by: Layla Richardson, Board President
Hello Co-op Owners,
Tabling Policy
The Board of Directors is sharing this update to provide further clarity on how the Co-op’s storefront tabling policy was modified and what the new changes mean. After receiving initial feedback about changes to the tabling policy, the Board invited owners to share their ideas during a dedicated board meeting segment. These insights alongside key operational factors were used by staff to review and update the policy. The objective of these revisions is to expand our capacity for supporting community organizations while addressing past operational challenges. The modified policy establishes clearer criteria for eligible participants, focusing on organizations primarily serving Humboldt County. As an operational policy, the administration and enforcement of these guidelines fall under the authority of Co-op management and are distinct from governance policies set by the Board of Directors. We sincerely thank our owners for their valuable feedback and participation in shaping these finalized guidelines. To learn more about how to sign up for tabling at the Co-op, please contact Emily Walter at emilywalter@northcoast.coop.
Elections
No employee applications were received during the employee application period. Since that election period is over, the Elections Committee recommended that the board appoint an employee for a one-year term that starts November 1, 2026. The board approved the recommendation.
Board Policy Manual Updates
The board voted to remove parts of Section 5 G, which removed the ability for write-in candidates on election ballots. The board also updated language to Section 5 K to clarify the authority the Elections Committee has in creating a slate of candidates.
Patronage
The board passed the Executive management’s recommendation to allocate 100% of eligible surplus ($344,329) as patronage refunds, with an 80/20 split between allocated retained earnings and cash distributions in the form of store credit.
GM Report
The Co-op was doing its second double discount on senior days in August. Incredible Bulk Days were August 21–23. Grand opening for the new burrito and hot sandwich bar was August 28.
Owner feedback helps inform the work of our Board of Directors. You can contact the board by emailing board@northcoast.coop, dropping a letter off addressed to the board at a Co-op customer service or mail a letter to 811 I Street, Arcata, CA 95521. Messages go to all board members.
Info about upcoming Board of Directors’ meetings and board committees along with their dates, times, locations, agendas, and minutes can be found at northcoast.coop/board. Or get on an email list to receive agendas and Board packets a week in advance of meetings by emailing emilywalter@northcoast. coop.
