Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
EFC Community Room, 1341 W. 26th
Shari Gross called the meeting to order at 5:37pm.
Attending: President - Shari Gross, Vice President - Kevin Schaaf, Treasurer - Derek Golembeski, Secretary - Liz Bugbee; Directors: Amanda Gates , Chauncey Dumbya Brown (attending via Zoom), Wren Holquist (attending via Zoom), Sarah Parker, Colleen Daisley
Staff Personnel: Chief Executive Officer/General Manager - LeAnna Nieratko; Marketing Manager - Heidi Yeagle, Marketing Associate - Ash Smitham
Guests: no guests in attendance
Member Owner Comments: no comments at this time
Review of Last Month’s Minutes; Liz Bugbee
Motion was made by Sarah Parker to accept the minutes as written. Collen Daisley seconded. Motion passed.
Treasurer's Report: Derek Golembeski
Derek reported that there were no requests for return of investment. It was a great month for new memberships as reflected in the CEO/GM report.
CEO/GM Reporting: LeAnna Nieratko
CEO/GM Report: LeAnna presented and reviewed the June report highlighting continued great sales numbers and 40 new member-owners. The ERC refund was received at the end of June and has helped to boost cash on hand, with the remainder being invested for future capital expenses and improvement projects. Kevin asked a clarifying question about whether the sales graph in the report accurately reflects the reported 16% growth to last year. LeAnne clarified that the discrepancy between the graph and the % was that the graph reflected sales to customers whereas the % growth included the service fee.
A - Ends: LeAnna reported evidence of compliance with all parts of the policy. Liz asked LeAnna to supply some examples of what the EFC has done over the years to reduce its environmental impact specifically related to the building. LeAnna spoke about the relationship with the Green Building Alliance and upgrades that have been made over the years. She continually looks at
the Alliances recommendations for future improvements such as the possibility of solar panels and improved refrigeration and sustainability food packaging. Amanda voiced her concern about the plastic bags for bulk foods.
Motion was made by Derek Golembeski to accept the CEO/GM report and policy review. Liz Bugbee seconded. Motion passed.
Board Policy Evaluation: Shari Gross
C7 - Board Committee Principles: All Board Members reported compliance with all sections of the policy.
Motion was made by Chauncey Dumbaya to accept the policy review. Amanda Gates seconded. Motion passed.
Board Learning:
Liz presented information and ideas form the CCMA conference that she attended in June. Data presented at the Protecting Your Greatest Asset session, emphasized the importance of supporting the CEO/GM given the current shortage of individuals in this position. Setting clear expectations, supporting skill/knowledge development, and showing gratitude are all things to focus on and are what our current Board does well. In the Building up the Board session it was suggested that Board policy review include presenting evidence of compliance or non-compliance. Shari indicated that this has been done in more depth in the past but that the work was time consuming and perhaps did not yield the desired results. Derek suggested making edits to the current forms used to evaluate the policies, adding places for evidence/comments on each section. Liz will work on the forms and present them at the next meeting.
New Business:
Sustainability of Downtown Store: The Downtown stores sales are steady and the service fee agreement with EDDC is working well. The Marketing Team and downtown staff continue working to find ways to increase sales and anxiously await the finalization of the construction on 5th street. LeAnna continues to work on a staffing model that will be sustainable for the store.
Nominating Committee Report: The committee reports that signs and social media posts are up requesting application for the Board. As applications are received the committee will consider conducting interviews of candidates to ensure their understanding of Board functions and to determine fitness for Board service.
Member Linkage Committee Report: No report at this time.
Cooperating Committee Report: The committee will meet after the Board meeting to plan this year's CEO/GM compensation and evaluation process.
Closure: Next board meeting is August 23, 2023 at 5:30pm.
MotionwasmadebyColleenDaisleytoadjournthemeeting. AmandaGatesseconded. Meeting adjourned at 6:45PM.