that make sense for you to purchase locally. The more you do this, the more we will be able to compete and improve in stock situations. Don’t forget that you now get a special member discount of 2% off every day, and 7% on Wednesdays.

2.) Engage and Participate: Your membership grants you rights to engage actively - consider joining our board of directors or committees, exercising voting privileges, and voicing opinions. Attend meetings, engage with our management, and challenge us to improve. Your participation fuels our evolution. You have a voice in the market. Management at the market is encouraged to be as transparent as possible with member owners about operational difficulties and successes. Stop in the store and talk to them, ask questions. They will appreciate you taking an interest and showing concern. Don't hesitate to challenge them, it makes them better, and they will tell you that.

3.) Open Dialogue: Share your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. Utilize our suggestion box in-store, our website's contact form, or directly communicate with our available managers. There is also an open survey on our website to help communicate community needs. Open communication ensures that your feedback shapes our strategies and decisions.

4.) Spread the Word: Advocate for Rise Community Market within your circles. Volunteer during membership drives or community events, showcasing your pride in what we've collectively established. Your enthusiasm can inspire others to support and engage with us. As an owner, you can share your pride in your community by sharing news about what you have helped to bring to it. Rise Community Market is something you helped create, and you help sustain.

Currently, we have 464 member owners, with 247 residing in Cairo. If two-thirds of our local members could dedicate at least a $50 portion of their weekly shopping to us, our sales would significantly improve, enabling substantial enhancements. Please make sure that when you shop the cashier takes your phone number. It helps us to know the members who are supporting us, and gets you that discount.

Your continued support and engagement are pivotal to our growth and sustainability. Together, we can elevate Rise Community Market to its fullest potential.