Your co-op, January 2009

Talk to the Board

The board still is gathering member feedback this quarter on how PCC practices social responsibility — how important that is to you and what a socially responsible business looks like to you. They look forward to talking to you about this and any other topic you may have in mind. Contact the board anytime at
board@pccmarkets.com

Upcoming Talk to the Board dates:

• Saturday, January 17, 12 to 2 p.m.
  PCC Greenlake
• Saturday, February 21, 12 to 2 p.m.
  PCC West Seattle

Board meeting report

The November 25 board meeting included a review of the 2009 operating budget and business plan, an evaluation of the fall member meeting, a report on PCC’s new social networking initiatives, and a decision on the 2009 annual meeting and election dates.

“We were thrilled to have another record attendance at our fall member meeting with nearly 350 members and guests,” says Member Relations Committee chair Kelly Horton. Feedback indicated members enjoyed the meal, the conversation, and the special magic show. See a full report, a photo slide show, and sound slide show on the member meetings Web page.

The board also heard a report from the marketing department on PCC’s recent foray into the social networking realm, sharing details of our new presence on Facebook and Twitter. Director of marketing Laurie Albrecht reported that these interactions make more people aware of PCC and our mission, and help create new communities of people who share our values. They’re also another way to hear what shoppers like as well as any concerns they may have.

The board approved April 28 as the date of the 2009 annual meeting, with balloting for the elections starting that date and running through May 22. The 2009 ballot count meeting was set for May 25.

2009 board candidate slate

This year’s nominating committee interviewed 13 applicants for board candidacy and was in deliberations at press time. Look for an announcement of the 2009 slate of candidates in the February Sound Consumer. We’ll post candidate bios and photos on the Web site by March 25, including video interviews.

Public policy work

We’re pleased that PCC’s year-long engagement with stakeholders in a labor dispute involving the United Farm Workers (UFW) and Beef Northwest (the feedlot for Country Natural Beef) has led to a settlement. Beef Northwest and the UFW now are negotiating terms for feedlot workers. 

Over the past two months, PCC also has commented on several proposed policies that affect our food supply. These include:

• September 23, 2008 — letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opposing approval of irradiation for fresh spinach and lettuce.
• September 30, 2008 — letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) commenting on interim final rules for country-of-origin labels on meat and other products.
• November 3, 2008 — comments submitted to the National Organic Standards Board re: proposed organic standards for aquaculture fish feed and net pens.
• November 13, 2008 — comments submitted to the FDA during public comment period on regulation of genetically modified (GM) animals.
• November 24, 2008 — comments submitted to USDA re: proposed changes in regulations for GM crops, including food crops engineered to express experimental pharmaceuticals and industrial compounds.

The above letters and comments may be read at pccmarkets.com/issues/statements.