Dennis Hanley Reflects on his Role as Interim GM at Co-op Market Grocery & Deli
Columinate consultant Dennis Hanley stepped into the role of interim general manager (IGM) at Co-op Market Grocery & Deli in Fairbanks, Alaska, after their general manager exited in late summer 2021. Here's an update on the impact Dennis made at the co-op.
Strategic Planning Processes During the Pandemic
The global pandemic has dramatically altered how grocery retailers approach all aspects of their business. As retail staff have turned much of their focus to daily operations to ensure their stores are staffed, stocked, and safe, formalized processes for strategic planning have taken a back seat for many leaders. But now is not the time to proceed without a plan.
Trust and Betrayal in the Board/Manager Relationship
When something happens that breaks that trust, how do you move forward? How can you build, repair, and maintain trust? A new online workshop, Trust and Betrayal in the Board/Manager Relationship, delves into the ways boards and general managers can build and repair trust.
The Co-op Cafe: Looking Back at 2021 and What to Expect in 2022
For nearly a decade, the Columinate Co-op Cafe has been a way for workers, directors, consumer-owners, and leaders in the cooperative movement to gather, connect, learn, and tackle relevant issues. Although the Co-op Cafe looked a bit different in 2021, the event survived and, in some ways, even thrived in the face of adversity.
Prepared Foods Perspectives
Throughout the course of the pandemic, prepared foods departments were some of hardest-hit departments at grocery co-ops across the country. We connected with leaders in prepared foods to hear how they've adapted and advice they have for others.
General Manager Perspectives of the Past Year
Anyone who has worked in a grocery store in the past two years has seen and been through a lot. Among that cohort, co-op general managers have faced a unique set of challenges. Here's what three GM's had to say about their experiences of 2021.
Meet Dana Tomlin
Columinate is proud to welcome Dana Tomlin as a new consultant. Dana is a resourceful leader with extensive independent grocery experience, and as a consultant, she plans to utilize her experience and expertise to help organizations and stores both plan for the future and improve day-to-day operations.
CBLD Policy Template
Many food co-op boards have found the CBLD Policy Template to be an invaluable resource.
How to Facilitate Board Meetings
Your board’s culture is established, in large measure, by the way board meetings are facilitated. Here are some key tips for facilitating board meetings that will create strong decisions and a board culture your co-op can be proud of.
5 Rules for Excellent Holiday Wine, Beer, and Beverage Sales
With more than two decades of experience in wine, beer, and spirits, Columinate member-consultant Samuel Vandegrift regularly helps co-ops connect with customers and boost sales using everything from pricing strategies to in-store promotions and events. Sam has some key advice for what stores can do to bring joy and delight to their beverage departments.