Phoenix Earth Food Co-oP Special Board Meeting Minutes
September 24, 1992

Meeting opened 7:45.  Present were Dave Engel, Dini Schut, Madelyn Gratop, Hal Hamer, Kristie Dubois, Sandy Craig.

New Business: We discussed shortcomings and strong points of the store managers' performances, the actual vs. self-described job description.  We discussed ultimata to the managers, possible store closing.  Kristie moved we present ultimata to Gary and Helen (managers).  Hal suggested tabling it for further consideration.  Dini seconded.  Discussion was to soften the language.  Kristie withdrew motion.  Dave moved Kristie write a letter in the spirit of the ultimata (from previous executive committee meeting), soften the language and present it to the managers as soon as possible.  Madelyn seconded.  Motion passed with Hal dissenting.  Dave left before the meeting adjourned without notes on any further activity of the brief remaining time.

1447 West Sylvania · Toledo, OH  43612 · 419.476.3211

September 24, 1992

Members of the Board of Directors
Phoenix Earth Food Co-op

As managers of the Phoenix Earth Food Co-op we feel that it is our responsibility to offer our input for your consideration at tonight's board meeting.  What follows is a list of recommendations that we would like to make as possible remedies for the co-op's current status.

Our hope is that these recommendations will open a dialog which will facilitate a more successful co-op.  We feel that a higher priority should be given to keep the membership more aware of what is happening at the co-op be it current events, specials, educational activities or even the latest financial picture.  Our members have a right to know what is going on and currently we have no reliable method for informing them.  Our suggestion is that the newsletter be moved to a less frequent publication (perhaps quarterly) and that instead we formulate a Phoenix Frequent Flyer which would briefly highlight co-op news and possibly provide incentives for the membership to spend more time at the co-op through coupons, events, etc.

Our next suggestion is that we must do more to get members involved.  All of the committees must become more active.  Members will spend their dollars here if they are here.  We must devise ways to draw members here.  Awareness and communication are keys to any success in this area.  Bi-weekly educational events could draw people here as well as other incentives.

Education Committee must take a strong stand against supporting our competition.  We can in some ways understand members shopping at Bassetts, Claudia's etc.  But if our members are still spending the bulk of their food dollars at Krogers, Foodtown, Churchill's or Cub Foods we are not doing our job of educating them to the hazards of supporting these chains.  It is past time to let people know that while some of our prices are higher, most items are reasonably priced and some are lower.  Also members should be made aware that we have the most accessible and reasonably priced organic produce in the area and the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture, organic farmers and cooperative principles.

We would like to see a large grand opening occur and we feel that any such event must have strong leadership and be well organized.

We feel the committees are still not functioning at a level which is productive or positive.  There must be regular meetings, and regular contributions to the functioning of the co-op.  The fundraising committee should be providing funding for the other committees to function.  The finance committee should have members in addition to the current board members.  Education and Membership must work together to get members into the store.  If we had 100 members (less than 1/3 of our total membership) spend just $35.00 per week here, we would be at an acceptable sales level.  As it is, a high percentage of our sales come from regular shoppers who are not members and a small percentage of members who shop here weekly.

Our current status is that we must double our sales to become a successful co-op.  As managers, we are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish this task.  We do expect higher volume now that people are back from vacation and most gardens are now depleted.  We are committed to the co-op and our belief is that the board is as well.  We would like to elicit from you anything that you feel we should do to improve the situation.  Our hope is that these suggestions will be helpful.

Gary Ohler
Helen Elden