IRSSC 2025 – 2026 Annual Work Summary

IRSSC 2025–2026 Annual Work Summary & 2026–2029 Strategic Direction

Building on 13 Years of Cooperative Experience

During 2025–2026, the Independent Retail Shared Services Cooperative (IRSSC) continued strengthening its organizational foundation, refining its business plan, and establishing strategic priorities for sustainable growth. Efforts focused on improving operations, managing risk, identifying new opportunities, and providing practical resources and support to independent businesses.

Key Accomplishments & Industry Impact

Throughout the year, IRSSC participated in industry conferences, state meetings, and collaborative discussions to strengthen relationships, exchange information, and advance opportunities benefiting independent retailers, agricultural producers, aggregators, and local food systems.

Over its 13-year history, the Cooperative has demonstrated the value of bringing independent business owners together to share knowledge, strengthen their collective voice, and improve their financial and competitive position.

Measurable accomplishments include:

More than $26 million in financing secured to support independent businesses.

Assistance in securing $700,000 in grants for business development and growth.

Through shared services, strategic guidance, supplier negotiations, and industry connections, IRSSC helps independent businesses access financial resources, vendor marketing funds, trade programs, and promotional opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to obtain individually.

The Cooperative also continues promoting locally produced foods by strengthening relationships between independent grocers, agricultural producers, and regional suppliers. Local food promotions and community initiatives help increase consumer awareness, support regional agriculture, and create opportunities to benefit local food banks.

2026–2029 Strategic Priorities

Building on 13 years of experience and established industry relationships, IRSSC will focus on four key priorities:

1. Expand Financial Resources & Business Development Increase access to financing, grants, supplier programs, and educational resources that support business growth, modernization, stability, and succession planning.
2. Grow Local Food Systems & Agricultural Partnerships Strengthen connections among independent retailers, producers, aggregators, and regional suppliers. Expand local product distribution, marketing opportunities, and consumer awareness while supporting community food initiatives.
3. Improve Operational Effectiveness & Risk Management Refine organizational planning, establish measurable objectives, evaluate program effectiveness, identify emerging risks, and explore sustainable service and revenue opportunities.
4. Increase Marketing Knowledge & Consumer Awareness Share marketing strategies and industry best practices, encourage customized promotions, and help independent businesses better communicate their value while promoting healthy, locally produced foods.

Looking Ahead

Independent businesses continue to face increasing competition, changing consumer expectations, supplier consolidation, rising operating costs, and challenges accessing financial resources. These conditions reinforce the importance of cooperation, industry advocacy, shared knowledge, and practical business support.

IRSSC is committed to helping independent businesses stay financially strong and competitive through resources, strategic advice, partnerships, and opportunities to collaborate.

Our success will ultimately be measured not simply by the growth of the Cooperative, but by the financial strength, sustainability, and success of the independent businesses, agricultural producers, and communities we serve.

Our 2026–2029 Commitment: Turning 13 years of cooperative experience into expanded opportunities, measurable results, stronger partnerships, and a sustainable future for independent businesses and local agriculture.