Managing a food co-op takes a large and varied set of skills, some of which even a highly talented general manager might need help developing. With an updated curriculum and a roster of talented instructors, the GM Development Program provides both new and veteran GMs with the support and the tools they need to successfully manage and lead their 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.
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.
During times of transition, Columinate's interim General Managers (IGMs) have helped co-ops stabilize and implement lasting change. IGM and Columinate consultant Scot Destasio had a transformative impact at the Old Creamery Cooperative, located in a traditional "Hilltown" in Western Massachusetts.
Yes, it's true. HR specialist Carolee Colter's recent study of trends in the national Co-op GM Compensation Database reveals a disturbing trend of gender disparity. At every size of co-op from the smallest to the largest, female GMs earn less than their male peers.
Wynston Estes arrived at Ocean Beach People’s Organic Market in April of 2021 during a period of instability. Throughout Wynyston's tenure, she worked with the team at Ocean Beach to improve both daily and long-term operations, including improving long-term financial viability of the store while simultaneously implementing a staff-wide pay rate increase.
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 crisis, these guidelines become even more important. Stay steady. Continue with your existing board work plan and responsibilities -- except when it makes sense to make exceptions. Stay [...]
When Anne Carter came to Medford Food Co-op in Medford, Oregon, the startup co-op had been open for two years and was still establishing its operations and governance. Their internal situation was mirrored in the community-at-large. Medford was once a logging town, and the current 225,000 inhabitants were transitioning their economy to tourism and business services. That new dynamic, and a focus on health and sustainability, also led to the creation of the food co-op.
By Carolee Colter, Lauren Olsen, Marilyn Scholl 183 Mar-Apr 2016 It takes a lot to manage a food co-op. Co-op general managers (GMs) are responsible not only for the retail operations but also for budgeting, financial analysis, marketing, information technology, and human resources—functions that are provided by corporate headquarters to managers of chain stores. Co-op GMs, in addition to the demands of the business, [...]
