For immediate release

From Melissa Frey
336-314-1972
Melissa@companyshopsmarket.coop

October 1, 2007

Company Shops Market Kick-off a Huge Success, Next Event Planned


Company Shops Market’s kick-off event was attended by more than 200 people on September 23rd at Braeburn Farm in Snow Camp. More than 80 ownership shares were sold and board members were thrilled with the turn out. “This kind of enthusiasm indicates the Burlington community is ready for a community-owned grocery store focused on local and organic foods,” says board secretary, Eric Henry. “We’ve been discussing this project for years and it’s fabulous to see it taking off!”

People aged 8-80 enjoyed the beautiful farm setting surrounding the Braeburn hay barn. After speaking to the crowd about local food systems and his own entry into the 100% grass fed beef market, board member and rancher, Charlie Sydnor, offered folks tours around the farm on a large hay wagon.

The six-member board of directors and project manager, Melissa Frey, are keeping up the momentum by planning another event this fall. Melissa’s experience as a cooperative visionary and developer includes leading the start-up process for Chatham Marketplace, the 18-month old food co-op in Pittsboro, NC. “I’m very pleased to be working on another co-op project. It’s very exciting to see a community unite and create something together that’s going to benefit everyone from the local farmer, to the environment to the food consumers.” There will be another Potluck Dinner and Community Meeting on Sunday, November 11, 4PM at the Moore Farm, Sheppard Road, Gibsonville (just past the Alamance county line if coming from Elon or just before the Alamance County Line if coming from Hwy 61.) All are welcome. Bring your favorite dish to share and board president, Sam Moore’s going to make homemade bread in his outdoor oven! Get the most current information about Co-op progress and purchase your ownership shares.

Company Shops Market, Alamance County’s Co-op Grocery, is a local and organic food store coming to the Burlington area. It will be a full-service grocery store and café selling produce, frozen foods, dairy, meats, non-perishables, body care products and beer and wine. The store is owned by the community and governed by a local board of directors. Ownership shares are currently for sale. The board has set a goal of selling 300 ownership shares by the end of 2007 and ultimately selling 1000 shares prior to the store opening. For more information please visit www.companyshopsmarket.coop or call 336-314-1972.

Company Shops Market Kick-Off

You are invited to the kick-off potluck and community meeting for Company Shops Market, Inc, a local and organic food co-op coming to the Burlington area! Join us on Sunday, September 23rd, 4PM, at the home and farm of Dr. Charles Sydnor at 6707 Bass Mountain Rd. in Snow Camp.

Potluck Meal and Community Meeting

Bring your favorite dish to share and learn about the vision for Company Shops Market,

Be the first to purchase your ownership shares (bring those credit cards and checkbooks!),

Meet our new Project Manager, Melissa Frey, and find out how you can become actively involved in this grassroots effort.

Carpooling is encouraged, feel free to bring any one else you feel would be interested.

Hope to see you there!

Eric Henry
Company Shops Market Board Member