FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Corrinne Henderson, Board President Email Address: tacomafoodcoop@gmail.com Web site address: tacomafoodcoop.com Tacoma Food Co-Op Hires General Manager With the Tacoma Food Co-op scheduled to open its doors on August 1 at 3002 6th Avenue, the business announced that it hired a general manager and began preparations for its acquisition of initial inventory, installation of capital improvements, and hiring of staff. The new general manager, Henri Parren, was most recently the general manager for Spud.com, an online-based grocery delivery service. Parren has prior experience in marketing, operations, product development, finance, HR, and international sales. He grew up on Dutch farmland where the sustainable lifestyle was the norm, and daily home cooked meals included fresh, organic, and local products. Parren, who officially started June 1, has already spent time meeting with volunteers and local residents and businesses. “The response so far has been amazing,” says Parren. “Everyone I have talked to cannot wait for the store to open. And so many local farmers and vendors are eager to supply us. It’s going to be such an awesome place.” With a general manager on hand, the Co-op’s board members and volunteers are busily preparing for the store’s opening with plans for initial inventory, improvements to the Neighborhood Market space, and hiring staff. “I’ve been involved with the Co-op for several years now and have never felt such momentum,” says Corrinne Henderson, the Co-op’s board president. “Henri brings an amazing breadth of experience and energy, and our members are really stepping up in terms of providing the time and capital needed to make this happen.” The Co-op now has over 560 members. Membership is open to anyone and sign-up information can be found atTacomaFoodCoop.com. The Co-op will operate a cooperatively-run store providing local, fresh, natural and organic foods and increase the access to healthy food for everyone in the community. ###