The Role of the Board in Co-op Governance
By Gwyneth Bowman, Vice President
After serving on the AFC Board for fourteen years my passion for the Co-op model has strengthened my commitment to the Cooperative Principles and Values. Of special importance is how we work together as a governing body with one voice. We are the ultimate decision-makers of our Co-op and hold a trusteeship for the benefit of our owners and community.
I’m often asked what the difference is between the Board’s role and responsibilities and those of the General Manager. My answer is a bit complicated because we work so closely with the GM for the benefit of our Co-op. The Board holds the GM accountable for managing day to day operations. All corporate powers are under the authority of the Board and all AFC business affairs are managed under the direction of the Board.
Specific Board responsibilities include developing annual objectives, long range goals and strategic priorities. We monitor all financial management and approve our operating budget and capital expenditures. We hire and annually evaluate our GM, define his duties and set his compensation. A large percentage of our time is monitoring the work of our Board Standing Committees. All Directors chair and serve on standing and other committees.
We encourage owner engagement at all levels and will soon hold owner forums to hear your Co-op experience and glean the wisdom of your ideas. We need your active participation on our team. You own our Co-op! Your support, feedback and involvement in governance is vital to our ongoing success.
More Co-op News
November Change for Good Partner: Vesper Meadow Education Program
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October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
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September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
Truth to Power
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Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.
July Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
June Change for Good Partner: Maslow Project
Celebrate Ashland Food Co-op's 50th Anniversary
Ashland Food Co-op has been a staple in our community for 50 years and invites you to celebrate this anniversary with them on June 3rd, 2022 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, at the AFC employee parking lot for dancing, food, face painting and more!
Music by Eight Dollar Mountain and Wild and Blue.
Siano's Karibbean Cookhouse, Walkabout Brewing Co. and Rogue Kombucha will be joining us with delicious food and beverages available for purchase.
May Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Farm to School
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Open House Hiring Event
The Ashland Food Co-op is excited to provide employees with a fun, professional workplace with potential for growth and advancement. We see every day as an opportunity to better our community, our planet, and ourselves! Eligible employees will receive a 15% employee discount on all store purchases, affordable healthcare, 3.5 weeks of paid time off in your first year for vacation and sick days, matching 401K plan after 1 year, productivity and profit sharing bonus opportunities, free organic produce every day... and so much more!
April Change for Good Partner: Options for Helping Residents of Ashland
April's Change for Good Partner is
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Standing with Democracy
Our Community Food Co-op has joined, along with other co-ops across the nation, to donate to a Disaster Recovery Fund organized by National Co+op Grocers (NCG) Cooperation, Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) and National Co-op Business Association of the United States (NCBA CLUSA) to Co-op Ukraine to support cooperatives impacted by the war in Ukraine.
Thank you for 50 years.
Celebrate our anniversary with us!
June 3rd, 2022 at the Ashland Food Co-op:
