Durango Natural Foods Board of Directors - Information Packet 2013 A cooperatively owned grocery, providing our community with quality local, natural and organic foods and products at a reasonable cost since 1974. 575 East 8th Avenue. Durango CO 81301 970-247-8129
Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of Directors (BOD) of Durango Natural Foods! We hope that this packet will help you understand DNF s history, mission and current goals, as well as the role of the DNF BOD. For more than 30 years, DNF has been providing our community with quality natural and organic products, education and service. Durango Natural Foods is registered as a Colorado not-for-profit corporation and is a business founded on the Cooperative Principles. It is governed by its members, for its members, and the community at large. We have grown from a small room with cardboard boxes of dry goods to a retail store on track to do two million in yearly sales in 2013. In addition to a committed membership, a large part of DNF s success can be attributed to the loyalty and commitment of the store s General Manager and staff. Every day, their belief in DNF s mission, customers and each other makes DNF a warm inviting place to shop. Their knowledge of the products we carry allows customers to leave more informed and better able to take control of their own health as well as the health and success of our local community and planet. Another important part of Durango Natural Foods success is the solid support of its Board. Each member brings a variety of professional and personal interests and experiences to the group, forging a Board of Directors committed to fulfilling DNF s mission, maintaining its quality and financial stability, and providing strategic planning for its future. As such, we welcome fresh ideas, energy and talent. Sitting on DNF s BOD is a responsibility and requires commitment. The right person has a deep belief in DNF's mission and the time to listen, learn, contribute to our exciting future. All Board positions are voted on by the membership, or by the standing Board, if the position is uncontested. If you are interested in a seat on the board, please complete the application sheet on the back of this packet and either submit it to a cashier or email to board@durangonaturalfoods.coop by Wednesday October 30, 2013. Board elections will be held November 1 10, 2013. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions, and thanks again for considering a role with the Board of Directors of Durango Natural Foods! Victoria Robinson BOD Vice President 970-799-1970 (cell) board@durangonaturalfoods.coop
Exciting Time for Durango Natural Foods This is a particularly exciting time to get involved with the planning and future of Durango Natural Foods. We have a lot of momentum going in many directions with some new opportunities to explore. The current general manager and his team are doing a great job growing the business and improving the operation every month. This allows our current work to focus on strategy, new business opportunities and spreading the cooperative mission in the community.. Mission Durango Natural Foods is a member-owned food co-operative committed to providing quality organic local products and educating our community on the value of healthy living. Adopted 2/24/2013 Vision DNF promotes and supports the connection between the health of individuals, community, the land and our world. We support: Engaging the community in cooperative principles. Participating in a sustainable local economy. Educating consumers about the impact of their choices. Providing knowledge about healthy lifestyle choices. Respecting the environment through our actions. Adopted March 2012
The Cooperative Identity Definition: A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democraticallycontrolled enterprise. Values: Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. Principles: The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice. Durango Natural Foods is a Cooperative grocery store, founded on the Cooperative Principles. Voluntary and open membership Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. Democratic member control Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner. Member economic participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership. Autonomy and independence Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter to agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy. Education, training, and information Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation. Cooperation among cooperatives Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures. Concern for the community Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
History In the spring 1973, a few grassroots visionaries chose to establish a local non-profit outlet for low-cost, quality food. From a food-buying club to its first 10 x 30 ft. rented room located in the back and northern side of 700 Main Avenue, DNF operated on all volunteer efforts and donations using an unlocked, red fishing tackle box as its cash register. In 1974, it was legally registered with the state of Colorado to become Durango Natural Foods, Inc. In 1975, it moved to a 600 sq. ft. rented space in the alley of 2nd Ave. and 7th St. DNF invited a Social Services Program, named SPARS, to initially share the premises so it could afford the rent. In addition to manning the store, DNF volunteers worked with the community through SPARS by providing services and transportation for the elderly and the disadvantaged. Its first organic community garden flourished on the ground where The Mears House now stands. DNF organized a network of local farmers and producers to supply, as much as possible, its bulk grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, beef, and eggs. In order to accrue sufficient assets to buy its own building, DNF first invested its savings in a duplex at 3100 & 3104 West 2nd Ave. Using this property as collateral, members stepped forward to loan the down payment in March 1979 and purchased the northern half of its current 575 East 8th Ave. property. Community involvement continued through helping the Local Organic Produce Project (LOPP), the Soup Kitchen and San Juan Resource Recovery, among others. Education, too, has been one of DNF s priorities, so throughout its history informative newsletters have been sent plus a wide variety of classes and training videos have been offered. In July 1987, DNF planned a parking expansion and improved handicap accessibility by first selling the duplex in order to buy the adjoining property to the west, building a wheelchair ramp entrance, and then removing the house on the west property in August 1990. In January 1999, DNF purchased the adjacent property to the south, removed an older house, and constructed an adjoining building, which has created new space for a fresh-food deli, plus larger retail and storage areas. In response to local competition, a changing natural foods industry and management turnover, DNF was struggling with debt as it moved into the new century. In the summer of 2006, a commercial loan was taken and many existing member loans were consolidated. Additional monies were included to make some much needed store improvements. From 2007 2009, we experienced some of the highest sales growth for a co-op grocery of our size in the nation. New competition and a changing marketplace have added some challenges in 2010. With new leadership provided by General Manager Joshua Jackson, the store is thriving and continuously making strategic decisions in a challenging economy to serve our owner-members and other shoppers to maximize value and customer service. DNF has grown from a rented closet to owning its own expanded building because committed, loyal members/community customers, too numerous to name, have supported this co-op with their countless hours of volunteer time, their loans/donations, and their purchases. Heartfelt thanks goes to all who have helped make all of this possible.
DNF Board Responsibilities The Board governs in a way that emphasizes vision, strategic and proactive leadership, provides clear distinctions of Board and management roles, and deliberates in many voices but governs in one voice. The Board's job is to: Create a shared vision and ends that guides strategic planning Develop effective communication between the Cooperative and its member/owners Hire a general manager (GM) and direct and evaluate the GM s performance by monitoring against written policy Perpetuate itself through recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development, including monitoring and self-evaluation. The DNF board operates using Policy Governance, a governing style that clearly defines the role of the board and GM. This style of governance allows the board to have its arms around the store without having its fingers in it. It should be noted that the board is NOT involved in the day to day operations of the store. Training will be provided to new board members in this system of governance. The board receives support and training as needed from the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) and Cooperative Development Services Cooperative. Frequently Asked Questions How often do you meet? Board meetings are generally held on the third Monday of the month, usually from 5:30-7:30pm. We are currently holding our meetings in the Crossroads building conference room. A board member is also required to attend the annual board retreat which is usually held from 10am 3pm in February or March. How much time am I expected to commit? Outside of monthly Board meetings, approximately 2 to 5 hours a month, depending on your schedule, working on other Board tasks, readings and committees. How many board members are there? Our bylaws currently state a requirement for 7 board members. Do I have to be a member-owner to join the board? Yes. What does it cost to be a member-owner? The board is very proud of the support it received to move to an owner-equity system beginning in 2010. A full-share owner pays an investment of $100 (either in one payment or in installments) and is then eligible to receive special owner benefits such as educational events, discount days, and in profitable years, a dividend based on patronage at the store. Who is your current General Manager? Joshua Jackson. Joshua began working at DNF in May 2008 as grocery/operations manager. He was hired as General Manager in July 2010. Do Board Members receive any special perks? Board members receive a 10% discount on all purchases. And we have tons of fun!
Durango Natural Foods Board Application Form Name Phone Address Email Address Are you a DNF Member? For how long? Relevant Experience and/or Employment (attach a resume if you wish) Why are you interested in serving on the Coop Board? Area(s) of expertise/contribution you feel you can make Other volunteer commitments Please submit this form to a cashier or send via e-mail to board@durangonaturalfoods.coop by Wednesday October 30, 2013.