Goss+ 3/16
Welcome to another Goss+, your source for juicy co-op lore
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Co-ops Can Lead on Worker Dignity
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” ― Ernest Hemingway
An article caught my eye this week. It was about AI-powered headsets that are currently being tested by Burger King. Among other functions of the AI-assistant, it’s ability to monitor whether employees
Survey: Help Tell the Real Story of General Manager Sustainability in Food Co-ops
For this text, ‘GM’ will be the term used when speaking of co-op GMs, CEOs and any top staff position that reports directly to the co-op board.
If you have ever been a General Manager (GM) or worked closely with one, you know the role carries a lot. It is
Beyond Black History Month
Black History Month is often marked by celebration honoring cultural contributions, historic leaders and resilience in the face of systemic harm. For food cooperatives, especially those serving predominantly white communities, this month also presents an opportunity to reflect on how our values show up in practice.
Co-ops often describe themselves
Goss+ Valentine's Edition
Welcome to a Valentine's edition of Goss+, your source for juicy co-op lore
Have a little Goss+ of your own? Fill our candy bowl; email us your stories at [email protected] and we'll anonymize them
New Study: Co-op Shoppers Find More Love
In a report released this week, it appears people who regularly shop at food co-ops are luckier in love than regular grocery denizens. The study looked at grocery shopping habits of thousands of customers around the country. According to the study the average cooperator had 38% more romantic encounters each.
Co-op News Round Up 2/9
All the co-op news that's fit to print, February edition
🌹The Mercado Central cooperative in Minneapolis is running a Go Fund Me to try to avoid closure due to the chilling effects of ICE activity on their customer base
🌹There are two Change petitions regarding a situation at
Board Presidents' Roundtable: Why It Works
After attending the Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) 2025 conference in Duluth, Minnesota, I came home energized. I was inspired by the people I met, the ideas exchanged, and, perhaps most importantly, the realization that so many of us are grappling with similar challenges. I didn’t want that spark
The Anatomy of Snow Panic Sales
Any local news station worth their salt will do a story about the run on grocery stores right before a snowstorm. Empty shelves, full baskets, and long lines at the registers are the typical B-roll. What is it like to operate a grocery store in the lead up to one
Expo West Preview
In 2026 Expo West will celebrate 45 years of bringing together the natural foods industry in Anaheim. Fun fact: the first Expo West in 1981 featured a session led by Frank Abagnale, the con artist whose life was portrayed in the movie Catch Me If You Can. While the industry
Minnesota Cooperatives Stand Together
Minnesota food co-ops are joining businesses all across the state on Friday 1/23 to take collective action against ICE operations which have terrorized their communities. Many stores are closing for the day or supporting the protest in other ways. The statewide protest is called A Day of Truth and
Revolutionary Spirit- Playlist
Check out our latest Garlic and Roses playlist to get you through the January blues
"Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You" Jimmy Rushing - The one and only Mr. 5x5 captures all of the nuances, charm, and seduction of this Jazz Age standard. I feel
The Next Generation of Cooperators
Ty Patillo, Board President of the start-up Aliquippa Food Co-op, reached out to East End Food Co-op in early 2025 to organize a “field trip” for his fellow board members, to tour the co-op and see first-hand the day-to-day retail operations of Pittsburgh’s only food co-op. Hoping to share
Co-op News Round Up 1/8
The calendar has somehow flipped to 2026 and we've got a boatload of co-op news for the new year.
🌹The 2026 Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) conference in Tacoma, WA has put out a call for proposals for breakout sessions. The conference will be held May 28-30 and