Harvest Co-op Supermarkets
Board of Directors Meeting
November 3, 2003
Present: Ed Barsamian (general manager),
Jeff Rosenblum (secretary), Andrew Weaver (treasurer),
Eliza Strode (vice president), Elisa Alonso, Betsy
Adams, and Sujatha Byraven (board members)
Absent: Mike Wiecek and Melitta
Jakab
Revisions to the Agenda: Mike
is absent so there will be no President's Report
Minutes: Approval of September
8 Board Minutes
Motion: Approve minutes as written with the addition
of the names of those present: Sujatha Byraven, Andrew
Weaver, Betsy Adams, Jeff Rosenblum, Eliza Strode,
Mike Wiecek, Ed Barsamian, Melitta Jakab, and Elisa
Alonso
For: Unanimous
Approval of October 6 Board Minutes
Motion: Approve minutes as written
For: Unanimous
Eyes and Ears of the Board
- Jeff said the the organic and inorganic labeling
aren't clear in Cambridge. He likes the "what's
local"
sign but can't match it with the items while shopping.
Betsy said the produce has been looking great - fresher,
better presentation. Elisa misses the half priced
produce items and shared a story of good customer
service around a price discrepancy. Andrew gave thanks
for carrying tupelo honey, but it didn't scan. Eliza
reiterated that there needs to be a system for catching
items that don't scan. is there a system? She has
never seen anyone write down the price. She also asked
if the store has had a price audit lately. Ed said
yes and that there are regular store audits done by
member workers.
Committee Reports
Membership Committee:
- Jeff reported that the Annual Meeting went smoothly
and that Chris Durkin did a great job. The attendance
was down about 50 from last years 300 people, but
last year there were non-members.
The survey information hasn't gotten
compiled. The information can be useful to Ed and
he and Jeff will meet to determine the progress of
it being compiled. This was determined to be an important
priority for the membership committee.
Five organizations applied for
Community Fund money. The committee will recommend
three groups to the board. Members are currently
voting on their choice and the committee will recommend
three groups to the board based on those votes.
Elisa and Jeff will go to a staff meeting
meet staff and present the mission of the board and
store.
Nominations and Elections Committee:
- Betsy reported that polls close Nov 11 and the ballot
count will be Nov. 12. Betsy will name board buddies
in time for the new board member orientation. Finance
orientation will be in January. New board members'
first meeting in December.
There was a discussion about suggestions
for the store and the annual meeting. Eliza suggested
building a co-op education piece into the meeting.
She also suggested a market basket comparison in the
front of the store. Sujatha suggested a delivery service
GM Report - public:
- The JP store was voted best business on Centre Street
by JP Gazette
- The community room in Cambridge was painted
- There was a flyer in the Phoenix and door to door
in JP
- There are currently 4,600 members.
- There will be a public dedication on November 15
for the mural on the side of the Cambridge store.
- Batteries and other sundries in Cambridge selling
well
- New dairy case in JP
[Board moved into executive session
at this time]
[Minutes submitted by Natalie C. Jaeger]