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 and |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 and |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.

Everyone Welcome Chatinar

By and |March 21st, 2020|

The authors of Everyone Welcome? Personal Narratives about Race and Food Co-ops believe that bridging the racial divide starts first with encouraging inquiry and engagement that leads toward greater awareness, problem-solving, and embracing radical change.  They know starting and sustaining conversations about race are not always easy. 

Re-Energize your Co-op Culture

By |March 21st, 2020|

There are over 40,000 co-ops operating in the USA employing almost 1 million people. Few of those employees have had any formal training on the cooperative business model. This brief “chatinar” led by Columinate consultant [...]

Holiday Wine Sets 101

By |November 7th, 2019|

It’s not just you: building a successful wine program comes with a certain intimidation factor. The holiday season can amplify the pressure, and your co-op members probably feel it, too. “People who don’t purchase wine as often might want to buy wine for Thanksgiving, and not know where to start,” says Samuel Vandegrift, an industry veteran with two decades of experience.

Co-op Cafe Philadelphia 2019

By |October 28th, 2019|

We had a great day of conversation focused on the theme Expand the Vision of “We” in Philadelphia, PA!   16 people including staff, managers and directors from 7 co-ops participated Thank you for contributing during the day – [...]

Safety Matters

By |October 23rd, 2019|

Is your store prepared for an emergency? “It feels like an intimidating, and not immediately gratifying topic,” admits Mike Feiner - Safety, Security, and Loss Prevention Consultant, ”and that’s precisely why it’s important.” Considering your operation’s safety doesn’t have to be intimidating. “Think of preparation as your fire extinguisher,” Feiner adds, “It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.”