CCMA 2016, reprised from NFCA Annual Meeting March 2016 BUILDING ALIGNMENT FOR SUCCESS
¡ KariBradley,HungerMountainCo-op,Moderator
¡ GlennLower,GeneralManager,MiddleburyNaturalFoodsCo-op
¡ TerryBowling,NCGEasternCorridorDevelopmentManager
¡ JuliaCurry,BoardofDirectors,OnionRiverCo-op/CityMarket
OURPANEL
Background
BrettFairbairnUniversityofSaskatchewan,2003
“ThreeStrategicConceptsfortheGuidanceofCooperatives:Linkage,Transparencyand
Cognition”
http://coopfoodstore.coop
INTRODUCTION
Phase 1: spring 2014 Listen and Learn from the wisdom within our community
Phase 2: summer 2014 Collate and develop a long-range plan
Phase 3: fall 2014 Share plan with members … ask “Did we get it right?”
Provide the best quality products and services, and contribute effectively to a vibrant local community.
Explore expansion opportunities on our current site.
Goal 1
Key Strategy
Improve access to healthy foods for an increasing number of people.
Provide healthy foods at fair prices and a variety of educational pathways related to healthy living.
Goal 2
Key Strategy
Be fiscally and environmentally sustainable.
Explore transitioning to patronage dividends.
Goal 3
Key Strategy
Patronage Dividend System Flexible … lower prices, new benefits, ENDs, and share as dividends Exciting … increase sense of ownership Security … during lean years, post expansion, huge tax savings Thank you Lexington Co-op and Flatbush Co-op
Member vote approves amending the by-laws to begin using a patronage dividend system:
574 YES = 91%
57 NO = 9%
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• Reasons to expand: financial sustainability & community needs (Ends)
• Original Market Study (2012)• Identified Burlington’s South End to meet financial
needs• Identified Burlington’s Old North End and Winooski to
meet community needs
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• Board Education• What decisions will the Board make?• What information is needed to make these decisions?
• Strategic Conversations• Space to explore ideas, assumptions, questions• Builds common vision• But, don’t get stuck!
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• Start the conversation early & come back to it often• Be clear about decisions the Board makes• Focus on appropriate Board education• Make time for strategic conversations• Bring new Board members up to speed & make room
for questions & new perspective
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• Think big and long term• Be nimble and patient• Be mindful of transitions in leadership and
directors• Develop a vision!