2007: A Year in Review
by Keith Dubas, Board Chair
In the early days of the New Year, we recognize that we are at another milestone. Like many of your families, the Open Harvest Board has reviewed the wins and losses of the past year.
Two issues have dominated the activities of the Board this past year and have been the source of speculation among the member-owners: the hiring of a new General Manager and expansion/relocation.
As many of you know, the Board was successful in hiring a new General Manager. A search committee lead by Miles Bryant was active in leading a national search that lasted four months. Approximately 20 individuals applied. Jim Nelson went though several interviews and an extensive process of meeting with Board and staff before being offered the position. He was introduced to the member-owners at the Annual Meeting in October. Jim comes to Open Harvest with many years of experience in the food industry and an enthusiasm to learn about and support the cooperative principles. The Board has received positive reviews concerning Jim thus far from both customers and staff.
The other major activity has been the continuance of the work of the Expansion Committee. After having analyzed several financial proformas, looked at several possible locations, and negotiated with property managers, the Expansion Committee along with the GM has been unsuccessful in finding a financially feasible situation for the co-op's relocation. Although the Board has the final say in relocation, the General Manager with the committee's assistance continues to explore options both at its current location and at other possible locations as they become known.
The closing of South Street from March through August affected the bottom line for all of the businesses along South Street. It had an obvious impact on the co-op's projected sales growth for the year and did present a setback. However, in the past financial quarter there has been a rebound. The message to the member-owners in the New Year is shop often, spend your food dollars with your co-op, buy fresh and buy local. The better financial profile Open Harvest can present to lenders, the greater its chance is of expanding/relocating in the coming year.
As of October 1, 2007, the Board voted to re-establish the previous policy under which annual membership renewal funds are accounted for as equity rather than fees, thus increasing each member's equity position. This was done because increased equity on our balance sheet strengthens our financial position when applying for bank loans for co-op expansion.
One of the recent successes of the coop was the Annual Membership Meeting. Alene Swinehart led a committee of both Board and staff members. The potluck brunch was held on October 28th at the Del Ray Ballroom in the Haymarket. The food was great, the band sensational and the turn out was one of the best in history. Special thanks goes to our friends at the Mill for donating the local roasted coffee.
Yet one MORE resolution for the New Year might be for all of us member-owners of the co-op to show our appreciation to the staff at Open Harvest. Turnover of staff has been less in recent years and this shows up in better customer service. The staff works hard, often for less than what competitors pay. Many share a belief in the principles that we espouse in our commitment to the co-op. By showing them respect for the work they do, patience and good cheer when faced with a line at the check -out counter, each transaction will be an enjoyable experience for everyone.
One loss that the co-op experienced this year was the death of Terrence Moore. He was one of the founders of the store in 1975 and in the past decade served on the Board and was Chair for several years. He was active in the community radio station, KZUM, the Eco Store, and believed and lived cooperative values. Among his many friends and his family, the Board remembers Terrence and all that he brought to our communal table.
From all of us from the on the Board, we wish you good health and prosperity in the New Year.