Your co-op, March 2005
This article was originally published in March 2005
Articles/Bylaws proposals
The comment period is still open for members who may wish to comment on the board proposals to amend PCC’s articles and bylaws. The documents are available for review on our Web site, at Co-op Information Centers in each store and in the co-op office. You may also speak directly to a board member at one of the monthly Talk to the Board events in stores or at a board meeting. All comments will be reviewed at the March board meeting. The proposals will be put before the membership in the May election.
Membership retreat report
What does it mean for membership to be a “respected and valued choice?”
In its January 25 meeting, PCC’s Board of Trustees discussed policy monitoring reports and a summary of the January 16 retreat on membership. The retreat centered on clarifying the vision around membership — what does it mean for membership to be a “respected and valued choice?” The board discussed structural changes to membership, such as investment level.
To prepare for the retreat, the board posted several questions in the Sound Consumer and on our Web site and asked members to respond. From October’s semi-annual meeting through December, the board received hundreds of responses. The board was pleased to get so many replies, and read and referred to them during the retreat. The board found that members repeatedly emphasized their appreciation of the 10 percent flexible discount day and the trust they have in PCC researching and providing safe food.
The board also examined research on other co-ops — looking at investment structures and benefit programs. The comparison showed that PCC compares favorably in both areas.
Key decisions and ideas for management to follow up on are:
- The board feels the investment level ($60) should remain the same and that membership should be allowed to grow organically as individuals choose to join us, without set targets.
- The flexible 10 percent shopping discount has been very popular with members and is the kind of benefit the board encourages management to continue developing. The board also is interested in member comments that encourage ways for PCC to honor longtime members.
- The board’s vision includes ideas that perhaps would give members a reason to show their card — emphasizing their membership every time they shop.
- There are still many members who know little about the important contributions PCC is making to members and the community-at-large. PCC management will communicate values, activities and policies that members can be proud of, providing information on the full value that membership offers the community.
The board feels there are other aspects of membership that should be emphasized. The Linkage Task Force is responsible for looking at notes from the retreat and determining if any board policies should be refined or developed. The task force will review the Ends policy on membership, which states “PCC membership is a respected and valued choice.”
Talk to the Board
Each month, a PCC board member visits a different store for face-to-face conversations with members. As a primary member linkage opportunity, these events give members a chance to ask questions, make suggestions or share concerns with board members. Stop by to meet one of your board members and share a cup of delicious organic coffee or juice!
Upcoming Talk to the Board dates
- Saturday, March 12, 12 to 2 p.m., Kirkland PCC
- Saturday, April 23, 1 to 3 p.m., Seward Park PCC
Next board meeting
The next scheduled board meeting will be Tuesday, March 29 at 5 p.m. at the co-op office. Time is set aside as usual for member comments at 7 p.m. The agenda will be posted on our Web site approximately one week prior to the meeting.