Your co-op, December 2008

2008 fall member meeting

Nearly 350 PCC members met at St. Demetrios Hall on October 28 and celebrated PCC’s 55 years as a co-op.

A delicious fall meal was planned and executed by Rita Condon, Leon Bloom, Birgitte Antonsen, Alex George and Jill Edwards with the support of the Fremont deli staff, as well as the PCC commissary. Visit our Web site for the menu and some recipes.

Each dinner table was hosted by a member of the board or management. Members reported interesting conversations around these topics floated for discussion:

According to PCC’s Ends policies that define the board-driven vision for the co-op’s future, an inherent part of PCC’s business is the balance of economic, social and environmental responsibilities.

Share why you think social responsibility is an important value for our co-op. What does social responsibility mean to you?

Here are a few responses from the members:

• “Treating employees well is an important factor. I’m glad PCC is a unionized member.”
• “I’d like to see PCC help provide more affordable food for lower incomes.”
• “Environmental practices”
• “Food security”
• “Educating members and customers about food issues”

Kathryn Gardow, executive director of the PCC Farmland Trust, announced a new fundraising mailing that will be coming to PCC members this winter. She also brought members up to date on other trust activities and mentioned the personal fundraising effort of Greenlake employee, Nil Tilija. He’s running the 2008 Seattle Marathon to raise money for the PCC Farmland Trust’s Future Farm Fund.

Trudy Bialic, PCC’s director of public affairs, awarded our first “Green Award” to PCC member, Ellie Rose. After reading a news item in the Sound Consumer two years ago, Rose began a grassroots campaign that eventually led to the Seattle City Council banning polystyrene (Styrofoam®) in Seattle stores and restaurants. Rose was awarded a platter made by Bedrock Tile from recycled glass salvaged from the old King County Administration building.

Another highlight of the meeting was a custom presentation by PCC Director of Sustainability, Diana Crane, and Seattle magician, Steffan Soule, who told the story of PCC’s sustainable efforts through illusions. Several audience members participated.

A slide show and a more detailed report are posted on the fall meeting page on our Web site.

Members who attended the meeting but did not complete an evaluation of the meeting may do so on our Web site. Members also may weigh in on the social responsibility discussion topic. The board will be gathering member input on this topic throughout the next quarter.

Upcoming Talk to the Board date

• Saturday, December 13, 2 to 2 p.m.
  Fremont PCC

PCC Web site feedback?

It’s time for our Web site to receive a serious makeover. We’d love to get your thoughts and opinions. Please take a few minutes to let us know how you use our site and what you’d like to see.

Our goal always is to improve the user experience and make it easier for you to find the things you need.

Please note: This survey closed on 2/28/2009. If you wish to give feedback about our current site, please email webmaster@pccmarkets.com. Your input is very much appreciated.