Retail Basics: Merchandising and Store Conditioning
Welcome to Retail Basics: Merchandising and Store Conditioning, created by the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA). NCGA specifically designed this workbook to support effective merchandising in your food co-op and to enhance the customer experience [...]
Governance Considerations for New Retail Food Cooperatives
By Thane Joyal 151 November - December 2010 The Uniform Limited Cooperation Association Act (UCLAA) and a variety of state statutes have provided new financing flexibility for organizers of food cooperatives. In addition, these business [...]
Building a Positive Board Performance Culture 1 of 2
Imagine a board that moves positively forward with a shared understanding of board purpose; following their own words about how they will operate and doing so in a way that respects individual diversity and voice, [...]
Starting Off Right With Your New General Manager
Guest Panelists: Melanie Reid, GM, Just Food Co-op Terry Bowling, GM, La Montañita Co-op
Making Ourselves Accountable: Board self-evaluation fosters reflection, constant improvement
By Rose Marie Klee 150 September - October 2010 Board of directors’ self-evaluation is the act of reflecting upon the past in order to constantly improve. It is rooted in a sincere commitment to providing [...]
Meaningful Metrics: General manager reporting closes the accountability loop
By Todd Wallace 150 September - October 2010 Successful reporting is essential to maintaining a positive board-management relationship. A sound process—one that includes the creation of meaningful metrics—is a powerful tool that closes the accountability [...]
Staff on the Board
Should staff be eligible to serve on the board of a consumer co-op? Many of today’s food co-ops started as small buying clubs. No one was paid, everyone pitched in. As the co-ops grew, incorporated, [...]