In late March, Columinate consultants will be presenting at FCI Live! This is a free, online series of one-hour sessions aimed at startup co-ops, led by experienced trainers and co-op leaders. Sponsored by Food Co-op Initiative (FCI), this year’s expanded FCI Live! comprises an impressive roster of over twenty different sessions; see the link above for the full listings and the time of day for each. Besides being free, all of the sessions will be posted in April to the FCI YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FoodCoopInitiative/videos. 

The series launches Monday, March 23 with an overview by FCI executive director JQ Hannah on “The Next Chapter.” 

On Wednesday, March 25, Columinate’s James Morrell will co-present with Heather Lazickas on “Business Concept 101” and moving from a vision to business feasibility. 

Also on March 25, Patrick Shabram of Columinate and G2G Analytics will discuss “What to Expect from Your Market Study.” 

On March 31, Columinate’s Jade Barker will present a review of “Grocery Industry Basics for Startups.”  

On Wednesday, April 1, Columinate’s Hether Jonna will facilitate a discussion on “Leading Through the Co-op’s Toughest Year” with a panel including two leaders of recent startups. 

On Saturday, April 11, a cross-sector co-op conference will be held in Auburn, Maine, under a theme of “Principle Six: Resilient Communities Through Cooperative Solutions.”  The keynote speaker will be Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of National Cooperative Business Association and CLUSA International. The one-day gathering will feature a strong lineup of workshops focused on leadership, finance, and community resilience—including presentations by two Columinate members. 

Jeanie Wells will present on the multiple challenges to independent grocery stores. Wells, who also serves on the FCI board of directors, brings many years of experience in store management and consulting and training offered through her popular Mighty Community Markets program.  

Laura King will be at the Principle Six Conference to discuss “Cooperative Leadership: A nourishing approach,” co-presented with Jonah Fertig-Burd of Interrooted. Said King, “In this interactive session, we will creatively engage with democratic and adaptable leadership practices. Our focus will be on mindful communication and how our leadership practices can nourish ourselves and each other.” 

For more on the conference, visit the website linked above, or contact Cooperative Maine Business Alliance Network Coordinator Emmy Andersson at emmy@maine.coop