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News at a Glanceby
Nancy Ellegate The HWFC Board of
Directors met on Tuesday,
February 28. Meat and Fish It was recommended and
agreed that
the wording from the meat and fish referendum be included in the
product
manual. As issues arise and are worked out, the product manual can
incorporate
more detailed language. The Board will revisit this wording on meat and
fish
after a year. Boycotts There was a discussion of
observing
boycotts in response to a customer request for a specific product made
by a
company subject to a long-standing boycott. It was noted that products
are
purchased from other companies whose actions and policies are also
problematic.
While carry- Note: News at a Glance is a summary of the
meetings of the
HWFC Board of Directors. ing particular products is the decision of the
staff
buyer, observing boycotts is a policy matter for the Board. The
question was
referred to the Nutrition committee for further consideration. In the
case at hand,
the customer may special order a case of the product. Supporting Small Farms A Board member and a Coop
member who
attended the recent Northeastern Organic Farming Association Conference
reported
on the meeting in general and the issue of supporting small producers,
which
was highlighted at the event. This led to a discussion of what Honest
Weight can
do to support these farms. The Alternative Supply committee is the Coop
committee
that should ideally look at this issue and make recommendations. This
committee
is not current active, but several people will work on reinvigorating
this
committee. Annual Membership Meeting Recruiting good
candidates to run
for the Board was discussed. It was also noted that the nomination and
election
process could be improved. The current questionand- answer format for
candidates does not truly clarify differences between them nor address
individuals’ strengths and weaknesses. A Board member will look at the
current
questions to nominees and consider alternative or additional questions
that
might be helpful. Governance The Governance committee
requested that
an opening for this committee be filled through election at the Annual
Meeting.
However, the Board felt that with the Board elections already
scheduled, a
second election would be too confusing. Finance The auditor’s report is
in. The
auditor was very pleased with the Finance Manager’s reorganization of
records. Sales
were up 17% in January. The new IRA pension plan for employees has been
well
received, with almost all staff enrolled. Store Hour Study It was suggested that we
look at
business volume at various hours of operation to see if we are making
good use
of member workers’ time. Donation Request Youth Organics, a summer
program for
young people, requested a donation of $10,000 from the Coop. The Board
likes the
Youth Organics program, but this is a substantial donation and there
are a number
of factors to consider. For example: Would requests for donations from
shoppers
at check-out be a way to raise funds? Should members be involved in the
decision? What about our plan to handle donations through the Community
Foundation
of the Capital District, which has not yet been finalized? The Board
will look
into the matter further and discuss it via email. Troy Coop A director reported on a
recent
meeting in Executive Session The Board met in
executive session
at the end of the meeting. Minutes Minutes of all meetings
are
available at the Coop. Minutes of the most recent Board meeting are
posted on
the bulletin board. Upcoming Meetings |
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