January Luncheon
Thursday, Jan. 17
11:30am-1 p.m.
Sweetwater Branch Inn
Citizens Co-Op of Gainesville
A Fresh Start to the New Year: A Case Study of Citizens Co-Op
Have you noticed the “Shop Co-Op” bumper stickers around town? Odds are you have. And that’s not all. Citizens Co-Op, a unique member/producer/worker-owned co-operative, has been featured in numerous publications and its awareness is growing. So what’s their secret? Join us Thursday to learn what grassroots, community relations is all about from Citizens Co-Op co-founder Gretchen McIntyre and marketing specialist Julie Matheney.
For more on Citizens Co-Op, visit them online, on Facebook and on Twitter.
Gretchen McIntyre, co-founder: Gretchen has been working closely on the development and management of Citzens Co-Op since its inception in August 2007. Before that, she gained professional experience with a multi-national accounting firm and local, organic chefs in San Francisco. It was here that she dreamed of creating a similar vision in her hometown of Gainesville. While the corporate route did not fit her entrepreneurial spirit, she gained business and financial skill sets there and from her education at UF and USC’s Masters of Accounting program that have aided her current endeavors. A yoga instructor and spiritualist, small business consultant and Director of Cooperative Communities, Inc., Gretchen is both enthusiastic and grateful to help the co-op blossom.
Julie Matheney, marketing specialist: As Julie has become more involved with her local community in Gainesville, she realized that her super power is connecting people, recognizing skill sets and passions and putting all the pieces together to make things happen. Some call it networking! At the early age of 14, Julie booked her first concert for a non-profit in St. Petersburg. She spent the next decade organizing community events and creatively raising funds to benefit the efforts of The Refuge, helping the homeless community, addicts and at-risk youth. After pursuing studies in social work and serving as a case manager for the Epilepsy Foundation, she learned of Citizens Co-Op, fell in love with its mission and joined the team. Julie’s passion for food, justice and community are all a big part of her job, and she is elated to play a role in developing the Co-op’s store, brand and reach.
Payment:
FPRA Members: $18
Guests/Non-members: $23
Student Members: $10
Student Non-members: $15
IMPORTANT: To be eligible for a refund, you must cancel your reservation by the registration deadline. The FPRA registration deadline is 12 p.m. on Tuesday the week of the luncheon. The cancellation must be submitted by e-mailing programs director Kevin Coulson.