City Market Welcomes New Leadership

Burlington, VT – City Market, the largest single store food cooperative in the United States in terms of sales, has a new General Manager and a complement of other transitions to the management team.

Pat Burns, formerly the Co-op’s Director of Operations, has accepted the General Manager’s position effective April 1. Prior to joining City Market in 2006, Burns was the owner of a consulting business for franchise owners called The Entrepreneur’s Source. Prior to that he was a Senior Manager with Ben & Jerry’s where he opened almost 170 new franchises in less than 4 years.

Clem Nilan was City Market’s General Manager since 2006 and will continue to work with the Co-op part-time on projects that enhance the local food system. Burns offers the following appreciation for all of Clem Nilan’s work, “In reviewing tangible measurements like financial data and less tangible measurements like employee morale and staff growth, Clem has worked tirelessly together with our staff to make City Market so successful. For any of you that know Clem, you understand his desire to not be in the limelight. He consistently pushes recognition from himself to the staff and Members of the Co-op for any accomplishments or recognition. So here’s a small bit of limelight to say, thank you, Clem, for all that you have done for the Co-op.”

Jason Maring, formerly the Co-op’s Assistant Director of Operations, has been promoted to the Director of Operations. Maring joined the Co-op in 2010 after working in Sales, Marketing and General Management for development and resort properties throughout New England. In addition, Lynn Ellen Schimoler has been promoted to Store Manager. Schimoler joined the Co-op in 2003 as Produce Manager. She was promoted to Grocery Manager in 2006. Schimoler has a background in management of natural markets and also collaborates with the National Cooperative Grocers’ Association to assist new food cooperatives. Seth Murley was recently hired to replace Ms. Schimoler as Grocery Manager. Murley has years of experience managing food cooperatives from Minnesota to Massachusetts and Maine as well as a background in farming.

The transition was well-planned and included several internal promotions, making for a seamless process. The management team will focus on growth as well as enhancing the value that the Co-op offers to its staff, customers, vendors and the community.

About City Market, Onion River Co-op

The Onion River Co-op is a consumer cooperative, with over 8,800 members, selling wholesome food and other products while building a vibrant, empowered community and a healthier world, all in a sustainable manner. Located in downtown Burlington, Vermont, City Market provides a large selection of local, natural and conventional foods, and thousands of local and Vermont-made products. Visit City Market, Onion River Co-op online at www.CityMarket.coop or call 802-861-9700.