General Manager's Report 4/26/07
Scott, the GM at Rising Tide in Damariscotta, has requested that we take a hard look at joining the National Co-operative Grocer's Association as a strategy for strengthening the statewide prowess of food co-ops. While the management team likes the idea of joining the NCGA in order to be part of a national movement to support Food Co-ops, we ultimately determined that we don't want to be a part of the organization because it will cost our Co-op $500 in equity to join, and an annual contribution of capital estimated at $4,500 (calculated at .10 % of annual sales volume.) Joining the program also requires of us that we participate in their Co-operative Advantage Program, which mandates that we purchase certain items in a volume that we are not convinced we can move. The benefits don't appear to outweigh the non-benefits and so we have elected not to join.
We welcomed a new Produce Manager at the beginning of the month, Genevieve Morgan. We look forward to utilizing her skills to keep a current inventory count, to provide great customer service and an aesthetic sensibility, as well as the energy that she has to help develop the educational side of her department. Help us support her as we initiate her into her new role with the busiest season just around the corner!
In response to the member request at the Annual meeting that our employees commit to wearing name tags, we've seen a lot more name tags being worn and we hope you will notice a difference, too!
Our new absence policy has taken effect. In essence, we developed this tool to clearly outline the attendance expectation that goes along with running a service based store and to develop a plan for mentoring employees that have habitual absences. A progressive action plan was developed to address continual absences as they are occurring, and we have allotted 12 unscheduled absences a year to be the maximum allowance before serious consequence will be discussed. The policy also clearly outlines a plan to deal with recurring tardiness.
We are planning to train another Floor Manager to help us fill a summer scheduling hole that has arisen. We have many great candidates for this position, along with the problem of not wanting to move them out of positions in other departments where they are doing excellent work. More to update everyone on in the next report.
We had a couple of Co-op reps attend the inaugural meeting of Co-operative Maine, a group that is forming to promote the development of Co-operatives in the State of Maine. Reps from many different Co-ops were in attendance, including lobstermen and housing Co-ops as well as Food Co-ops. It was impressive to see the support that exists for Co-op development in our state. One thing we came away with was the idea of developing local subgroups to work on community education and potentially fundraising. If anyone is interested in joining the group in Belfast, please speak with either Erica or Susan L. Another statewide meeting will take place in Belfast on June 24th and we encourage anyone who is able to participate to join us.
We also met the folks who are trying to get a food Co-op going in Portland. They are planning to come to visit our Co-op on April 29th at 2:30pm to discuss the questions attached. We are hoping to have some Board representation, in addition to some staff members. Please share your expertise with this great group of people and join us on Sunday. If you are going to be able to come, please let Erica know (erica@belfastcoop.com.) If you are unable to attend, we would still appreciate any written feedback that you could provide. BOD members with a historical perspective are especially invited!
Pepper will report on inventory as a part of the Finance report.