Member Update: LOC V2

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The Lynnhaven Oyster Club is entering it's 5th year of operation and has every reason to celebrate its achievements.

The Club model has delivered value to members by connecting oyster farming to quality culinary experiences in a variety of distinctive settings. Members appreciate the camaraderie they share with fellow members while "enjoying the salts of the earth".

So, what will the next 5 years look like?

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As we thank members for all of your support, we are also asking you to be patient this summer as we plan and prepare for LOC V2. We will be looking to conduct a bonus pop-up event in the spring/early summer to help bridge the 6-month operational pause from July to December. You can also consider LOC's member farm experiences this spring and summer. Stay tuned to LOC notices via email.

This pause will be put to good use.

V2 Reboot

LOC will be taking a pause this summer to perform some key improvements.

• We will pause normal operations to reboot, reorganize and optimize every area of the operation.

• We will be training employees to assist with LOC V2.

• New farm gear and working procedures are being tested for a phased replacement.

• We are also purposefully shifting from a July-to-June cycle to a fiscal year aligned to the calendar year.

V2 Member Input

Some of our traditional harvesting routines and technology must be updated to keep pace with rising demand.

• As we scale back operations, we will be business planning to expand existing club business and evaluating new opportunities.

• Members can help us out by taking our survey to help us know what we do well and what we can do better. Some of you might be contacted by phone to provide your thoughts on specific areas of interest.

Simply put, increasing farm production or improving the quantity and quality of members benefits requires us to do more. This will require investments in equipment, technology, and people.

Chris and Frank have been able to manage the farm and meet membership obligations. The LOC Barge requires extensive repairs and operational upgrades to improve its performance.

In addition to increasing production of what we already do, there is an interest in standing up independent arms of the operation that can operate autonomously or support other areas of the business. For example, the farm primarily serves the membership: providing oysters to members and for members-only events. We also provide donations in oysters and services to non-profits that are aligned to LOC values and do good for our local community.

Noah Wagner, one of LOC's interns from the VB Environmental Study Program, landed LOC's first commercial account. And what a debut! LOC is providing 200 oysters a week to Atlantic on Pacific. You can read more about each our intern's experience here:

Diversification

Noah Wagner - one of LOC's Virginia Beach Environmental Study senior interns landed LOC's first commercial account. And what a debut! LOC is proving 200 oysters a week to Atlantic on Pacific.

• Supplying oysters to restaurants has been something LOC has been careful to pursue because our part-time approach is inconsistent with the routine commitment required to serve these commercial accounts.

  
  

• As we bring on more help, training is focused on creating independent operators so this area of business can be supported.

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And as the club enters its 5th year, we also invite your feedback so we can make the next five years the best yet.