Phoenix Earth Food Co-op (PEFC)
Minutes, Board Meeting 06/24/2015
Location: Main branch of Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, 325 Michigan St., Toledo, OH 43604; Present:Shelly Boraby, Sándor Halász (arrived later), Alyx Kendzierski, Anita Levin, Sean Nestor, Hermann von Grafenstein, Sean Fitzgerald (General Manager) Helen Elden (staff), Morgan Blake (staff, marketing). Absent:Thomas Fine, Nichole Nauden, Leah Foley (staff, bookkeeper). Resolutions are numbered R1–R3.
The meeting began at 5:30 pm.
- Approval of minutes
The minutes of the 5/27/2015 board meeting were approved (R1, 5/0/0 for/against/abstention).
- Jackson Lawsuit
Helen and Sean Fitzgerald updated the Board about the status of the Jackson Loan Lawsuit and indicated that it may take some time until a decision is made.
- Bank account
A motion was approved to close the Relocation
account at the Directions Credit Union and move the balance to a fundraiser account at Huntington Bank (R2, 5/0/0). Alyx wanted to know why we chose Huntington and not a Federal Credit Union. During a brief discussion it was revealed that Huntington Bank might re-open a credit line that had been open to the Co-op in the past.
- Potluck
The next potluck was to take place in the week around August 8, coinciding with the Local Foods week.
- Volunteer program
Shelly said that she was now available to run the volunteer program. Volunteers for going door-to-door distributing information were needed. Alyx mentioned that she could recruit volunteers using the bulletin board at Black Cloister Brewing Company on 619 Monroe St.
- General Manager’s report
Sean Fitzgerald presented his General Manager’s report, which was generally well received. The stabilization of the Co-op’s finances was very much appreciated. Although agreeing with the general tone of the report, Hermann cautioned that a positive balance as a result of inventory reduction was not sustainable.
- Outreach committee report
Hermann presented a brief report of recent activities of the Outreach Committee:
- The Committee had met regularly and developed a calendar of events.
- The Co-op’s table at the Old West End Festival had been a success. Many visitors signed up for the newsletter. Hermann and Morgan also presented an analysis of the event aimed at improving future similar activities. Among the conclusions were:
- It would have been advantageous to have a banner with the Co-op’s name as well as T-shirts.
- Some of the volunteers would find a short script useful that provided guidance as to what to say about the Cop-op.
- Drinks and snacks should be provided for table volunteers.
- Plans for the Art-on-the-Mall events were underway. A contract had been signed for a table at the event and a Doodle poll had been created: http://doodle.com/cmuz9y9byy4awfcu.
Sándor Halász arrived at the meeting.
- Marketing campaign
Sean N. announced that a tentative launch date was July 1. Most of the work had been done. The Toledo city paper was working with Sean to publish an article about the Co-op to advertise the fundraiser. Fundraising was going to utilize the Indiegogo site as originally planned. Sean emphasized the importance of having significant commitments at the beginning of the campaign to demonstrate momentum. Sean showed a preview of a video produced by Ben Snyder supporting the campaign. Alyx mentioned the possibility of creating a phone tree to promote the campaign among members and getting them involved.
- Board recruitment
Sean emphasized the importance of recruiting candidates for Board elections early. Ideally the Board President should be an experienced, not a new board member.
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm (R3, 6/0/0).
Date of next meeting: July 22, 2015, if not decided otherwise.
_______________(signed)______________________
Submitted by Hermann von Grafenstein, Secretary