Introducing the Four Pillars
What sets co-ops apart from other companies is their ownership structure, cooperative values and democratic governance. That’s why co-op leadership that is focused specifically on those things that define cooperation is so critical. It’s the [...]
Participation that is Open, Voluntary, Embracing, Safe
Robin Seydel, Membership & Community Development Coordinator La Montañita Co-op, New Mexico
New Resource: Field Guide—Patronage Dividend: Presenting GM Recommendations
One of the key moments in a co-op’s business cycle comes at the end of a fiscal year when it becomes clear how much profit the co-op has generated that year. At that time, the [...]
Grow for the Good of the Movement
Martha Whitman, Board President La Montañita Co-op, New Mexico
Oryana 2020: A Vision for the Future
Steve Nance, General Manager Oryana Natural Foods Market, Traverse City, MI
Why Growth Matters
Sarah Christensen, General Manager Green Tree Natural Grocery, Mt. Pleasant, MI According to Green Tree Natural Grocery GM Sarah Christensen, planning for growth is not an option. You've got to 'Grow or Die'. This is [...]
Patronage Dividend: Presenting GM Recommendations
The “Patronage Dividends for Food Co-ops” Toolbox (available as a free download in the Columinate library) describes the power of patronage dividends as a tool for building strong cooperatives and outlines the steps needed to [...]
Engaging Employees in Open Book Management
By Helena O'Connor 169 Nov-Dec 2013 A few staff members crowded the back of the small room. Latecomers straggled in until most chairs were full. A huge white board with a crosshatch of lines and [...]
Bringing Open Book Management to Life at Just Food Co-op
By Melanie Reid 169 Nov-Dec 2013 Justice and Just Food Co-op in Northfield, Minn., opened its doors in 2004. Once the co-op had successfully navigated the initial challenges that every startup faces and began to [...]
Great Idea: Sharing the Leadership Role
As well as being a consultant with CDS Consulting Co-op, Art Sherwood is the board president at Bloomingfoods Market & Deli in Bloomington, IN and is heading into his third and last term as president. [...]