July Word from the Board

Duane Pitcher, Wheatsfield Board of Directors

Summer is in full swing and in July there are several exciting events coming to Ames and Wheatsfield. We’ll kickoff with the annual Independence Day Celebration and are looking forward to walking in the 4th of July Downtown Ames! If you can’t make the parade please stop by the co-op for brats, hot dogs, veggie dogs, and more at the hot bar and get an organic Goodpop popsicle with your purchase!

Cooperative businesses such as Wheatsfield have been a part of our country’s history since its founding. The first recognized cooperative business in the U.S. was a mutual fire insurance company established in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin, and continues to operate today.

The 2023 Tiny Deck Concerts will continue every Friday evening, 6-7:30pm, throughout the month. Stop by to hear some great local musical talent and enjoy some food from the hot bar and your favorite drink. Beer and wine is fine on the deck and beer garden.

I’ll be riding in RAGBRAI the last week in July and am looking forward to rolling into Ames on Tuesday, July 25. RAGBRAI is the world’s largest bike touring event drawing riders from across the globe and is expected to be even bigger this year as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ride. The RAGBRAI organizers are expecting a record number of riders departing Ames in route to Des Moines on Wednesday, July 26. Downtown Ames will have live music and food vendors throughout the day and Tuesday along with many cycling equipment vendors. This will be a good time to leave the car parked and use alternative transportation to enjoy the RAGBRAI festivities.

As a reminder, please consider running for one of the three open seats for Wheatsfield’s Board of Directors! The Board works together with Wheatsfield management and staff to ensure that the needs of our member-owners are being met. The Directors work as a team to set policy, hire and evaluate the general manager, maintain the fiduciary responsibility of the Co-op and represent the membership to create a vision for the Co-op’s future. All member-owners are welcome to apply to be a candidate for the Board of Directors. Please apply by Monday, August 14, 11:59pm. Voting will commence in October, both online and in the store.