South Philly Food Co-op

Steering Committee Meeting

Monday, October 25, 2010

In attendance: Marsha, Alison, Julia, John, Mary Beth, Maria

1. Subcommittee update
a. money from Blocktoberfest has been deposited in TD Bank account
b. we had a brief conversation about whether TD Bank is the best choice. We
will obviously keep the account for now
c. Outreach committee presented at joint civic meeting---civics were
responsive and said we can present at their meetings (PSCA, EPX were in
attendance)
d. Volunteers for presenting will meet in November to pull together a
presentation for the civics
e. Julie Haynes & Mary Beth Hertz presenting at Ignite Philly tomorrow night
(Tues)

2. VOTE - RFP for SPFC logo -----Outreach committee will put in proposal for how to
do it
a. no vote tonight, but we’re thinking of a logo contest
b. perhaps win contract with us for prize?
c. seek out graphic designers from inside our group?

3. Education Topic: Rochdale Principles (Marsha, All)

a. how do we get the balance of social, political, racial or religious groups?
Should we recruit diversity or should we let it evolve ‘naturally?’
b. Steering Committee-- should we replace steering committee members?
c. Board Elections in January can be opened up to all of the committees
d. Primary Society (i.e. Weavers Way) and Secondary Society (MAFCA)
e. Limited Return on Equity Capital---the model is not meant to make
millions. It’s not about return, it’s about making an investment and
returning it to the co-op
f. Net Surplus belongs to user-owners-----distributed so that one member
doesn’t gain at the expense of others
g. “participatory definition” ---
h. We can do education workshops before we even have a space

4. Choose co-ops for case studies (Maria, All)

a. most co-ops started in the 70’s
b. conference calls with people from each co-op for case study
c. November meeting education topic: History of Co-ops on November 22nd
d. Maria—Swarthmore, Julia---Flatbush, Mary Beth---4th St Co-op, Eastside
Food Co-op, Minneapolis----Alison, John---Selene
5. Other news?
a. We will review versions of Fattah letter through email.
b. Should we send a version to Bob Brady?

6. Set date and time for next meeting.

a. Monday, November 8th --- Julia (1209 Rodman)
b. business meeting---discussing membership structures

Future Meetings:

Meetings are always 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month

December 13th – business meeting

No meeting Dec 27th
Next business meeting Jan 10th
Education meeting January 24th