Phoenix Earth Food Co-op
Minutes, Board Meeting 2/20/2013

Resolutions are numbered R1-R3

Location: Third Space Community Center, 137 N. Michigan St. Toledo. Present @ 5 pm: David Bohon, Shelly Boraby, Pete DeWood, Thomas Fine, Sandor Halasz, Anita Levin, Sean Nestor, Hermann von Grafenstein, Lisa Blake (General Manager, GM).Absent: Steve Vines

  1. The meeting was called to order by President Sean Nestor @5:20pm.
  2. Approval of minutes
    The minutes of the 1/12/2013 board meeting were approved with modifications (R1, 8/0/0 = for/against/abstentions).
  3. Presentation by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC)
    The Business Plan Committee had contacted the TRCC to provide guidance for the Co-op's development of and for critical decisions such as relocation. The following individuals were present at the meeting:

    Bill Wersell pointed out that TRCC offers help to small businesses through the Small Business Development Center. Advice can also be obtained from the Ohio Development Services Agency (OSDA) a taxpayer-funded agency of the Ohio government. Mr. Wersell suggested that the Co-op find a more viable location; he found the current location to be not suitable.

    He asked everybody in the room to summarize the Co-op's mission and current top concern. All board members present, several Co-op members, and the owner of the record store at Third Space contributed to the discussion. Among the issues raised were: need to follow co-op principles—unify people around a central purpose—define more concrete smaller goals—until we move make current location a more desirable place—need to increase membership to 1000–2000 from the current ~225. Opinions about relocation were divided.

    4. After the TRCC presentation and discussion, a break was held. Pete DeWood left the meeting.

  4. Report from the finance committee
    Tom Fine reported on the 1/12/2013 meeting of the finance committee and handed out the minutes of that meeting. The meeting's minutes as a whole, with all its recommendations, were approved (R2, 6/0/1). Additional points not already mentioned in the minutes: our obligations in regard to the Jackson loan may continue if the note was breached before Mr. Jackson's death. The Co-op could ask for release of any potential financial obligations in return for forgoing any claims on money paid after Mr. Jackson's death. It was suggested to contact attorney Scott Ciolek for legal advice.
  5. Loans available from the City
    GM Lisa Blake mentioned that up to $50, 000 are available from the City at a rate of 4%. The loan can be used for any purpose within the City. The topic was moved to the Business Plan Committee for further clarification. It was suggested to approach Michael Collins to submit an application.
  6. Capital improvement grant from the City to businesses on Sylvania Ave
    Hermann von Grafenstein reported that he had approached City Councilor Steve Steel about the availability of grants to businesses in the 5Points area. Lisa and Hermann were subsequently invited to meet with City officials to discuss the scope and purpose of such a grant. Lisa stated that she plans to ask for ~$9, 000 for urgent repairs of the Store's floor. Hermann asked the board for authorization to present the Co-op's application for a grant at the planned meeting. The authorization was approved (R3, 7/0/0).
  7. General Manager's report
    GM Lisa Blake reported that 2012 sales were below 2011 sales. Most of the IOUs have been written off. Current sales seem to be improving. Lisa credited Co-op staff (Jackie, Sasha, Dakota, Ayana, Robert, Sean) for successful outreach efforts.
  8. The meeting was adjourned.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday, March 20th at Third Space in downtown Toledo.

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Submitted by Hermann von Grafenstein, Secretary