2010 WORKSHOPS
Conference Agenda
Friday
8:30 to 9:30 am Breakfast & Registration
9:30 to 11:00 am Welcome!
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: JIM ANDERSON, EVERGREEN COOPERATIVE
Jim will share information about Evergreen Cooperative---an innovative project that links private businesses with cooperatively owned enterprises. (see http://blip.tv/file/2749165)
WEALTH CREATION IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES OF CALIFORNIA
Speakers will share how their co-ops create jobs, housing, child care, and economic empowerment to under-served populations. Panel: Deb Goldberg, Women's Alliance for Economic Security (WAGES); Dana Harvey, Mandela Marketplace; Ann Tompkins, Santa Rosa Creek Commons; Knight's Landing Childcare Cooperative
11:15 to 12:30 pm COOPERATIVES 101: STEPS TO STARTING A CO-OP
E. Kim Coontz, CCCD, will present the fundamentals of starting a co-op---information will be applicable to all types of cooperatives and mention the nuances of areas that may differ by type of co-op. Includes an overview of incorporation, bylaws, and operating procedures.
THE HISTORIC IMPACT OF CO-OPS IN ECONOMICALLY CHALLENGING TIMES
-Jonathan Rowe, Yes! Magazine
HOW TO “INCENTIVIZE” GROWTH WITHIN YOUR COOPERATIVE
Tim Huet, JD, Arizmendi Association of Cooperatives, will address the sticky issue of structuring growth in worker-owned cooperatives to retain and to reward founding cooperative members for their sacrifices in the early years.
12:30 to 1:30 pm Lunch Break
1:30 to 3:00 pm FACILITATION & DECISION MAKING: FROM ROBERTS RULES TO CONSENSUS
Kate Sassoon, Sassy Facilitation, will introduce some of the infinite varieties of decision-making processes cooperatives often employ, and discuss the different benefits, challenges, and applications each process carries with it.
LOCAL CURRENCIES: RECLAIMING OUR ECONOMIC POWER
Derek Huntington, Sonoma GoLocal Cooperative, will present the process of starting a local currency, using the GoLocal Rewards Program as a thriving example of the re-localization movement.Other innovators in the field, Thomas Greco and Christopher Lindstrom, will also explain their unique experience and vision for implementing local currencies.
ALTERNATIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE DISTRIBUTION MODELS
Community Supported Agriculture programs started out as individual grower efforts to reach consumers directly. Today the strategy is used by different types of organizations in increasingly creative ways. Learn about how these strategies can be used in your communities. Panel: Grayson James, Petaluma Bounty; Stephanie Larson, Sonoma Meat Buying Club; Joann Saccato, Lake County Community Co-op
3:00 to 3:15 pm Break
3:15 to 4:45 pm FINANCING CO-OP DEVELOPMENT
Discover innovative ways to fund raise from some of the most successful cooperative developers in the country. Panelists share their strategies and experiences with raising capital for cooperative projects. Panel: Jim Anderson, Evergreen Cooperative; Jennifer Kassan, Katovich Law Group; Dana Harvey, Mandela Marketplace
COOPERATION & THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET
Speakers discuss the advantages of creating economic linkages with other localized economies through trade with worker-owned cooperatives around the world. Thaleon will also discuss “Fair Trade” and its limitations. Panel: Thaleon Tremain, Pachamama Coffee Cooperative; Scott Leonard, Indigenous Designs
4:45 to 5:15 pm 1st Day Plenary
5:30 to 8:00 pm FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL: PLEASE JOIN US FOR A LIGHT DINNER, SILENT AUCTION, CO-OP IDOL & MORE FUN!!
---SATURDAY---
9:00 to 10:00 am Breakfast & Registration
10:00 to 10:45 am Welcome!
REVIVING LOCAL ECONOMIES
Panelists will share their strategies to create and strengthen local-based economies through integrated mercantile and local currency systems, local food systems, worker-owned businesses and community-based financial systems. Panel: Kelly Rajala, Sonoma GoLocal; Luis Sierra, California Center for Cooperative Development; and David Williams, Community First Credit Union.
10:45 to 12:00 pm BASIC TRAINING: ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES FOR GOVERNING BODIES
E. Kim Coontz, CA Center for Cooperative Development, will lead this basic training session which will cover the legal and ethical roles and responsibilities of co-op decision-makers and governing bodies, including; how to use the co-op’s Articles, Bylaws, Policies, Minutes and Financial Reports to maintain legal compliance and effectively lead the co-op.
THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE: CONNECTING YOUR CO-OP WITH LOCAL FINANCING
Panelists will share how cooperative financial institutions are an asset to your business and community. The workshop will also focus on finding reliable and honest financing for your cooperative enterprise. Panel: Rafael Morales of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, David Williams, of Community First Credit Union, and Mike Leung of the Worker Co-op Credit Union Project
21st CENTURY FOOD CO-OPS: UNIQUE STRATEGIES AND STRUCTURES
California’s newest worker and consumer based food co-ops show how they’ve approached their food co-op organizational and development strategies with a creative eye for increased member participation, innovative capital raising, and tech savvy strategies. Panel: Dana Harvey, Mandela Foods Co-op; Michael Weiler,The Cooperative Grocery (COG), Peter Loughran, Arena Market & Cafe
12:00 to 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 to 2:30 pm MARKETING THE CO-OP MODEL: ENGAGING MEMBERS, IMPROVING VISIBILITY & REACHING OUT TO YOUTH
This multi-sector panel will address how to use effective marketing and outreach to increase sales and attract a diverse membership that you can engage meaningfully with your co-op. Panel: Yonathan Landau, Berkeley Student Food Collective, Kasper Koczab, NoBAWC; Kelley Rajala, Sonoma GoLocal Cooperative
LEGAL & FINANCIAL STRATEGIES FOR WORKER CO-OPS (MCLE Credit pending)
Mike Leung, Worker Co-op Credit Union Project and Jenny Kassan, JD, Katovich Law Group, explain the specifics of managing capital, membership, and liability within a worker-owned business.
NEW FOOD CO-OP ISSUES ROUND TABLE
A panel of experienced food co-ops share experiences and lessons learned. This discussion will include a new challenge to member-worker program from various governmental agencies. Hear from mature food co-ops about how they have successfully managed these programs. Other topics, determined with audience participation will follow.
Panelists: Doug Walter, Davis Food Co-op
2:30 to 2:45 pm Afternoon Break
2:45 to 4:00 pm A COOPERATIVE CORNERSTONE: THE MONDRAGÓN COOPERATIVES IN SPAIN
Georgia Kelly of the Praxis Peace Institute will discuss the ethics and vision of the Mondragón Cooperatives as well as the unique success stories and business practices that are an inspiration to those seeking alternatives to business-as-usual.
HOT TOPICS IN CO-OP LAW: Q & A WITH COOPERATIVE LAW SPECIALISTS
Tim Huet , JD, Arizmendi Association of Cooperatives, and Janelle Orsi, JD, will lead an informal discussion of cooperative legal issues. They will be prepared to discuss questions about legal structure for your cooperative and address your burning questions related to cooperative business law. (MCLE Credit pending)
UNDERSTANDING BUDGETS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Melissa Hoover, US Federation of Worker Co-ops will share the basics of reading and understanding financial statements—a skill EVERY co-op member needs since it can be fundamental to co-op survival. This workshop presents the basics in a fun, easy-to-understand format.
4:10 to 5:00 pm: CLOSING PLENARY