What You Need to Know about the Catonsville Co-op

Since the first meeting in August, the market has grown from a group of interested residents to an organization looking to establish by-laws and find a space for a retail outlet in Catonsville.

Here's some updated information after Wednesday's meeting.

1. The group has started a buying club that orders from Frontier Markets and potentially Frankferd Farms. Membership of the buying club is $25 and those members will have access to items that can be ordered in bulk and at discount through those vendors. To join the buying club, visit the website. The buying club will serve as fund-raising effort for the market.

2. The group still hopes to eventually have a storefront, which will be a place that non-members and members alike to buy a full range of products.

3. As the market moves toward an eventual storefront, the group needs volunteers with specific skills in areas such as law, accounting, web development, copywriting, grant writing and fundraising.

"Basically starting a co-op market is not unlike starting any other business," said Nina Johanson, the vice president of the steering committee.

4. To get more information on the market, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter. You can also sign up for a newsletter via email through their website.