Virtual CCMA Schedule

Monday, June 8, 2020

Successful Food Co-ops: Thriving in a Post COVID World 

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Central Time

Before COVID-19, the world of retail grocery was already in flux. As we look to the future, what does it mean to operate a successful grocery cooperative? C.E. Pugh with National Co+op Grocers and Jacki Arthur with Three Rivers Market Co-op will discuss the impact of COVID on our system and the opportunities they see for the future from both a national and local co-op perspective. 

Jacki Arthur, General Manager, Three Rivers Market
C.E. Pugh, CEO, National Co+op Grocers

Tuesday, June 9

E-Commerce, Curbside Pick-up, Delivery, Oh My!: Lessons learned and Thoughts for the Future

2:00 – 3:15 p.m. Central Time

Co-ops are receiving a crash course in e-commerce, curbside pick-up, and other novels ways of getting food to customers. This session will highlight the lessons they’re learning and explore how to think about these sales channels in the context of long-term financial sustainability and alignment with our strategic advantages as co-ops.

Ashley Greywitt, Marketing Brand Manager, Valley Natural Foods
Matt Hartz, General Manager, New Pioneer Food Co-op (invited)
Moderator: Michelle Schry, Retail Support Director, National Co+op Grocers

Wednesday, June 10

Serving Your Community During An Economic Downturn

2:00 – 3:15 p.m. Central Time

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread and people are forced to stay home, workers are losing their jobs, local businesses are at risk of closing permanently, and the country is bracing for recession. The crisis has laid bare the inequities and injustices that threaten people’s well-being, safety, and lives. How can food co-ops show up for their communities and demonstrate cooperative values in the face of these economic impacts? In this session, we will explore affordability, value offerings, and serving community needs.

Molly Baeverstad, Marketing Manager, Eastside Food Co-op
Moderator: Bonnie Hudspeth, Co-operative Development, Neighboring Food Co-op Association

Thursday, June 11

Adaptive Governance = Resilient Cooperatives

 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. Central Time

It is more important than ever that directors and GMs work together to provide steady and inspired leadership. This session will feature a panel of co-op leaders who will share how their governance practices and GM relationships adapted to the special needs of the last few months and the lessons they learned that will be useful for moving forward.

Doug Johnson, General Manager, Belfast Co-op
Jon McDonald, Board Chair, Weaver Street Market
Moderator: Leslie Watson, Consultant, Columinate

Bill Gessner Award Presentation – 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Central Time

Columinate Virtual Hospitality Suite on Zoom – 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Central Time

Friday, June 12

Everyone Welcome? Prioritizing Diversity and Inclusion in Times of Crisis

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Central Time

Among the fast-paced changes required of co-ops in the face of a global pandemic, we must resist the temptation to problem solve while suspending efforts for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In this session, LaDonna Sanders-Redmond will highlight how co-ops are fighting racism, ageism, ableism, etc. She will discuss how now is the time to dig deeper into your co-op’s DEI initiatives and ask the questions: Where do you go now? How do you keep the momentum? And more importantly, how do you do more?

LaDonna Sanders Redmond, Intercultural Development Consultant, Columinate