It was three weeks ago that I was privileged to take part in a historic event. But considering everything that has transpired in three weeks — including the meeting pictured above — I am hardly believing it has "only" been that long.
Three weeks ago, the meeting was held at The Restaurant Store that led to the formation of the steering committee, which in turn has led to the general co-op meeting and press conference that is taking place on the steps of Waterfront Market this Wednesday. That meeting, attended by approximately four dozen deeply-committed community members, has been the impetus for one remarkable experience after another, until at last, we, the people who the group had charged with being responsible for finding out if a co-op can be done, have our answer.
And the answer, consensually agreed upon Alice Sentura, Christine Russell, Christine Scarsella, Elaine Chinnis, Jim Hendrick, John Correa, Julie Fondriest, Ken Schultz, Michael Shields, Philip Simmons, Richard Tallmadge, Suanne Kitchar, Tony Gregory, and myself...
...is yes.
It will take doing campaigning, signing up pledge memberships, investors and patron restaurateurs — in a short period of time, no less! — but the consensus is it is doable.
Doable? It's being done! We have commitments in the six-figures right now!
The thing is we need commitments in the seven figures. $1.5 million, to be exact.
Here's how we are going to do it. We are going to buy Waterfront Market as a community and we are going to open a cooperative, where members enjoy discounts and benefits and visitors enjoy shopping at one of the best grocery stores they have ever seen: One owned by it's members!
On Wednesday, Richard Tallmadge, speaking as the group's spokesperson and with all of the steering committee at his side, will address the press during the next co-op meeting. Everyone who made the first meeting is urged to attend. Everyone who attended the big second meeting is urged to attend. And everyone who is interested in being part of Key West's future by participating in a process that must be experienced to believed is urged to attend.
When I started this process, I was unaware that it would lead moment's such as the one pictured above. But now I know. And I am hooked.
We are keeping Waterfront Market open. And on Wednesday morning at 11 AM, on the steps of Waterfront Market, before a crowd of press and supporters, Richard Tallmadge and the entire steering committee for The Friends of Waterfront Market will reveal how.
1 comment:
My family moved to Key West just three months ago. I applaude you for your efforts to keep the Waterfront Market open! Shopping there has become a weekly event for my family, something we all look forward to. My 3 children enjoy walking along the waterfront, looking at the boats, watching for Tarpon and running into friends from school while my husband and I grocery shop. We usually get lunch and smoothie from the deli before heading home. This is something they will remember for years and maybe they will be part of the next generation shopping at the market. Count us in! I will be a new face at the meeting tomorrow and hope that I can help out in any way I can to further the cause.
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