What's In a Name?

The votes are in! Catonsville Cooperative Market is our official name. Obviously, it makes a lot of things easier, there's nothing to change. But, there were also some pretty strong opinions involved. Naming a business and developing its identity is a big deal. Certainly, there are catchier, simpler, more marketable names. We had a lot of great suggestions come in that conjured images perfect for a logo. Catonsville Cooperative Market will require a very large sign. So why all the love? I thought I would share some of the thoughts people expressed as we went through this 6 month naming process, while explaining some more of the vision for the future Catonsville Cooperative Market.

• Catonsville- As a committee, we are determined to open this market in Catonsville. Convenience and proximity have been consistent themes since we first assembled in August. We have such a strong community here, and we love our locally owned businesses. A co-op can thrive here, just look at the Catonsville Cooperative School! Our neighbors in Arbutus and Ellicott City won't have to get on the highway to shop at a co-op in Catonsville. If co-ops spring up in those towns too, that is actually a good thing. The more co-ops, the better! Which brings us to our next topic...
• Cooperative- We admit, not everyone was keen on including this word. There were concerns that it might intimidate or confuse people, or seem outdated. We think it will have the opposite effect. "Green" business is big, as is buying "local", "natural", or "organic". Guaranteed, many business owners have benefitted from riding this trend. In a cooperative, the business owners are the members, not an individual. Catonsville will own the market. You will own the market! No one is going to get rich doing this. Our community will have a sustainable source of goods you can buy with a clear conscience, as long as we have the members to support it. We will be open to all people, and there will be many avenues to become a member. Non-members may not receive all the benefits that members will, but anyone can shop or attend events. Co-ops help each other, help their members, and help their communities. 2012 has been declared International Year of Cooperatives by the UN. We think the term "co-op" will grow increasingly familiar this year, and people will love knowing they are supporting a worldwide movement towards a more sustainable economy.
• Market- This word was unanimously supported. It's one of those simple, evocative words that really resonates with people, like "village" or "cafe". It calls to mind a place where you can wander in and find all kinds of goodies, buy a little or a lot, somewhere you'll be smiled at, maybe even called by name. Recently, Alicia Simon, our product reviewer, and I took a trip to Baltimore Food Coop, a true community market (even if it's not in the name!). The manager took a break from stocking produce to show us around. She could tell us where every product in that store came from, and the names of who would buy it. Her knowledge base as far as local vendors was impressive, and her commitment to quality was obvious. That is what "market" says, with a dash of crispy apple, and a hint of good bargain. 

So, there you have it. I will be writing more about cooperative membership, principles, and benefits in future posts. Please subscribe to our monthly newsletter as well! For those of you looking for more involvement, consider attending our Volunteer Meeting on March 3.