Present:
Mike Wiecek (Chair), Sujatha Byravan, Eliza Strode, Marilyn Scholl (NCGA), Rob
Martin (Managment), Loren Rodgers, Amy Cotter, David Herman, Erica Mintzer,
Jeff Rosenblum, Janet Van Liere
Absent
Dave Foley (unexcused)
Elisa Alonso (excused)
7:00 Meeting begins
President's Report:
Harvest is appointing two new board members , Amy
Cotter and Loren Rodgers. Amy has been a member
for 3 years and has been participating in MSCC
for as long. She is committed to the ideals of
the Co-op and Background in environmentalism. Loren
works full time in the co-op world and is very
dedicated to its ideals.
By a vote of 7-0-2, the motion to appoint Amy Cotter
and Loren Rodgers to serve on the Harvest Board during
the remainder of the calendar year is approved.
7 for (Jeff Rosenblum, Dave Herman, Eliza Strode,
Janet Van Liere, Betsy Adams, Sujatha Byravan, and
Mike Wiecek)
0 against,
2 abstentions (Elisa Alonso and David Foley)
Eyes and Ears of the Board:
During the last reset, there were many complaints
that one side of the store was not accessible from
the other, due to a blocked off aisle. Though that
is not the case for this reset, it isn’t
clear, and signs should be put up to forestall
any complaints.
Board members have also noticed that the security
guard in CB does not seem to be doing his job. Rob
is aware of his habit of loitering at the front deck,
and has spoken to his manager about it.
JP Meeting
Two people showed up to a membeer meeting in JP. One
(Elizabeth) complained that members were not being
involved in the reset. She was also concern that
with Dave Foley not running again, and Andrew not
being president, that JP is not being fully represented
on the board. Mike, Eliza and Loren all shop in
JP, and suggested that they could increase their
visibility to members.
Another attendee (Stacy) argued that younger members
don't fully understand the concept of a Co-op. Some
sort of educational program/outreach (along with staff
development) might improve younger member-base. Several
board members thought Stacy might be a good addition
to the board, and be good member of the MSCC.
Membership Committee
MSCC has landed a speaker, Brian Krouth (sp?) for
the annual meeting being held at the Milky Way.
There are concerns that space will be an issue,
however. If more than 180 people attend, community
table s would have to leave, and people may even
be turned away. Some board members were very concerned
about this possibility, but others felt that, considering
the extremely low turnout of the last annual meeting
in JP, having more than 180 attendees was unlikely.
Mike suggested putting up maps/directions signs in
both stores.
The board discussed different survey techniques, including
mailings, in store and internet delivery. Mailings
are expense (and would have to go to a large sample
size than the 500 originally planned). In store surveys
would have to be conducted on a random sampling, but
would catch non-members as well. Internet surveys
would be free to implement, and could have the advantages
of both mailing and in-store surveys.
Local agriculture promotions and composting programs
are ideas that are in the works.
Progress has been made on the recycling program ,
though some staff are still not using the cardboard
compactor.
GM Search:
Rob Martin's contract is extended.
Training Session
On November 6, there is a Co-op Board training workshop
in Albany. This is both a good opportunity to learn
new strategies and to meet board members of other
Co-ops. Jeff and Betsy are particularly interested
in going. Amy, and David H. would consider it.
Jeff will dispense information to any interested member.
The Harvest Board would be willing to pay the $50
a head cost.
GM Report
August sales in CB beat last year's August sales,
but haven't had picked up in the manner they did
last September. JP’s sales are more consistant
with last year, which is especially good, considering
the extent of the reset. The gift from NCGE has
been approved and the check should be incoming.
Though the resets have gone well, there is still work
to be done.
David Foley was absent from two consecutive meetings
without notification.
By a vote of 7-0-2: Pursuant to section 4 (5)(a) of
the bylaws David Foley is removed from his position
as Director of Harvest Co-op effective, immediately
7 for (Jeff Rosenblum, Dave Herman, Eliza Strode,
Janet Van Liere, Betsy Adams, Sujatha Byravan, and
Mike Wiecek)
0 against,
2 abstentions (Elisa Alonso and David Foley)