20
The Communicator - March 2005
The Board
Report
January 27, 2005
All current board members present: Edward Bain, Lynne Genter,
John Maurer, Audra Phillips, Colleen Sharkey, Diane Stock
Employee Members also present: Bob Feller, Gerry Hendy,
Carmen Reed
Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m.
I. Announcements
A letter from Marilyn Welker of Simply Living was shared with
the group. She thanked the Co-op for support and partnership.
II. Minutes
Audra made a motion to accept the December minutes; Diane
seconded, no one opposed.
III. Management Unit Proposal
G. Hendy's proposal suggests that the current Management
Team come to a consensus about their roles and responsibilities,
and how these can/will meet the needs of the membership and
employees. Also included was a suggestion that a professional,
neutral facilitator of group process be present at Management
Team meetings. Gerry stated both in the proposal, and through
discussion during the meeting, that hopefully the Co-op commu-
nity will begin to work within it's strengths, cooperation, trust,
and open communication.
Every person present at the meeting participated in the discus-
sion. Some key points made towards the close of the discussion
included the following:
·
Some of the core issues brought up by the proposal are
currently being worked on by the Board
·
Policies are being made to address process
·
We must learn to accept that there will be some conflict
·
It would be helpful to take advantage of educational
opportunities such as team-building workshops, etc.
Gerry was thanked for his ideas and
contribution. He felt that changes need to be
made transparent, and we recognized the need
to communicate with employees, members, etc.
about what goals are being worked on.
IV. Manager's Report
The new suggestion box has been a positive experience; Re-
sponses are given to all the suggestions, some posted in the
store, some printed in the newsletter.
An update was given on Management Goals
Plans for the Annual Benefit on February 26
th
is being planned.
The Board was asked to help and participate; Colleen and Diane
to work the door.
There will be a meeting with local media contacts and LOHAS
community participants. Meg Freeling will facilitate.
Earth Day is fast approaching; Kellie taking lead to begin plans
Bylaw Brochures are being worked on to be made readily
available for members
V. Financial Report
Carmen Reed was available to go over the financial report with
the Board.
Some key points were highlighted and Carmen helped with
question.
2005 Budget: Tim Wagner is working on the Finance
Committee
Both the Manager's and Financial reports were
accepted.
VI. BOD Goal Committee Reports
·
Define Democratically run business: Colleen will spend
the month of February doing background research on
how this by-law is interpreted legally and by the
membership, employees. Will have a proposal in March.
·
Lynne presented a plan to partner with Crestview middle
school in a project to grow fresh organic produce.
Audra made a motion to endorse Lynne's plan, Colleen
seconded, no one opposed.
·
Create Business Plan/ Financial Plan: Update at the
March meeting.
·
Create and Adopt a Policy Governance model: Diane will
form a committee by February meeting. She predicts
needing 6 months to finish getting the policy gov. model
in place.
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