This summer has certainly gone by quickly, but it seems there was so much to do and a lot that has not yet been done. I apologize for the delay in writing this recap as my focus was fragmented with all the summer chores.
The August 2023 Moscow Food Co-op Board of Directors meeting was held on August 8th at the 1912 Center from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Present were seven of nine Board members, our General Manager and Co-op staff, and one Co-op owner..
We reviewed and accepted the General Manager’s monitoring report for Policy B7 covering communication with the Board. The report was thorough and well-prepared and covered the General Manager’s responsibilities in presenting timely and accurate monitoring reports, informing the Board of pertinent issues that affect the Co-op, and informing the Board if the Board is acting outside its own policies.
The Board also monitored its C5 Board Code of Conduct policy. This is critical policy because it reminds us of our responsibilities as well as what we are not to be doing. The Board engaged in a well-thought-out and healthy discussion that helped everyone better understand these policies. We did add some clarification to the Policy that all Directors, not just new Directors, will report and sign the Conflict of Interest statement each year following the seating of any new Directors. We voted to accept the report with the Board in compliance.
The Board also discussed and voted to merge the Board Owner Communication Committee (BOCC) and the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC). This merger will help synchronize committee duties of planning elections and annual meetings, as well as other communication activities. I want to thank all the members of these two committees for putting together a well-written and thought-out proposal for merging!
The Board is still working on planning a fall retreat and dealing with scheduling issues; however, we are looking forward to the work and benefits that come from these events! Also, the GM’s FYI report was very encouraging; it showed sales and ownership increases!
We did not have a Study and Engagement speaker at this meeting, but we are looking forward to hearing from Tom Lamar, Executive Director for the Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI) at our September meeting. Our Study and Engagement Series is a way in which the Board and staff become better informed about issues and activities that affect the community around us. One of the Seven Cooperative Principles states that we have “Concern for Community,” and listening to people describe aspects of concern in our community is directly tied to our Ends.
Ends Policy: The Moscow Food Co-op is at the heart of a thriving, healthy, and inclusive community where:
1. We embody and embrace cooperative principles and values.
2. All community members have local access to environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and healthful choices.
I want to thank all those who have given presentations during Board meetings about community issues and concerns! I also want to remind everyone that your extra produce can be shared by placing items in the cooler in front of the Co-op at the Backyard Harvest Donation Station. Just use the Fresh Food Connect App to schedule drop-offs.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for September 5, 2023, in the Fiske Room at the 1912 Center (412 E 3rd St, Moscow, ID). The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm. Current Co-op Owners can attend in person or via Zoom. To attend via Zoom, contact the Board’s Administrative Assistant at boardadmin@moscowfood.coop for more information and to RSVP. Further information about our Board meetings is at https://www.moscowfood.coop/board-meetings.
Sincerely,
Mark Thorne, Board President