Governance Considerations for New Retail Food Cooperatives
By Thane Joyal 151 November - December 2010 The Uniform Limited Cooperation Association Act (UCLAA) and a variety of state statutes have provided new financing flexibility for organizers of food cooperatives. In addition, these business forms present governance considerations. Organizers of retail food cooperatives considering using the LCA form of organization should carefully consider and clearly articulate their decisions on the appropriate distribution of [...]
Building a Positive Board Performance Culture 1 of 2
Imagine a board that moves positively forward with a shared understanding of board purpose; following their own words about how they will operate and doing so in a way that respects individual diversity and voice, on the way to making decisions as a unified and intentional whole. Boards that do this over the long haul have built a Positive Board Performance Culture (PBPC) and [...]
Starting Off Right With Your New General Manager
Guest Panelists: Melanie Reid, GM, Just Food Co-op Terry Bowling, GM, La Montañita Co-op
Making Ourselves Accountable: Board self-evaluation fosters reflection, constant improvement
By Rose Marie Klee 150 September - October 2010 Board of directors’ self-evaluation is the act of reflecting upon the past in order to constantly improve. It is rooted in a sincere commitment to providing high-quality governance as trustees of an organization. When a board practices periodic evaluation, each director comes to better understand the expectations for individual directors, as well as the entire [...]
Meaningful Metrics: General manager reporting closes the accountability loop
By Todd Wallace 150 September - October 2010 Successful reporting is essential to maintaining a positive board-management relationship. A sound process—one that includes the creation of meaningful metrics—is a powerful tool that closes the accountability loop and demonstrates organizational accomplishment. Having these two components in place builds alignment, engagement, and commitment to the accomplishment of the co-op’s long-term goals. A board’s work includes two [...]
Staff on the Board
Should staff be eligible to serve on the board of a consumer co-op? Many of today’s food co-ops started as small buying clubs. No one was paid, everyone pitched in. As the co-ops grew, incorporated, opened store fronts and hired staff, little attention was paid to role clarity and accountability. Paid staff and member workers often served as the board of directors. Now that [...]
How to be a Successful Board Chair/President
Panelists Alex Gyori - GM, Brattleboro Donna Stroup - Board President, Bloomingfoods Steve Peterson - Board President, Oneota
Building a Successful Board-GM Relationship
Presented by Art Sherwood & Todd Wallace CBLD Board Consultants Panelists Amy Holt - Board President Lexington Co-op Market Buffalo, NY Rose Marie Klee - Board President Wheatsville Food Co-op Austin, TX George Huntington - GM Bloomingfoods Bloomington, IN Lori Burge - Development Mgr. People's Food Co-op Portland, OR