PCC 2007 Annual Report

A message from the CEO.

Fifty-five years after our cooperative began, PCC still is doing well … and doing good. Our combination of dedicated staff, active members, welcoming stores, educational outreach, community support, and products that are healthy for people and the planet, made 2007 our most successful year yet.

Ringing up sales of $115 million was just one milestone. We eliminated all foods with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and artificial trans fat and rBGH from all fresh and frozen dairy products. We were the first retailer in the United States to endorse the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and we voluntarily added country-of-origin labeling on fresh meat, seafood and produce. Eliminating plastic shopping bags and making our Redmond store the first grocery to earn LEED® Gold Certification attracted national attention.

We live our core values by focusing on local and sustainably grown products, and on supporting the communities served by our eight stores. We live our mission through programs that support local agriculture, such as PCC Farmland Trust and Puget Sound Fresh, through our positions on public policies, such as fair compensation for farmers and improved funding for the National Organic Program, and through shopper-supported efforts, such as the PCC Food Bank Program.

We also made the business of choosing healthy foods more fun by introducing an in-store demo program, taking PCC Kid Picks to schools and community events, and offering even more PCC Cooks classes. Sponsorship of family-oriented events, such as the Seafair Kids’ Triathlon and Vegfest, were opportunities to sample our products and support our communities.

Fifty-five years of being locally owned and community-focused have PCC poised for another year of financial stability and growth, as we anticipate opening our ninth store. It would not be possible without the deeply valued support of you, our members, and the strong commitment of our employees. Thank you.

Tracy Wolpert
CEO, PCC Natural Markets