MFC Newsletter - September 2019

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by the letter R (for rain!)….

 

  • Local’s Market! November 30
  • Status Update
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Local’s Market – November 30

Save the Date! This year, the MFC Local’s Market will be Saturday, November 30 at Montavilla United Methodist. The exact time is to be determined. We’ll have activities, and plenty of treats and goods from local vendors. It will be the perfect event to support local business, do a little holiday shopping, and celebrate the MFC community!

If you are a vendor interested in participating, email info@montavilla.coop to reserve a space!

Status Update

These days, the number one question we get asked is “When will you open?” Right now, the answer to that depends on how long it takes us to hit the next two milestones:

  1. Obtain a space
  2. Secure necessary funds to sign a lease agreement

Space

We are aggressively searching for a physical location. We’ve contacted landowners, followed up on ‘For Sale’ signs, and engaged a commercial realtor to help with the search. At the beginning of the year, we were in negotiations for a space on Stark Street, but after 4-5 months of back and forth with the owner, we were unable to come to terms on a lease agreement. Other spaces we’ve seen recently have been too small, or too expensive.

We’re following any and all leads on existing buildings with 8,000-10,000 retail square feet and ample parking within Montavilla. If you have any tips, please let us know at board@montavilla.coop.

Funds

As we search for a site, we are also working to refresh a market study that the Board undertook in 2013. This updated study will be a key part of the package that we’ll use to ask for money.

Once we do find a site, we will use the site specifics to tailor and launch a campaign to raise the money needed to make a down payment, pay for any necessary renovations, and ensure that we get the MFC store off to the best possible start. This may include grants, loans, and donations from members, community supporters, and lenders.

If you have any fundraising or grant-writing experience, we’d love to hear from you!

Hopefully that answers some of your questions about where we currently are. Remember, our member numbers and membership milestones are regularly updated on our website.

Thank you for your continued patience and support. We couldn’t do this without you!

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