Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
Sunday, October 22, 2023
EFC Community Room, 1341 W. 26th
Attending: President - Shari Gross, Vice President - Kevin Schaaf, Treasurer - Derek Golembeski, Secretary - Liz Bugbee; Directors: Chauncey Dumbya Brown, Colleen Daisley
Staff Personnel: Chief Executive Officer/General Manager - LeAnna Nieratko; Marketing Manager - Heidi Yeagle, Marketing Specialist - Ash Smitham, IT Manager - Jason Mucio, DT Store Manager - Vivian McCullum
Guests: There were 4 member-owners in attendance.
Board President’s Report: Shari Gross
Shari Gross shared her thoughts on the 2022-23 fiscal year emphasizing that it was a year of positive news including in the financial and member-owner realms. Despite increasing competition from big box stores in the organic/natural products category the EFC continues to fill a niche of local and unique products that cannot be found anywhere else. She and the Board are very grateful to LeAnna and the staff for continuing to build important relationships with community partners to ensure the success of the EFC.
CEO/GM Report: LeAnna Nieratko
LeAnna presented the year end summary for both stores, and despite a rocky start, the year ended on an up note with a positive net income. She reviewed the Ends with an impressive list of evidence of EFC’s work in these areas. It was also a great year for new member-owners and there was great success with the Lime and Lemon programs.
Board Elections: Shari Gross
Chauncey Dumbaya introduced the candidates running for the Board and provided info on voting in the store or online. Voting starts today and ends on 11/21 at 8pm. Candidates are Shari Gross, Kevin Schaaf, Derek Golembeski and Omar Hill. Bios are found online. Shari, Kevin and Derek introduced themselves and gave a brief statement.
Looking Ahead: LeAnna Nieratko
LeAnna presented information about things to come at both stores. DT will continue to focus on increasing sales and a stable margin. The staff DT is lean, and includes new Assistant Manager Elena, however they are awesome and committed to the store’s success. The 26th Street sales have been great with a good margin and work will continue along this trend. Overall there will be a focus on an inventory management system, and strengthening the
Outreach Committee as well as revitalizing the Environment Committee and pursuit of various grants.
Member-Owner Q&A:
There was a brief Q&A session with member-owners in attendance. Topics included, consideration of a battery pack vs. a generator, an upcoming new Cafe menu, and ideas on improving the use of the jar library over plastic bags.
Conclusion:
The meeting concluded with a drawing for EFC gift cards and sampling of food provided by the bakery and cafe.