Sugar Peas Arrive; Visionary Investors Sought
Sugar peas from John and Lizzie Glick’s Manheim farm are among the Emporium’s offerings this week. 
More locally grown strawberries and tomatoes are also on hand. There’s also bibb and loose head lettuce, cress, kolrabi, asparagus, herbs, white radishes, spring onions, Chinese cabbage and cucumbers.
For a couple of days this week, instead of vegetables, nuts, bolts and screws were arrayed on one of our tables. Electrical and other alterations were being made to the Emporium’s display areas. Tom Maurer has also been looking ahead to June 1 when the Emporium’s introductory phase will end. Since the market opened in March, all shoppers have been given a 10 percent discount on a “get acquainted” basis. Starting June 1, only investors in the Emporium will get a discount. The market will always be open to the public, but only investors will receive discounts on food and other items. Tom invites shoppers who enjoy the Emporium’s offerings and share its vision of a locally oriented, farm-based food system to become investors.
To join the cooperative, food consumers and producers alike will need to make a one-time, non-interest-bearing investment in the Emporium. The amount is $100 for consumers and $200 for producers. Those investments will be redeemable after 2012, should an investor no longer want to participate in the cooperative. Starting January 1, 2011, there will be a $25 annual maintenance fee for consumers and $75 for producers.
Another way to support the Emporium’s mission is to invest beyond the consumer investment level. That form of investment is a renewable, five-year certificate in any amount exceeding $500. It will have a fixed interest rate established at the time of issue.
So consider becoming visionary supporters of a new approach to insuring a healthy, flavorful food supply. If you’re interested in enrolling in the Emporium’s mission and have questions on how to proceed, or any questions at all, contact Tom Maurer at 717-813-0860. And whether you join us or not, keep shopping Fridays and Saturdays for farm-fresh produce, meats and dairy products at the Emporium.
What benefits do you receive from the $100 investments and how long are you a member? What is the difference between the consumer and visionary supporter? Where on the website do I find the hours of operation?
The $100 investment gives you an ongoing 10% discount on everything in the store. Beyond that, you’re literally investing in our local food supply: there’s no better place for miles re: ensuring quality, purity, etc. And Tom has been “fighting” for this for over a decade, including keeping regulators from potentially eliminating local food sources.
Karen