PCC Board of Trustees report, September 2013
This article was originally published in September 2013
Board meeting report
Topping the agenda of the July 30 meeting, the first of the 2013-2014 board year, was a presentation and discussion of the fiduciary responsibilities of the trustees.
The session was led by trustee Stephen Tan, managing partner at Cascadia Law, an attorney who is entering his seventh year on our board. He covered the trustees’ duties (care, loyalty, disclosure and good faith), rights and protections.
Committees
The board approved committee rosters for the four standing committees for 2013-2014:
- Board Development: Julianne Lamsek (chair), Taso Lagos, Maggie Lucas, Sandy Voit
- Member Relations: Carol Binder (chair), Taso Lagos, Karen May, Sandy Voit
- Finance: Bruce Williams (chair), Carol Binder, John Sheller, Karen May
- CEO evaluation: Maggie Lucas (chair), Julianne Lamsek, Stephen Tan, Bruce Williams
Board chair Maggie Lucas asked the committees to present their 2013-2014 work plans at the September board meeting for approval. The board also reviewed the 2013-2014 board calendar.
The outgoing member relations committee led a discussion on the strategic use of the 2013 member survey data. The incoming committee will use board feedback as it begins to consider the policy that governs the timing of the survey as well as potential new methodologies.
Board member Stephen Tan and public affairs director Trudy Bialic talked about the July 23 board-hosted outreach event where they each presented on the importance of labeling genetically engineered foods. Attendees asked questions after the presentations and gave positive feedback about the event overall. The new member relations committee will consider holding another of these education events in the fall.
John Sheller, the board’s representative on the nominating committee, reported on the committee’s work so far. Janet Hietter was selected by the committee to serve as chair. The committee approved a work plan, looked at key documents (applications, etc.) and made assignments to interview current trustees for feedback.
The agenda also included the annual update from PCC Farmland Trust executive director, Rebecca Sadinsky. Highlights of the trust’s year included:
- purchase of an agricultural conservation easement on Sturgeon Farm (Puyallup River Valley south of Orting)
- $1 million in fundraising in fiscal 2012
- completion of the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement on Jubilee Farm
- closing on purchase of 120 acres in Puyallup River Valley
- a calendar of public tours of organic farms and farm work parties
- trust portfolio now totaling 1,264 acres conserved representing nine properties, 11 easements and 4l leases to monitor and manage
- completion of re-design of trust website (pccfarmlandtrust.org)
Sadinsky also made a formal request to have the trust’s annual fundraising letter mailed to PCC members. The board approved the request so members may expect that letter late this year.
The next board meeting is scheduled for September 24 at 5 p.m. Member comments at 7 p.m.
Message from the nominating committee
Would you like to contribute to the continued success of the largest consumer-owned grocer in the United States? Are you a critical thinker? Are you able to work in a collaborative environment? Then we’re looking for you!
PCC Natural Markets has nine stores in the greater Seattle area and had more than $180 million in 2012 sales. We are on a steady growth path with our 10th and 11th stores scheduled to open in early 2014 and 2015.
We’re looking for qualified applicants for board service. Previous board experience is helpful. Board members serve a three-year term and receive an annual stipend. Trustees are elected in May 2014. Deadline for completed applications is October 15, 2013.
Email us at
nominatingcommittee@pccmarkets.com
with questions or to request an application.