Community Update #3: April Meeting, FCI Live & Next Steps
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Welcome to everyone who has recently joined the conversation — there
are incredible ideas emerging and we are working on ways to start
connecting all of it together. This community's response has been
truly inspiring.
Next Community Meeting — Saturday, April 4th, Noon–3 PM
Bloomingdale Municipal Center
Mark your calendars and plan to bring your knowledge, your questions,
and your ideas. We look forward to seeing you there.
Introducing Nick Dalton — Prospective Cooperative Director
We are excited to introduce Nick Dalton, who is joining our team as
Prospective Director of the Bloomingdale Food Access Cooperative — and
he will be at the April 4th meeting to connect with the community in
person.
Nick brings over 20 years of experience leading nonprofit institutions
and building community-driven programs across the globe. His background spans strategic planning, grant management, cross-sector partnerships, and developing sustainable hubs in both urban and rural
communities. He holds an MFA from Goddard College with a concentration in the creation of cultural centers in rural communities — which makes him a natural fit for what we are building here in Bloomingdale. He also grew up in Lawton and South Haven, before graduating from WMU. So, he is locally grown.
Nick has worked with organizations ranging from Hope College to the National Gandhi Ashram to helping found the Rotary Club of Fennville/Pullman/Lakeshore during COVID. And, he has a proven track record of growing
community access, building collaborative networks, and developing institutions that last. We are thrilled to have him helping shape the future of this cooperative.”
Food Co-op Initiative — FCI Live (Free & Online)
We have been working with the Food Co-op Initiative in developing our cooperative model, and they are hosting a free online event starting March 23rd — FCI Live.
This is a fantastic introduction to what a food
co-op is, how it works, and why it matters for communities like ours.
I will personally be attending as many sessions as possible. Everyone
is welcome:
https://fci.coop/
A Note on the Wagoner's Building
We want to make sure everyone has accurate information: BDA has made a
formal proposal to the Bloomingdale Area Improvement Club for the
Wagoner's building. That proposal is still pending — BAIC will be
holding their April meeting to consider our proposal along with a few
other offers they have received for the space. We look forward to that
conversation and will keep you informed as things develop.
The Momentum Is Real — Here's How to Keep It Going
The response in community signups has been overwhelming and we are
genuinely excited. Here are your next steps:
1. Start Learning About Food Co-ops
A few great places to begin:
• Food Co-op Initiative: https://fci.coop/
• Grow Benzie: https://www.growbenzie.org/
• Kalamazoo Valley Food Hub: https://valleyhub.kvcc.edu/
• People's Food Co-op, Kalamazoo: https://www.pfckalamazoo.coop/
2. Start Sharing
Spread the word. Let's build the community and utilize everyone's
talents to make this a reality. The more people who know, the stronger
we are. bda-mi.org/food-access-project
3. Come to the April 4th Meeting
Saturday, April 4th, Noon–3 PM at the Bloomingdale Municipal Center.
Nick Dalton will be there, along with the full BDA team. Bring your
knowledge, your questions, and your voice. This is where the real work
happens — together.
Thank you for believing in Bloomingdale. More updates coming soon.
In community,
Kurtis Dickerson
Executive Director, Bloomingdale Development Association
info@bda-mi.org | (269) 655-4335
