Category: Board News


Board News

Posted by Three Rivers Market Communications in Board News, Featured.

28th March

Democracy at Our Co-op

Food co-ops value open-door democracy. For us, it’s a matter of fundamental principles: First, membership is open to all. Second, democratic member-control is the way we govern.

The promise of democratic control is a big deal in a grocery store. Many of us joined Three Rivers Market because we wanted an effective voice in the quality and sources of the food we buy, in the treatment of the employees who serve us, and in the store’s plans for the future – even if it costs a little more. You can’t get that kind of influence as a customer at Kroger!

The main way democracy is practiced at Three Rivers Market is through a representative Board of Directors democratically elected by the membership. There are nine of us, and I’m in the second year of my first term. The General … Read More »



Board News

Posted by Three Rivers Market Communications in Board News.

1st March

Our new meeting location is at the Cansler YMCA, which is located at 616 Jessamine Street. Facility parking is ample, and the meeting room is on the ground floor. The room is well lit and provides good visibility for all who attend. Further, our selection of this space recognizes the service that the Cansler YMCA, part of the YMCA of East Tennessee network, is carrying out in our community.

Their mission overlaps in some respects with Three Rivers Market’s vision of success, and our values and principles, including social responsibility and nourishing a healthier community. We hope you will join us for a meeting in our new location soon.

As a special mention, for our January meeting, the John T. O’Connor Senior Center, which sits next door to the Cansler YMCA, generously arranged for us to use their space while the YMCA … Read More »


Board News

Posted by Three Rivers Market Communications in Board News, Featured.

1st February

How do we envision the Three Rivers Market, Knoxville’s Community Food Co-op? For some it is their local grocery. For some it is a place they trust to provide the best local produce, their wellness center and favorite lunch spot. For others it is a community hub that provides an outlet for connection and purpose beyond the store walls. Whatever that vision is, we joined because it added some sense of value to us. I began shopping at Three Rivers Market when I was in college in the 90’s in the old house on Broadway and it has always held a special place in my heart as a place I could trust, a place with purpose, and a place that, I felt, could offer a more holistic model for business and community. Now, many years later, I am one of the newest Board Directors and this past week began … Read More »



Board News

Posted by Three Rivers Market Communications in Board News, Uncategorized.

31st December

Here is a link to our Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, a time of significant activity for Three Rivers Market. Our cooperative hired a new General Manager for the first time in over 20 years; negotiated and implemented a collective bargaining agreement with employees; and continued to adjust to the shifting conditions of the ongoing pandemic. These events affirmed the strength and importance of the cooperative model, as it allowed us to approach decision-making with guidance rooted in the cooperative values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.

Members recently received an email with additional information about recent governance news.


Message from the Board of Directors

Posted by Three Rivers Market Communications in Board News.

30th August

Dear Members,

We’re writing to share that we are aware of recent social media activity regarding our co-op. We are working to evaluate and address concerns that have been raised and are seeking third-party input.

We expect all to interact and cooperate with each other free of prejudice. We do not tolerate disrespect directed toward anyone. This is established via our Board Policies, our Ethics Policy, and the Employee Handbook. Because personnel matters are confidential, we cannot comment further on this subject.

As always, we encourage members who would like to take an active role in governance of our co-op to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. The last opportunity to attend a Board meeting (a requirement to run) is on Thursday, September 8th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. To register to attend … Read More »

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