Co-op News | Dec. 2014

CO-OP NEWS A Publication of the North Coast Co-op • Dec. 2014

read

eat

give

non-gmo victory

winter squash pie

getting gifty

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Co-op News North Coast Co-op 811 I Street Arcata, CA 95521

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Eureka, CA 95501 Permit No 327

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Special Insert

Community Kitchen Cooking Classes • Workshops

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CO-OP NEWS

Voters Approve Measure P!

Issue 72 | Dec. 2014 www.northcoast.coop co-opnews@northcoast.coop

Raising and Growing of GMOs Banned in Humboldt County

EDITOR Melanie Bettenhausen Marketing & Membership Director (707) 502-3555 ext. 132 melanieb@northcoast.coop GRAPHICS & COORDINATION Amy Waldrip Graphic Design Coordinator (707) 502-3555 ext. 120 amywaldrip@northcoast.coop

ARCATA LOCATION 811 I St., Arcata • (707) 822-5947 Open daily: 6 am to 9 pm Kevin Waters, Store Manager kevinwaters@nor thcoast.coop

Bill Schaser Spokesperson for Committee for a GMO Free Humboldt Yes on Measure P

EUREKA LOCATION 25 4th St., Eureka • (707) 443-6027 Open Daily: 6 am to 9 pm Toby Massey, Store Manager tobymassey@nor thcoast.coop

The Humboldt County Genetic Contamination Prevention Ordinance, better known as Measure P, has been approved resoundingly by Humboldt County voters. According to final election-night returns posted by the county Elections Office, Measure P received support from more than 59% of voters. The measure bans the raising or growing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Humboldt County.

During the campaign, proponents (including the Co-op) argued that Measure P is necessary to support local organic and non-GMO farmers. A large portion of the county’s agricultural sector specializes in those types of higher value

COOPERATIVE OFFICES 811 I St., Arcata GENERAL MANAGER Kelli Reese (707) 502-3555 ext. 124 kellireese@nor thcoast.coop MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Bella Waters (707) 502-3555 ext. 135 bellawaters@nor thcoast.coop HUMAN RESOURCES Lisa Landry (707) 826-8670 ext. 127 lisalandr y@nor thcoast.coop ACCOUNTING Kelli Costa (707) 502-3555 ext. 138 kcosta@nor thcoast.coop

THE COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES: Voluntary & Open Membership Democratic Member Control Member Economic Participation Autonomy & Independence Education, Training & Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern for Community The Co-op does not officially endorse the services or products of any paid advertiser. All articles, columns and letters are the expressed opinion of the author and not the Co-op News.

CO-OP NEWS | Dec. 2014

good for Humboldt County – good for our local farmers, good for our environment, good for our economy.

Clearly, the voters agreed!

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For more information about Measure P, visit www.yesonp2014.org.

INSIDE DECEMBER 1 Measure P Victory 2 Co-op Gift Guide

9 Meet Your Board

2 Share the Spirit

10 Co-op Action Committee

3 Winter Squash Pie

11 Special Holiday Hours

4 Member Giveaway

11 Reference Guide

10 Financials

4 Member Comments

5 Co-op Kids

6 Sparkling Wine Picks

7 From the General Manager

7 Patronage Refunds

8 Crock Pot Oatmeal

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters must include your name, address, member #, and telephone #. Letters should be kept to a maximum of 250 words and may be edited.

We regret that we may not be able to publish all letters due to limited space. Letters are due on the 10th of each month. Email your letters to co-opnews@northcoast.coop or send them to: Co-op News, 811 I Street, Arcata, CA 95521.

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teer, grassroots campaign. Nearly 600 farms, ranches, businesses, organizations and individuals publicly endorsed the campaign. Close to 100 volunteers collected more than 8,500 signatures to get Measure P on the ballot. Many of them continued to work tirelessly in the months leading up to the election to make sure it passed. Many others supported Measure P by making donations, by displaying yard signs, bumper stickers, t-shirts and buttons, and in a lot of other ways, too.

In the long list of supporters, the North Coast Co-op is one of the real stand-outs.

With overwhelming support from its members, the Co-op provided space for us to gather signatures to get Measure P on the ballot and later to turn out voters in November. Co-op staff worked with us in the design of campaign materials and advertisements, helped us get those advertisements on the air, sold and gave away Yes on P materials in the stores, and contributed in countless ways to getting the word out about Measure P. The Co-op and its members were a big part of the reason for Measure P’s success!

said all along “thatWe’ve Measure P will be

Jeremy Smith-Danford Marketing & Graphics Assistant (707) 502-3555 ext. 129 jeremy@northcoast.coop

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kelly Boehms, Dave Feral, Kate Lancaster, Fred Moore, Cheri Strong, Steve Suttell, Jessica Unmack board@northcoast.coop

products. But farmers can lose access to those markets if GMOs grown nearby contaminate their fields with stray pollen or seeds. Measure P will protect these farmers and has been supported by a large number of local farmers and farm groups.

They see it as an opportunity to protect the high-value markets and support the growing economic success of smallscale, sustainable agriculture in the county. Measure P also gained support from groups concerned about the increased use of the agricultural chemicals associated with the cultivation of GMOs. The ordinance takes effect immediately, although any farmer who has a GMO crop in the ground as of election night will be granted a grace period of about one year to harvest or remove it. Enforcement of the ordinance will be the job of Humboldt County Agricultural Commissioner Jeff Dolf.

We’re extremely pleased with this result. We’ve said all along that Measure P will be good for Humboldt County – good for our local farmers, good for our environment, good for our economy.

Clearly, the voters agreed! We have received an incredible level of support throughout the course of this all-volun-

Winter Squash Pie, p. 3

| EMPLOYEE FAVORITES |

Getting Gifty at the Co-op Employee Favorites

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Stemless Wine Glasses

By Wendy Davis,

New from LifeFactory are stemless beverage glasses. These come in sets of two, and are encased in silicone. Dishwasher safe, in red and pearl white.

General Merchandise Buyer

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Locally Designed Holiday Cards

Tea Pots London Pottery Teapots come in a rainbow of colors! Some have included stainless steel filters for easier brewing. Available in 2, 4 and 8 cup sizes.

Holiday cards by local artist Annette Makino are 10% off through Dec. 31.

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Flip Cap Water Bottles

Fun Scarves and Hats

LifeFactory flip cap bottles in a rainbow of colors.

These silicone encased bottles are a great ecofriendly alternative to bottled water. 16oz or 22oz size, made in France.

Andes Gifts hats, scarves, gloves and hair accessories. Fantastic Fair Trade, and handmade in Peru.

Most are an Acrylic and Alpaca blend. Sized for kids and adults.

Nov. 23

thru

Jan. 1

Make a donation at the register to support our local food bank.

The Co-op will match all donations up to $5,000!

www.northcoast.coop

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| LOCAL PRODUCE RECIPE |

By Brenda Harper & Pamela Hawkins. Photos by Jeremy Smith-Danford.

Ingredients: • 2 North Coast Co-op Bakery 9 inch pie shells, unbaked (gluten free or wheat flour) • 2 cups winter squash, cooked • 2 cups milk, whole or lowfat • 3 eggs • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/2 cup honey • Whipped Cream (optional) • Maple Syrup for topping

Winter Squash Pie Directions: 1. Wash squash, then use a sharp, heavy knife to cut one end off bottom.

2. Place squash flat side down and cut squah in half.

1 3. Remove the seeds and fibers with a spoon.

4. Place squash halves on an ungreased baking pan or dish.

5. Bake at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes till fork tender. Set aside to cool. Remove squash flesh with fork or spoon.

Pie Directions: 6. Place 1 cup milk in a blender and add the squash, a little at a time, blending until smooth.

7. Add the eggs and spices and blend.

8. Pour the mixture into a large bowl, and add the remaining 1 cup milk, brown sugar and honey.

9. Stir until well blended.

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10. Pour into the unbaked pie crust and bake at 425°F for 10 minutes. Lower the heat to 325°F and bake for 30 more minutes. To check for doneness, insert knife near center of pie, if it comes out clean, pie is done.

11. Cool. Serve with whipped cream or your favorite vanilla frozen dessert product!

Fin Baker d Co-op in the y Pie Shell s F at eithrozen aisle er sto re!

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CO-OP NEWS | Dec. 2014

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| WE  OUR MEMBERS |

Member Comment Board

We

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our members giveaway!

f you’ve come to the Arcata store when the bakery has cookies in the oven you may have stopped right in your tracks to enjoy the delightful aroma of our delicious cookies drifting through the air. We have to admit, many of us (employees) have been lured from our desks on more than one occasion. If you’re a cookie person, (let’s face it who isn’t), then have we got the member giveaway for you this month.

This December, all members can enter to win a custom cookie tray. The winner will choose from our incredible assortment of freshly baked cookies; from Espresso Dipped to Ginger. You can choose to sample a variety or just one particular flavor, whatever you choose our talented bakers will ensure it’s prepared with quality ingredients and love. Our cookie trays have three dozen cookies on them. It might seem like a lot, but you can always share with a friend or two.

Although it’s the season for giving, we certainly wouldn’t blame you if you decided to keep them all for yourself. We won’t tell. As cookie monster says, “C is for cookie and cookie is for me”.

Win a North Coat Co-op Bakery Tray of Cookies!

Winner can choose from: • Almond Doubles • Biscotti • Chocolate Dipped Biscotti • Brownies • Ganache Brownies • Cream Cheese Brownies • Salted Chunky Chocolate Chip • Espresso Almond • Chocolate Dipped Espresso Almond • Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip • Vegan Raspberry Almond Bar The Wheat Free options include the following: • Coconut Macaroons • Chocolate Dipped Macaroons • Chocolate Dipped Granola Bars • Granola Bars (Vegan, but contains Honey) We ask that the winner order their cookie tray 72 hours in advance.

Enter to win at both Co-op locations at Customer Service.

Deadline to enter: Dec. 31, 2014. www.northcoast.coop

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| CO-OP KIDS |

basics s

c price basic goods at basi

es brócoli! “ EstoMmmm...es delicioso!

Uriel Age 5

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We know our customers love the Co-op produce department and the wide variety of products available. But can you name this produce item from just these facts below?

• It was first cultivated around 8,000 BCE to 5,000 BCE by the Incas in the Andes • The 4th largest food crop after rice, wheat, and maize • The average American eats 137.9 pounds per year • Marie Antoinette wore the blossoms in her hair • All 50 states & 125 countries worldwide grow this

Think you have the correct answer?

Find out on the back page!

Eureka Car Stereo

Car Audio • iPod and Bluetooth Solutions • Auto Security Alpine • Focal • Pioneer JL Audio • Kicker Viper

Find us on facebook

15th & Broadway ▼ 707-445-3283 ▼ Mon-Sat 8:30-6:00

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CO-OP NEWS | Dec. 2014

| EMPLOYEE FAVORITES |

By Bob Stockwell, Arcata Wine Buyer

Member Survey

DEADLINE TO ENTER: DEC. 31

r a B o s s e r p s E Full

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What factors go into your meat and/or seafood purchasing decisions? Examples: price, source, local, wild, pastured, organic, free range, air chilled, etc.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and give you a chance to win a $25 gift card!

Detach this entry form & return it to the Member Survey box located near Customer Service at either store location. Be sure to include your name, contact information, and member number so that we can contact you if your entry is drawn. You can also send your ideas to co-opnews@northcoast.coop with “Member Survey” in the subject line. Must be a member to enter. Co-op employees and their families are not eligible to win.

Member Name: Member #:

Phone #:

8th & I in Arcata • 4th & B in Eureka Open Daily 6am-9pm www.northcoast.coop

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|COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY |

Patronage From Our General Manager Refunds Arriving to Mailboxes Mid-December

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hanks to your support and the efforts of our staff, fiscal year 2014 (April 2013 – March 2014) was a profitable year for our Co-op. The North Coast Co-op Board of Directors voted to distribute 40% of the profits from member-owner sales for FY14; the remaining 60% will be retained as allocated patronage. Member-owners receiving a patronage refund in FY14 will have the retained portion held in their name. This retained portion helps contribute toward building the Co-op’s financial stability.

A patronage refund is the cooperative way of sharing the profits with memberowners based on their purchases. Cooperatives are required to distribute at least 20% of the profit from member-owner sales. In FY14 nearly 55% of the sales were to member-owners.

Qualified member-owners should receive patronage refund letters in the mail in mid-December 2014. Fair Share members receive their refund as a voucher, which must be redeemed by March 15, 2015. Non-Fair Share members receive their refund as B shares. Further details are included in the letters.

Please look for letters to arrive after December 15, 2014.

If you don’t receive a letter it could be due to a number of reasons: • We do not have a current mailing address for you – contact membership@northcoast.coop to update your address •Y our patronage refund was less than $2.00 •Y ou joined the Co-op after March 2014, thus not having made any qualified purchases in FY14 Thanks for your patronage and the continued success of our Co-op! 

Kelli Reese General Manager

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y career in food co-ops began in 2001 at a small co-op in North Carolina where I was the marketing and membership director. During the four years I worked there I spent a great deal of time participating in conversations about how to engage members.

Even though I had the pleasure of planning events for the membership, I felt I was missing something when it came to member engagement since it didn’t always seem like people were rushing to participate in the cooperative.

It wasn’t until many years later when I was the general manager at a co-op in Colorado that I read an article in Cooperative Grocer entitled, Appreciating the Diversity of Member Needs and Motivations, by Marilyn Scholl. In this article Scholl used Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to develop a model of member involve-

ment in food co-ops in order to look at the diversity of people’s needs. In the article she noted the first basic need in the hierarchy was the store itself, meaning the store was required to provide products and services that appealed to the members. If the store wasn’t succeeding on that level people most likely wouldn’t return to look for a deeper involvement by joining the co-op. The hierarchy included additional levels which offered an opportunity for a further involvement in the co-op up to and including suggestions, running for the board of directors and applying for a job.

The most important thing I learned from the article was there was no wrong level of participation. It was up to the member to choose. Scholl wrote, “The co-op’s job is to serve people’s needs rather than to try to change them. We should welcome and be grateful for all levels of participation.”

All those years I spent trying to figure out how to get members more excited about their co-op and it turned out that just because they weren’t choosing a deeper level of participation it didn’t mean they weren’t excited. I learned to stop looking at it through my own lens and the level at which I wanted to be involved.

We are thankful for whatever level members are willing to participate in the co-op. It’s important to have those who choose to apply for jobs, run for a seat on the board, vote and offer input; however without the member participation of shopping we wouldn’t be here.

All the levels are important in their own right.

The recent bylaws vote was a great example of a deeper choice in member participation and democracy in

action. When we say members have a voice at the Co-op, we mean it. Cooperative Principle #4 – Autonomy and Independence states, “Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.” I firmly believe in the cooperative principles and the cooperative business model.

We may not all agree at all times and it’s important for us to work together to create the co-op we envision at the level of participation in which we choose.

Our board of directors is extremely thoughtful and has done an incredible job of working on governance systems, visioning for the future, keeping the best interests of the Co-op in mind, transparency and offering guidance. The board and management have members and/or employees in mind with every decision. Not everyone will agree with all the decisions, however it’s important to note we don’t arrive at them lightly. At times it can slow down the process to weigh all our options, but when it’s necessary, the time and thought is taken to ensure the most prudent decision possible.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with former board members John Woolley and Tim Silva who decided to step down from the board after their NDS INSTITUTE G HAcompleted.

VINwere LO terms I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a great deal from each of them. I look forward to working with new board State Licensed School forthe Holistic members,Massage Cheri Strong and Dave Feral; Therapy Since 1989 both are returning to the board and I’m excitedMassage about having Private Practice,their Openknowledge Daily and input.   We have an incredible co-op and vision for our future. Thank you www.lovinghandsinstitute.com for your continued patronage and participation at whatever level you choose. 

Congratulations to All Our Employees!

Our employees recently received gain sharing as part of our Open Book Management (OBM) program. They succeeded in meeting the budgeted net income goal for Game 1, which includes the first six months of the fiscal year. OBM is a program which helps create greater employee engagement and understanding of how the Co-op operates. We achieve this by fully sharing financial information with employees and giving them the tools so they know where their departments and the business stand. We are proud of the hard work of our employees and their achievements.

organic produce specials

LOVING HANDS INSTITUTE

State Licensed School for Holistic Massage Therapy Since 1989

Private Massage Practice, Open Daily

New specials each Tuesday, in stores and online www.northcoast.coop

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CO-OP NEWS | Dec. 2014

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www.lovinghandsinstitute.com

| COOK & SAVE |

COOK & SAVE

By Brenda Harper, Consumer Education Coordinator & Pamela Hawkins, Outreach Coordinator Photo by Jeremy Smith-Danford

CLUB

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he North Coast Co-op’s Cook & Save Club hosts free monthly meetings to develop recipes that include items from our sales flyer.

This month we are featuring rolled oats which are also known as old fashioned oats. The oat plant is a cereal grain grown for its seeds, or kernels of grain. Oat groats is the name for grains of oats that have had their inedible husks removed. Rolled oats are created when oat groats are steamed and then rolled into flakes. This process stabilizes the healthy oils in the oats, so they stay fresh longer, and helps the oats cook faster. Nutritionally speaking, rolled oats are low in saturated fat, and very low in cholesterol and sodium. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus and selenium, and a very good source of manganese. By choosing additional ingredients to add to or top with, there are many ways to dress up a bowl of oatmeal.

Easy Crock Pot

Oatmeal Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

½ cup rolled oats 1½ cups water ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup Medjool dates, chopped ½ cup walnuts, chopped ½ cup dried cranberries Pure maple syrup, to taste Cane sugar – optional

Directions: 1. Combine the oats, water, cinnamon, vanilla extract, Medjool dates and walnuts in a small, 1 or 2 quart slow cooker (crock pot). The size of the pot is very important!

2. Cook on high for 1 hour.

3. Stir in the cranberries and maple syrup when serving.

4. For a more decadent bowl of oatmeal that can be eaten as a dessert, add 1-2 teaspoons of sweetened or unsweetened carob chips at the end and lightly stir for some chocolatey goodness.

Next Cook & Save: Monday, Dec. 8, 6 pm in Arcata.

Register at www.northcoast.coop just like you would for any other cooking class offered by the Co-op.

Bulk Sale Items Organic Walnuts $

12.69

per lb valid Dec. 2 through Dec 15, 2014

Organic Rolled Oats $

1.19 per lb

Organic Cane Sugar $

1.69

per lb valid Dec. 2 through Dec 15, 2014

valid Dec. 16 through Dec 29, 2014

Sunspire Carob Chips $

5.39

Organic Roasted Pistachios $

per lb valid Dec. 2 through Dec 15, 2014

8.69

per lb valid Dec. 16 through Dec 29, 2014

Organic Sweetened Cranberries $

4.69 per lb

valid Dec. 2 through Dec 15, 2014

Organic Medjool Dates $

6.69

per lb valid Dec. 16 through Dec 29, 2014

Editors note: While oats are technically gluten-free, there is a potential for contamination during processing. For a truly Gluten free alternative, try Bob’s Redmill Steel Cut Oats.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY LISTENING! Full Orchestra & Choir FESTIVE FAVORITES for the Holidays The First Nowell Suite, Christmas at the Movies and “Night Before Christmas” plus Carols Sing-a-long Friday and Saturday, December 5 & 6 at 8 pm (Free lecture at 7 pm) Arkley Center , Eureka Kids 12 and under FREE with a paid adult! Student rush $10 each with i.d. one hour before curtain, at the door.

More info www.eurekasymphony.org or by phone (707) 845-3655

www.northcoast.coop

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| BOARD BUSINESS | Photo by Amy Waldrip

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015 1

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Get to Know Your Board of Directors 1

Cheri Strong, Employee Director

I’m a long time Co-op employee. When I’m not at work or spending time with my clan, my personal topics of interest are understanding the intersection of classism and organizational behavior and how that affects social justice. In my spare time I ponder what the end of the illicit marijuana boom will mean for the Co-op, as well as our community as a whole. I’m most looking forward to revitalizing community interest in participatory democracy at our Co-op.

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Jessica Unmack, Board President

Having not served on a board of directors before, I didn’t know what to expect when I was elected last year. I certainly didn’t expect a picket line at my first meeting, but I also didn’t expect to be so welcomed into such a well-functioning group of people dedicated to serving our Co-op’s interests. This coming year I look forward to new challenges and working with even more great people that make our Co-op amazing!

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Dave Feral, Secretary

I came to Humboldt to work on my Master’s degree in biology at HSU in 1998.

That same year I also became 9

a member of the Co-op. After completing my degree, I worked for Redwood Community Action Agency doing stream restoration. Currently, I’m the owner and manager of Feral Family Farm, an organic farm located in the Mad River Valley near the city of Blue Lake.

I’m also the director of Mad River Alliance, a community driven group organized to protect clean water and recover the ecological integrity of the Mad River. As a board member I look forward to working as a team member to serve the community, the environment, and the employees in a fiscally responsible manner.

CO-OP NEWS | Dec. 2014

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Kate Lancaster, Treasurer

I am entering my third year as a Co-op board member. I have learned a lot in the last two years, as I served as treasurer, chaired the nominating committee, and served on the General Manager evaluation committee. I am an associate professor at Humboldt State University where I teach accounting and sustainable business. I serve on the HSU sustainability committee, practice permaculture at home, and am an avid reader. One of my priorities for the coming year is to support the Co-op as we make progress on goals laid out in our strategic plan.

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Kelly Boehms, Employee Director

I have worked for the North Coast Co-op for 3 years, and have spent my time here serving a number of roles. I was hired in 2011 as a produce clerk in the Eureka Store, started as the Administrative assistant to Human Resources in 2012, and currently serve as the Ten Pin warehouse manager. I am incredibly thankful to spend my time surrounded by talented and thoughtful co-workers at all three Co-op outposts, and am regularly inspired by what Co-op employees contribute to the Co-op and community at large. Since late summer I have worked part-time for a community non-profit called True North, and would love to continue to merge my passion for food and people. I am hopeful that in the spirit of the cooperative principles we will see more member engagement, and increased outreach and education in the community this year. Let’s celebrate the important role the Co-op serves in this community, and appreciate the farmers and producers that make our stores a cornucopia of healthy food!

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Steve Suttell, Vice President

If all goes as planned, my eighth year on our Co-op board will be my last. It has been a pleasure and a challenge. I have a natural resources and financial

background. My background cultivated an interest in localizing food sources.

Our Co-op has given me exposure to local food opportunities and risks. In my mind, everything I do within our Co-op’s governance has an impact on localizing our food sources. Everything from self-insured healthcare to union negotiations to analyzing financial statements to shopping has an impact. I have every confidence my last year on the board will be just as challenging as the previous seven years.

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Fred Moore, Director

After 25 years as a teacher, it’s not surprising that our board self-education has been a priority for me this year. Working to keep our Co-op fiscally healthy requires more than a little knowledge of balance sheets and income statements, and we’ve been lucky to have two directors who are professionals in the field. They’ve taught us to look at what keeps our business vigorous, all the while staying close to our cooperative principles. This coming year? Let’s improve relationships with our local producers and integrate the wholesale capacity of our Ten Pin warehouse.

| CO-OP FINANCIALS |

North Coast Cooperative, Inc. Unaudited Financial Statements Income Statement Quarter Ending September 27, 2014 Fiscal Year 2015

Qtr 2

FY 2015

NET SALES REVENUE 7,985,327

Cost of goods sold 5,183,590

GROSS MARGIN 2,801,737

Payroll Expense 1,499,958

Payroll Taxes 120,247

Personnel Expenses & Benefits 336,025

General & Admin Expense 374,127

Occupancy Expense 387,155

Total operating expenses 2,717,513

Other income (expense) 60,967

NET INCOME (LOSS) 145,190

Second Quarter Review

Balance Sheet

Quarter Ending September 27, 2014

Fiscal Year 2015

Qtr 2

FY 2015

Assets:

Current Assets 3,376,966

Property & Equipment 2,625,395

Other Assets 393,421

Total Assets 6,395,781

Liabilities:

Current Liabilities 2,058,343

By Kelli Costa

Long Term Liabilities 112,621

Chief Financial Officer

Total Liabilities 2,170,964

e’ve finished closing the

Member Equity: second quarter of our fiscal year. Combined sales

Current Owner Shares 3,244,324 were $7,985,327 for the

Retained earnings 980,494 second quarter bringing the year to date sales to $16,076,571. The sales are 1.7%

Total Member Equity 4,224,818 above last year at this time and .9% better than budget. The Arcata store sales

Total Liabilities & Equity 6,395,781 ended the second quarter better than budget by $7,787 and the Eureka store sales fell short of budget by $81,498.

In the second quarter we had $124,600 higher in expenses than budgeted. Some of the larger variances were repair and maintenance along with a few expenses falling into a different quarter than what was budgeted. Keeping our buildings and equipment safe and maintained can get costly.

In the second quarter we received a patronage refund from the National Cooperative Grocers Association The Board has re-convened the Co-op Action Committee to explore ways of (NCGA). This refund was distributed from prior retained patronage from 2005 increasing member participation and to review the Annual Membership Meeting and patronage from 2013. It included a structure. Interested Co-op members are invited to attend. combination of shares and cash. We received $13,749 in cash and $41,823 in shares.

Our current member-owner shares value has grown by $114,483 since last quarter. This is the growth of equity investment from new member-owners Co-op’s Community Kitchen in Arcata • 971 8th Street, Arcata and current member-owners purchasing sustaining B shares and investment C shares. We currently have C shares available for sale so if you’re a Fair We will select a Chair for the committee as well as set regular meeting dates Share member-owner or are interested and times. Contact staff liaison Melanie Bettenhausen at in finding out how to be more invested in the Co-op, please give our Membermelanieb@northcoast.coop or (707) 502-3555 ext. 132. ship Coordinator a call at (707) 5023555 ext. 135. We currently pay a 2% dividend on C shares and if you have checked around that’s a pretty good rate.

Investing in your Co-op is important for the growth and maintenance of the business itself.

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Co-op Action Committee Reconvenes — Join Us First Meeting Date

Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6pm First Meeting Agenda

www.northcoast.coop

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SAVORY

Vegan & Gluten-free Friendly, Hot Bar, Custom Sandwiches, Sushi

DELI

SWEET

Breads, Cookies, Full Espresso Bar Self Serve Coffee, Vegan & Gluten-free Friendly

* Does not apply to case discounted items.

Co-op News Reference Guide