DUCK SOUP COOP
Board Minutes
August 23, 2007
Present: Peggy James, Judy Krajewski, Cynthia Nelson, Tania Nezrick, Ruth Peterson, Mary Helen Polensky, Patty Ruback, Loreen Stravers.
Absent: Ann Mueller
The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm. The minutes were approved by consensus with a change to indicate that Stravers was present at the time when family responsibilities required James’ absence.
Manager’s Report
James handed out reset expenses. Theough they were higher than the estimate it was not a big problem because the normal dip in summer sales has not happened. There were good sales before and after the closure for reset. All bills are paid up to date and there is still a good balance in the checking account.
The Alternative Energy Fair had net proceeds of $178.36. All food was sold. It was good outreach with many of the vendors very happy to have vegetarian options. Next year we must have more assistance running the booth.
Slowly the financial statements are being generated. The Point of Sale System provides good reports but James is still learning how to use it. Tags are being put on the shelves. We now use both scanning and price labels until everything is in order.
The system will provide much information such as sales to members vs. non-members. Discounts to members are working very smoothly. Some jobs will be much easier. The system seems stable. Even when DSC lost power during recent storms no information was lost.
The parking lot will be worked on before winter.
Membership/Outreach
September 29th will be our Grand Re-opening Celebration. There will be live music with 30 minutes per set followed by 30 minutes of no music. Stravers will coordinate tasting inside the store. We may need to staff additional employees that day and we will definitely need volunteer assistance.
The committee will meet again on September 10. The lunch menu for the event will be the same as at the Alternative Energy Fair.
A suggestion about contacting Barnhart Farm for “décor” items led to a discussion about having local providers at the event with a “Meet the Farmers” emphasis. Consensus was that it was a good idea but would dilute the purpose of the “Grand Re-Opening”. Perhaps that could be done another time. It may be possible still to use Barnhart’s as a source for décor.
Stravers showed possible publicity flyers. She will contact neighbors for parking possibilities. Balloons will be donated for the event. Information should be put in Chronicle, Midweek and on WNIJ, possibly as a PSA.
Other Business
Ruback asked about the possibility of using the Huskie Card at DSC. James will inquire about that.
The next meeting will be September 20, at 7:00pm
Nezrick moved and Polensky seconded a motion to adjourn at 7:50pm. The motion passed.
Following adjournment, James mentioned that she was contacted by a goat farmer about selling goat meat. The board informally agreed that we would be willing to have the farmer give us her card.
Ruth Peterson
Secretary