2022 is going to be a year of big changes for us. For those of you who haven’t yet read the news, please take a moment to read about (and help us with) our upcoming transition. We’ve gotten some great suggestions and feedback from members, and we thank you for taking the time to let us know your thoughts.
This year, I (Sara) will be moving—in June to New England and in the fall to live on a sailing catamaran with my husband and our four cats. I will work from afar until my positions and tasks are filled, and things are going smoothly. We are looking at selling all or part of the business and are seeking the perfect buyer who will help carry on our vision. Jamie and Lindy, along with our other employees, Arianna, Joe, Tina and Cole, will continue on to keep things “normal” but we do expect some changes–hopefully for the better, which will incorporate member ideas and suggestions.
How can we attract more members and retain them? What are the reasons potential members don’t take the plunge and join? What is not working for members that makes them leave? How do we expand our visibility? How do we encourage people to support us and our farmers all year long? What would help you make Fair Shares–and eating locally and seasonally–more of a commitment in your life? What could we do differently to make it more appealing or more convenient?
Here are some thoughts on actions/ideas that we think might help:
1. Find a designated PR & marketing person
2. Offer prepared (ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook) meals
3. Offer full, half or mini BYO (Build Your Own) shares, with some kind of commitment that people will shop, and we need to keep a minimum number of people with standard shares so we can support the produce farmers
4. Establish one or two additional pickup locations in well-positioned areas
5. Educate people on the benefits of eating locally and seasonally
Do you have any ideas or suggestions that might help? Email us — we value your input!