CBLD Resource Spotlight: Updated Policy Register Template
The new year is a time for reflection and revision, and co-op boards are no exception. Whether your board has just decided to implement Policy Governance® or your board wants to refresh existing policies, the updated 2021 Policy Register Template provides a great opportunity to start these conversations.
Luke Schell Reflects on his Role as Interim GM at Just Food Co-op
Luke Schell took the helm of the Just Food Co-op in Northfield, Minnesota, as the interim general manager (IGM) in the summer of 2021 after the resignation of its previous general manager. Throughout his contract, Luke has made numerous positive changes at the co-op, including improvements to staff morale.
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.