The co-op is pleased to introduce the newest members of our co-op staff and the first employees hired to operate the downtown KCK store.
Jeff Terrell will serve as our Store Director managing staff and day to day operations. Jeff is originally from Kansas City, Kansas. He is a graduate of Olathe North High School and Pittsburg State University. Prior to joining the co-op, Jeff served in management for the Kroger Corporation at several Dillon’s locations.
From Jeff:
If you love food, you might like a great shopping experience. I know I do, and that’s what led me to a career in the grocery business. Being able to work in the community again and work with the great people involved with The Merc Co+op to provide quality food options, as well as a great shopping experience, has me super excited to be the store director of the KCK store. I’m really looking forward to being back in the Dotte.
Bryce Bradford will serve as our Outreach Manager for KCK and surrounding communities. Bryce is a graduate of Olathe North and the University of Central Missouri. The creation of this full time position signals the co-op’s commitment to our new neighbors. We were awarded a grant from the Kansas Healthy Food Initiative to fund this position in the first year and another from New Market Tax Credits to fund its second year.
From Bryce:
“Over the past few years, I have gotten the chance to know the citizens in our community by working with local government, neighborhood councils and associations. Through both work and life experiences, I truly know the importance of building a strong foundation for our community through the health and well-being of the community itself; which is why I am so excited to now be a part of the team here at The Merc Co+op."
Both Jeff and Bryce began their official duties in March and have been training at the Lawrence store. We will begin the work of interviewing candidates and hiring staff with the anticipation that construction will wrap up in June and that we will open in late July.
Construction and COVID-19
This project is deemed essential work, so construction is moving right along. McCownGordon has done a great job of protecting employees, contractors and visitors onsite with hand-washing stations and social distancing measures.
