Newspaper coverage on project development

Since the project has started these are some articles in the local newspapers

http://www.denpubs.com/news/2013/jan/16/ticonderoga-food-co-op-can-succeed-according-repor/


http://www.denpubs.com/news/2013/apr/17/ticonderoga-food-co-op-discussion-progressing/


http://www.denpubs.com/news/2012/nov/29/ticonderoga-co-op-grocery-being-studied/


http://www.denpubs.com/news/2010/jun/04/ticonderoga-searches-for-grocery-alternative/


http://pressrepublican.com/0100_news/x520559172/Ticonderoga-heads-toward-food-co-op


http://pressrepublican.com/0100_news/x730428282/Ti-food-co-op-gets-rolling

Steering Committee and subcommittees

The Steering Committee

Overall Responsibility
The steering committee will coordinate all tasks needed to move the co-op from its early stages through the establishment of more formal structures.  Depending on the group’s time and resources, the committee may do the following tasks itself, or it may contract with outside consultants for professional assistance.

Specific responsibilities of the steering committee are listed below.  The primary qualifications to serve as a steering committee member are to possess the passion for this effort and to enjoy working and participating in a group.

§  Coordinate all research and information gathering

§  Survey potential members

§  Establish a membership structure

§  Report on the committee’s progress and coordinate meetings

§  If initial research shows that a co-op is feasible, oversee preparation of a business plan

A small group will be identified to handle public relations, including inquiries from the media and publicity about the co-op’s accomplishments and progress to ensure the accuracy of the co-op message.

Suggested Subcommittees

§  Planning Committee

Organizing Group:

Legal issues and policy development (review options for incorporation by researching other co-ops) and prepare articles of incorporation and bylaws. State/County registration (Department of Health) and site determination.

Operating Group:

Sourcing, ordering, inventory, packaging/repackaging, pricing, staffing, training, and quality procedures.

§  Finance Committee

Using the CDS Consultant’s excel format, develop financial projections, research funding options (including grants) and develop a fundraising plan. Coordinate a campaign for member loans.

§  Membership Committee

Research membership structures, coordinates recruitment of new members, organizes membership communications (newsletters, websites/blog, etc.) and meetings, survey members, and plans outreach to the community. A smaller group from this committee will be responsible for writing and approving all communications as noted above.

NOTE:  The above committees have been edited from the committees identified at the April 8^th meeting.  The Networking Committee which is vital in exploring the way other co-op’s are operating will not be a stand-alone committee but rather a function of all three committees.  We will need individuals in each committee who will be able to visit regional co-ops to gather first-hand information and bring that knowledge back to the specific committee. Volunteers who are interesting in networking should sign-up for one of the three committees above.

Cooperative Grocers Information Network 2002

7 Cooperative Principles

Window of PRIDE Office

The plan for the window development is to place a whiteboard on the easel to the right to provide updates, meeting times, as well as education.  The space to the left that is open is looking for suggestions and ideas to fill - one thought was to fill it with the mission or other information related to food co ops.

Agenda for April 8th and notes from previous meeting

Agenda for April 8th 2013 and notes from previous meeting

Mission Statement

• Purpose
• Reason for existence
• What and Why
• Living document

 
Provides the foundation for priorities, strategies, plans and work assignments. 
Reveals product or service.

Mission Comments

Ø  Sustainably-sourced products
Ø  To contribute to health and well being of people/community by providing wholesome foods
Ø  Buyers for members only – not selling for an industry.
Ø  Socially and environmentally responsible.
Ø  Minimize packaging/recycling
Ø  Support local farming community
Ø  Equal opportunity employment
Ø  Organic food
Ø  Open understanding – educational outreach to community
Ø  Truthful labeling

An organization’s mission statement is an important first step in defining a co-op’s reason for existence. 

 

The mission is supported by a set of values that define our standards.

 

We Value

 

Ø  Locally produced food and products
Ø  Highest quality, wholesome
Ø  Open membership
Ø  Cooperation with other co-op’s
Ø  One member, one vote
Ø  Affordable, low cost goods
Ø  Environmentally sensitive
Ø  Positive customer experience
Ø  Equal opportunity for all
Ø  Business integrity
Ø  Listening/responsive to ideas
Ø  Organic foods
Ø  Cost should not compromise quality
Ø  Fair trade with global sourcing – exploitation not allowed.
Ø  Open to all for access
Ø  Member discount
Ø  Support local farmers “Genesis”
Ø  Promote healthy lifestyle in our community

 Topics needing more discussion

                    “the parking lot”

Ø  Definition of membership categories
Ø  Employment
Ø  Definition of organic
Ø  Local “boundaries” definition
Ø  True cost
Ø  Education
Ø  SKU’s inventory
Ø  Expired “day old” product – food pantries