BETHLEHEM – April 13, 2015 – The Bethlehem Food Co-op announced today the hiring of business partners Carol Ritter and Laurel Blair Mikovits of CarolTalks to handle its membership recruitment needs as the organization continues its goal of opening a store in the Christmas City.
Ritter and Mikovits are people-focused professionals who believe in uncovering a superior performance. They create partnerships with their clients through their belief that coaching and training are more than tasks, but rather life changing experiences. Their preparation and discovery work, experiential and participant driven style enhances the results of their projects.
Ritter, known across the Lehigh Valley for her motivational public speaking engagements has experience in helping local nonprofits and small businesses grow their organizations, cultivate leaders, boost revenue, position themselves in the community, and find and motivate volunteers.
Mikovits has professional experience as an event planner, grant-writer, small business strategist, and growth specialist for nonprofits. They have previously worked with Bethlehem Area Publc Library, WLVT PBS 39, Intermediate Unit 20, the Harold S. Campbell Foundation and several other organizations.
“We are excited about working with the Bethlehem Co-op since we both have a personal commitment to sustainability, utilizing local resources, and sharing its mission with the community,” said Ritter.
As independent contractors, Ritter and Mikovits will be responsible for organizing quarterly community canvasses, representing the co-op at community events, organizing co-op events, coordinating membership recruitment strategies, using the co-ops established social media accounts to engage and recruit potential new members, and maintaining a detailed contact database, among other duties.
The Bethlehem Food Co-op is owned by the community members it serves, and will support local producers and sustainable, humane, and natural food systems. Member-owners make a one-time $300 equity payment and will receive many perks, such as an equal voice in Co-op operations, opportunities for hands-on involvement, discount days, and access to unique educational opportunities. Monthly payment plans are available to accommodate those who need to divide up the equity payment.
The organization currently has 188 members with a goal of reaching 300 before it can begin searching for a storefront location in the city. The faster the Co-op gains member-owners, the sooner the store can open to serve the community.
The Bethlehem Food Co-op is a diverse community encouraging physical, social, and economic health by providing healthful, affordable food; emphasizing local, sustainable, humane, and natural food systems; and offering unique educational opportunities to the entire community. More information can be found at http://www.bethlehemfood.coop/.
Information Provided By:
Tracey Werner,
Blabbermouth Communications
610-730-4515; tracey@blabbermouthcommunications.com
