Field Guide: Practicing the Habits of a Healthy Cooperative Democracy
The CBLD Policy Template includes the suggestion that a board of directors should “practice the habits of a successful democracy,” and should “practice, protect, promote and perpetuate a healthy democracy for our Cooperative.” This seems like a tall order, and boards might get stumped trying to figure out how to translate aspirational goals like these into concrete actions. This Field Guide will outline some of the key ingredients of democracy as practiced within the context of a cooperatively owned business. As you read, you may want to reflect on your own board’s habits. Which things do you do well and regularly? In which areas would you like to develop better habits?
Don Moffitt Wins Cooperative Champion Award
At the September 11–13 Up & Coming conference in Kalamazoo, Columinate’s Don Moffitt was honored with the Cooperative Champion Award. The award was conferred by Food Co-op Initiative at the annual food co-op startup conference, a spirited national meeting for these community-based ventures and their professional supporters and allies.
Vernon Oakes to Receive Tom Nees Award for Exceptional Service from Community of Hope
Night of Hope to spotlight Oakes’ contributions to cooperative development and community resilience. Washington, DC (September 18, 2025) –Community of Hope has announced that Vernon Oakes, longtime cooperative leader and General Manager of Columinate, will be honored with the Tom Nees Award for Exceptional Service at this year’s Night of Hope celebration on October 3, 2025.
New FCI Action Guide: The Food Co-op Development Framework
Start-up cooperatives face tremendous challenges while on their long road—from foundational organizing to the establishment of a sustainable brick-and-mortar business delivering their mission to the communities they serve. We have seen that organizations can benefit greatly from the learnings of more seasoned businesses that have been on that journey.
Startup Solidarity: Columinate at Up & Coming
Under a theme of “Co-Creating the Future,” the annual conference for startup food co-ops, Up & Coming, will be held September 12–13 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Up & Coming is sponsored by Food Co-op Initiative (FCI) and offers a solid program and a spirited gathering of co-op activists of many stripes.
Benefits of Columinate’s Interim General Management
Interim general management supports incoming management: Quite often, it is more advantageous for a co-op to use the services of an Interim General Manager (IGM) than to feel like they are forced into a [...]
Carolee Colter Wins TWIG Award
Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) is an award sponsored by Progressive Grocer as part of its annual Grocery Impact Conference, to be held this year on November 7. The 2025 TWIG Awards, announced in June, include Columinate’s Carolee Colter, after she was nominated by Joel Brock.
Chris Morris: Interim General Manager Leadership in Ann Arbor
Columinate’s Interim General Manager (IGM) services have yielded very positive results at People’s Food Co-op (PFC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While under contract as IGM, Chris Morris has exercised a wide range of skills to work with the existing team and turn around a wavering operation. Morris was hired in early January and ends his contract with PFC on May 30.
Columinate’s Presence at CCMA May 29-31
Columinate members will be among the many presenters and trainers at the 2025 CCMA conference, to be held in Duluth, Minnesota, on May 29-31. They will join a few hundred co-op directors, managers, and key staff from a network of food co-ops and national allies. The CCMA conference, sponsored by UWCC, is a spirited and busy three days of challenging speakers, workshops, local tours, networking, award presentations, and a bang-up closing party.
Three Retailer Challenges Addressed by Mighty Community Markets Grocery Bootcamp
Independent grocery stores—mom-and-pop shops, food co-ops, and nonprofit-run markets—face unique and persistent challenges. From thin profit margins to limited formal training, retail leaders often find themselves navigating complex work with little support. Mighty Community Markets Grocery Bootcamp, presented by nationally recognized consultant and former general manager Jeanie Wells, was created to directly address key challenges faced by community-minded grocers across North America.