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Duck Soup Board of Directors Meeting January 24, 2009
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Present: Donna Ilsley-Jones, Peggy James, Leo Kurylo, Cynthia Nelson, Tania Nezrick, Ruth Peterson, Mary Helen Polensky, Patty Ruback
The meeting was called to order at 12:30 pm by President Nelson
The minutes were accepted as distributed upon a motion by Ruback seconded by Nezrick.
MANAGERS REPORT
James reported that she was quite concerned after the last financial report but is pleased to show that the margins were maintained though sales were down just under 3%. This past quarter the coop made a profit as opposed to last quarter. The total loss for the year was just under $7000. This is very good considering the economy, but fixed costs are up so we need to be watchful.
Sales were about $2300 per day this last month.
Membership equity total is up a bit to $11,175.
We have money in our checking account and more inventory so she is cautiously optimistic. She will rethink staffing since one full-time position will be vacated soon. The question of what guidelines we should use in judging how we are functioning came up. James responded that our inventory has gone up but our amount of shrink has stayed the same. We have managed to keep a good cushion in our checking account so right now we seem to be doing all right.
In discussing long-term goals, the pros and cons of building ownership led to a decision to appoint a long-term ad hoc committee to look at ownership. Ruback will be the convener with Nelson and Nezrick serving on the committee. It will be called the Ad Hoc Committee on Building Ownership.
LONG-RANGE PLANS DISCUSSION
Nezrick led the discussion on suggestions for the agenda for the coming year. The following ideas were suggested by members present.
Manuals
Investigate Being Incorporated as a Co-op
This will be investigated by the ad hoc committee named above.
Local Producers
There will be an emphasis on getting information about this and also in general on greening DSC. Making the Building More Attractive to Passers-By
James suggested some sheeting that would stop the intensity of sun coming in and also have an attractive mural on the window. She will look into this. Nezrick will look into shelves and a living wall of plants for the front as well.
Clean Up and Organize the Basement
Leo Kurylo will organize a spring work day to accomplish this.
Website Suggestions
Ruback will look into some sort of message board. Nezrick suggested dealing with information on healthy green living on a budget.
Developing Community
Food Functions
Tania will coordinate these dinners which will be in members homes the first Friday of each month through at least May. They will begin at 6 pm February - James - hostess March Ruback hostess April ? hostess May Nelson hostess
The possibility of picnics in Forest Preserves was suggested for June, July and August.
Events at the Coop · Meet consignment artists event in conjunction with the Fall Fest maybe apple press? · Tastings discontinue monthly tastings and replace by periodic informal tastings administered by staff · Workshops and classes Maybe in conjunction with Kishwaukee College community education Vegetarian cooking? Maybe the local honey provider? Maybe provide a Freecycle afternoon now and then
Outreach Ideas with a green emphasis not necessarily to be accomplished, but to discuss.
· Going to a Farmers Market would need a lot of dedicated volunteers · Having a garden Surplus Exchange one afternoon a week during growing season · Having a seedling swap in the spring · A garden walk among members · A community garden · Getting straw from some source for gardeners
Advertising
Bumper Sticker for DSC Outside lighted sign Longer Saturday hours Do a shopping patterns evaluation. Earlier opening for people on their way to work? Seating area outside Better bike rack Pre-made meals and healthy take-out One Card from NIU or Huskie Bucks participant Trial periods of focusing on how we are selling - see who buys when? Members? Non-members? Show case for dietary needs - Make lists of products for gluten-free and lactose-free diets. On-line orientation for new members.
COMMITTEES
James will serve ex officio on all committees.
Ad hoc Committee on Building Ownership Ruback - convener, Nelson, Nezrick Personnel Peterson, Polensky, Nelson, Kurylo James will serve as convener. Membership Kurylo convener, Polensky Invite Robin Moreman to give input. Outreach Ruback convener, Ilsley-Jones, Nezrick, others who show interest Finance Polensky convener, Kurylo, Nelson
The following slate of officers was unanimously elected upon a motion by Ilsley-Jones and a second by Kurylo.
President: Tania Nezrick Secretary : Ruth Peterson Treasurer: Mary Helen Polensky
Please note the following dates:
Potluck February 6 (First Friday) at the home of Peggy James 6 pm Outreach committee February 11th Board Meeting 3rd Wednesday, February 18th at 6 pm with food provided (who??) Potluck March 7th (First Saturday) at the home of Patty Ruback 6 pm Board Meeting - Saturday, March 28th 9:00 am (food??) Potluck April 3 (First Friday) at the home of YET TO BE DETERMINED 6 pm Board Meeting 3rd Wednesday, April 15th 6 pm with food provided (who??) Potluck May 1 at the home of Cynthia Nelson 6 pm Board Meeting 3rd Wednesday, May 13th 6 pm with food provided (who??)
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 4:40 pm.
Ruth Peterson, Secretary |
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