PCC Board of Trustees report, December 2015

This article was originally published in December 2015

Work on the bylaws

The PCC board of trustees’ Bylaws Task Force continues its work to revise PCC’s bylaws. As always, our goal is to have governance documents that support and strengthen PCC’s ability to do business as a successful triple-bottom-line cooperative. We are considering some new ideas and carefully reviewing every section of the existing bylaws.

We are working to eliminate redundancies within the bylaws and streamline them by not including items that are covered by applicable state statutes. Our two-year process includes review by the board, staff, members, nationally recognized cooperative experts and legal experts.

We will provide updates on this project on this page in future issues and on our website. If you have any questions, please contact us at board@pccmarkets.com.

Board report

The November board meeting occurred after press time, but the agenda was scheduled to include consideration of the 2016 budget and business plan for approval and reports from the board’s committees and Bylaws Task Force.

The Member Relations committee was scheduled to discuss plans for the 2016 annual meeting and ask the board for approval of the meeting program. The Finance committee was to report on its review of third-quarter financials. The Board Development committee and Bylaws Task Force were to lead a discussion of an agenda for the upcoming one-day December board retreat that is scheduled to focus on the bylaws work (See “Work on the bylaws”.)

Next meeting

The next board meeting will be on January 26 at the business office at 4:30 p.m. Member comment period is at 6 p.m. Member comments are limited to three minutes unless additional time is previously approved by the board chair. For agenda planning, please email board@pccmarkets.com if you would like to comment.

Progress on Bothell store

Construction and merchandising plans for the 2016 opening of PCC’s Bothell store are well underway. Important next steps are understanding who lives in the greater Bothell community and anticipating how PCC can best serve them. PCC employees who reside in the area got together with PCC’s leadership team and other staff in late October to share their thoughts and experiences. Their input will help guide PCC’s introduction to area households, businesses and community organizations.

Get to know your trustees

Bruce Williams

Bruce Williams, member, PCC board of trustees

Bruce Williams: Second term (second year). Term ends in 2017. Eligible for renomination.

“I am passionate about PCC’s mission, which is not only close to my values but also important to our community. To be economically prosperous and environmentally sustainable, our region needs more businesses like PCC. PCC is different from most businesses in its ownership, its mission, the value it provides to its customers and the benefit it provides to its communities. PCC is owned by members who, through the board of trustees, have directed that its mission go far beyond profitability and even beyond providing healthy food at fair prices. Our mission includes nutrition education, support of local sustainable agriculture and policy advocacy. Through PCC, members’ individual actions in buying their groceries are united into a strong collective force that advances our mission. When we spend our money at PCC, we not only get healthy food — we join together to contribute to a safer food system, a healthier environment and a stronger community.

“In addition to board work, I have been a Peace Corps volunteer, lawyer, banker and CEO. These give me skills in community service and working together with diverse people, and many years’ experience with legal, financial and leadership issues.”

On PCC’s board Bruce chairs the Board Development committee and serves on the CEO Evaluation committee.

Bruce also serves on the boards of HomeStreet Bank, the Chelan Douglas Land Trust and the Board of Commissioners of Cascade Medical Center. He is a Greenlake and Issaquah shopper.

Also in this issue

News bites, December 2015

Washington second in organic sales, Fish retire?, Sunscreen harms coral reefs, and more

Letters to the editor, December 2015

PCC as a resource, Honey in the deli, Vegan resources, and more

December wine tastings

Throughout the month we're hosting informal wine tastings at seven PCC stores. Whether you favor bold, rich reds or bubbly from near and far, you'll find delightful new choices for your holiday tables — or just for everyday drinking!