With a dozen of its members part of the program, Columinate will have a strong presence at the annual food co-op startup conference, Up & Coming, to be held in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on September 12–14.

Up & Coming is a spirited event, with enthusiastic members of co-op startups from across the country mixing with veteran trainers and consultants. Co-sponsors with Food Co-op Initiative are Indiana Cooperative Development Center and the National Black Food & Justice Alliance. This year’s local host is Kalamazoo People’s Food Co-op. Thursday, the first day, will feature a Black-led agenda. The main conference is Friday through Saturday, September 13–14.

Columinate presenters include: Jade Barker, Chris Dilley, Wynston Estis, Hether Jonna Frayer, Mark Goehring, Sarah Lebherz, Jamila Medley, Don Moffitt, LaDonna Sanders Redmond, Leslie Watson, and Tamah Yisrael, supported by events coordinator Sean Schuette. They had this to say about the excitement and knowledge that are shared at Up & Coming:

Don Moffitt said, “In ‘The New Normal in Funding Sources,’ we’ll talk about changes in how much it takes to open a store now, as well as changes in grocery operations and the sources of funds needed. The people involved are all working to enrich their communities and are caring and passionate. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to get to work with them!”

Hether Jonna Frayer and Chris Dilley will share stories (good and ugly) about store site selection, based on the Kalamazoo PFC experience. They also will lead a session on Ends-driven community partnerships through which co-ops can broaden and deepen their impact.

Dilley, Mark Goehring, and Wynston Estis, plus Akil Talley and Michelle Schry, will share a panel on “A New Approach to Startup Co-op Launch,” which will highlight Columinate services and collaboration with National Co+op Grocers. Said Goehring, “One of my favorite things is to share new approaches to supporting startups. This year will be even more fun because I’ll be joined by Akil, Chris, and Michelle, who can share details of how the new approach worked at Detroit People’s Food Co-op!”

Sarah Lebherz will present on searching for financial feasibility and on understanding and using pro formas, while Ben Sandel will present on planning and implementing a capital campaign.

Tamah Yisrael will lead a session on cooperative models for movement building and will be on a “nourishing communities” panel to discuss the role of lenders in funding startups. “I look forward to sharing and learning how to energize local communities around the movement for cooperatives. With so many communities looking to cooperatives as a way to provide meaningful opportunities for economic development, I am excited to help bridge the conversations between lenders, experts, and organizers at Up & Coming.”

Leslie Watson and Jade Barker will review early stage governance for the working board. LaDonna Sanders Redmond will share her studies and insights on co-op principles and on a proposed Principle 8 addressing racial equity. Jamila Medley will lead discussions during Thursday’s Black-led agenda that center on personal and civic engagement.

Said Chris Dilley, formerly at Kalamazoo and now at Detroit People’s Food Co-op: “I am excited to present at Up & Coming because I get to show off our co-op and our community and give back to the inspiring cohort that is the FUTURE of food cooperation by sharing what I’ve learned.”