"I moved to Greensboro in 1981 and immediately joined the Co-Op. Its mission and values matter to me: being of service to the community by offering products that promote health, not disease; considering the environmental impacts of our choices; providing a place for building community; and putting service to people above profit. I enjoy working cooperatively with the other Directors to oversee the Co-Op’s ongoing development for the betterment of our community."

- Joel Landau, former General Manager, former Board President, current Board Treasurer

"I began shopping at Deep Roots when I moved to Greensboro in 2018 and soon after became an owner. It was clear to me that joining the Co-Op was not only an opportunity to find quality products but a commitment to supporting our local community. Becoming a board member has only deepened my investment in supporting Deep Roots to sustain and grow its impact within the community."

- Mollie Blafer, Board Member since 2023

"As a former staff member, I wanted to ensure I continued to serve the co-op. Serving as a board member has kept me ingrained in the co-op. I can ensure that the co-op continues its positive trajectory into the future. Having a food co-op in Greensboro is something we should all be proud of and take ownership of. From shopping at the store, encouraging your friends and families to do so, becoming an owner, or even serving on the board or board committees are ways we can support our beloved co-op."

- Brittany Peters, Board Member since 2022

"I feel so fortunate to be part of our local co-op that is beautiful, accessible, and committed to the democratic values important to me. All of us, by virtue of being owners, support local farmers, local decision-making, and local involvement in the community. Upon retirement from my position as a professor at UNCG, I was delighted to become a Board member so I could contribute more to Deep Roots’ future, as is evidenced in the collective wisdom of the Board that helps the co-op grow and thrive."

- Spoma Jovanovic, Board Member since 2022

Dearest Cooperative Community of Deep Roots,

My heart is heavy at the ending of my role as GM of your Co-op but my spirit is grateful to have been a part of such a collectively active group of people making the world a better place. I am thrilled to still be working for co-ops and to still be in working support of Deep Roots Market, but my goodness will I miss the beautiful people who bring us the best of our community! I will miss YOU!

After all of these years and all of the challenges we have faced fighting to keep our Co-op strong, I still believe in the co-op magic. This is the miracle that happens at the last minute, the co-op hero who shows up and saves the day, the unexpected donation that floated us through a tough month, the new vendor showing up with a product you were just wishing for, and a staff member with a sudden change in availability just when we did not know how we would cover a shift. I could write a whole book about this subject and maybe one day I will. I have been a witness to amazing things happening here every day and I attribute it to the collective action of people serving and working hard together. Being at the front line of this important work will be missed, but I am thrilled to pass this wonderful opportunity along to the next cooperator!

In the meantime, I invite all of you to be a part of this magic by following the golden co-op rules- Show Up, Be Here, Be Honest, and Stay Curious. You will win when you follow these rules, we will all win together!

We have three very experienced and passionate managers who will be serving as an interim team while our amazing Board of Directors sets the stage for the next GM to be hired. The best part about this smooth transition is that in my new role with the National Co+op Grocers, I will be able to help and support them!

Thank you for 10-plus magical years of cooperation and great food. I will still be pushing the cooperative movement with my work and education and I will still see you in the aisles!

In solidarity,

Nicole Villano