Dearest Cooperative Community of Deep Roots,

My heart is heavy at the ending of my role as GM of your Co-op but my spirit is grateful to have been a part of such a collectively active group of people making the world a better place. I am thrilled to still be working for co-ops and to still be in working support of Deep Roots Market, but my goodness will I miss the beautiful people who bring us the best of our community! I will miss YOU!

After all of these years and all of the challenges we have faced fighting to keep our Co-op strong, I still believe in the co-op magic. This is the miracle that happens at the last minute, the co-op hero who shows up and saves the day, the unexpected donation that floated us through a tough month, the new vendor showing up with a product you were just wishing for, and a staff member with a sudden change in availability just when we did not know how we would cover a shift. I could write a whole book about this subject and maybe one day I will. I have been a witness to amazing things happening here every day and I attribute it to the collective action of people serving and working hard together. Being at the front line of this important work will be missed, but I am thrilled to pass this wonderful opportunity along to the next cooperator!

In the meantime, I invite all of you to be a part of this magic by following the golden co-op rules- Show Up, Be Here, Be Honest, and Stay Curious. You will win when you follow these rules, we will all win together!

We have three very experienced and passionate managers who will be serving as an interim team while our amazing Board of Directors sets the stage for the next GM to be hired. The best part about this smooth transition is that in my new role with the National Co+op Grocers, I will be able to help and support them!

Thank you for 10-plus magical years of cooperation and great food. I will still be pushing the cooperative movement with my work and education and I will still see you in the aisles!

In solidarity,

Nicole Villano