Independent
Retailers
Shared Services
Cooperative
Presentation March 19, 2014 by
Mark Sprackland, Executive Director and
Valerie Geredien, Marketing
Independent Retailers
Shared Services Cooperative
The Organization
• What is the IRSS Cooperative?
• What is our mission and vision?
• Where do we fit?
Independent Retailers
Shared Services Cooperative
Active Projects
• Retailer Supplier Management & Negotiations
• Stonington Cooperative
• Grocery Store & Learning Center at Bates Mill
Five-to-Farm Lewiston/Auburn
Lewiston Auburn Bates Mill
Five-to-Farm Partnership

Independent Retailers Shared Services Cooperative
Independent Retailers
Shared Services Cooperative
Bates Mill Five-to-Farm Grocery Store & Learning Center
• Cornerstone of a larger vision for Bates Mill 5
• Catalyst for Maine’s food business development
• Grocery store as a classroom & innovation center
• Local foods marketing & promotion focus
• Access to new markets − reverse logistics, more
distribution & delivery options
Independent Retailers
Shared Services Cooperative
What Do We Need?
Pre-Development Funding
• Business Plan/Bates Mill 5 Grocery & Learning Center
• Legal and Engineering Support
Independent
Retailers
Shared Services
Cooperative
Thank You!