Keeping it Fresh

By |May 18th, 2020|

If you are like most Americans, your shopping patterns - as well as your customers’ habits - have changed drastically in the past several weeks. More people are buying fresh produce to stay healthy, and for good reason: a diet that includes lots of fresh organic produce is a great way to keep your immune systems strong in these uncertain times.

Articulating your Co-op’s Value during a Pandemic — and Beyond

By |May 14th, 2020|

So much is changing so quickly right now, and our co-ops are uniquely positioned to serve our owners and community today, and be practical alternatives to 'business -as-usual' in the future. We don't have a crystal ball to see that future, but we can discuss together how our co-ops can have a larger role and how we can talk about our co-ops as important parts of a better society.

Financial Planning During a Pandemic

By |May 1st, 2020|

Financial health is the backbone of a successful co-op. Like every other part, it’s twisting and turning during the current pandemic. “Things are changing really fast,” says feasibility and project development consultant Don Moffitt. “I’m not sure that anybody knows exactly what they need to be doing right now.”

Supporting Your GM During a Pandemic

By |April 30th, 2020|

How can a Board and individual directors support their GM during a pandemic (or other crises)? Most of what you will find here will be generally useful even in “normal” times. During times of great [...]

Tips for Effective Virtual Meetings

By |April 21st, 2020|

Boards of Directors may find that they need to conduct a board meeting by phone or using some variation of video conferencing technology. As you consider how to make these virtual meetings as effective and [...]

Coaching for Excellence: Building a Support Team During Times of Crisis

By |April 21st, 2020|

Leading a purpose-driven organization takes work and vision — and it’s worth the hustle. But nobody said it was easy. In uncertain times, especially, finding support is vital. Find your advocate in a coach. Columinate’s executive coaches zero-in on you — not your bottom line, not your people, not your operations (although all of those will benefit) — to encourage your fullest potential.

Achieving Finance & Operations Harmony

By |April 8th, 2020|

This chatinar will focus on pinpointing opportunities for operators to work with finance team to resolve issues in their financial performance and achievement. Audrey Griffin and Wynston Estis will share the simple matrix they’ve developed that identifies relationships between the administrative, operations and finance departments and where the strength and crossover of those relationships can overcome challenges, optimize processes and produce successful outcomes.

Spotlight on Safety & Security

By |March 24th, 2020|

Spotlight on Safety & Security with Mike Feiner and Paul Feiner – part of a three-part series. You can be sure that shoplifter gave a lot of thought to how to get away with stealing; how much thought have you put into stopping it? How does your store organize its overall approach to loss prevention? Who’s tasked with your loss prevention, safety, and security responsibilities? Join us to discuss the component parts of a broad Loss Prevention Program, and how to start putting those in place.