The NFCA Story : Regional Collaboration for Shared Success
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The Principle of Co-operation among Co-ops speaks to the advantages for co-ops and their members working together through formal regional, national, and international co-operative structures. The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA), a federation of 35 food co-ops and start-ups across New England, grew out of dialog among food co-ops on what we could accomplish by working together. This presentation provides an in-depth look at NFCA structure and successes, future vision, and provides insights on how food co-ops can work together regionally to support shared success and collaboration at all levels, growing the co-operative economy together.
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The NFCA Story : Regional Collaboration for Shared Success
- 1. The NFCA Story Regional Collaboration for Shared Success
- 2. Our Presenters Erbin Crowell, Executive Director Bonnie Hudspeth, Member Programs Suzette Snow Cobb, President
- 3. Workshop Description The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA), a federation of 35 food co-ops and start-ups across New England, grew out of dialog among food co-ops on what we could accomplish by working together. This session will provide an in-depth look at NFCA structure and successes, share future vision, and provide insights on how food co-ops can work together regionally to support shared success and collaboration at all levels, growing the co-operative economy.
- 4. Overview 1. The 6th Principle & Federation 2. Collaborative Efforts in the Northeast 3. Last Time We Talked (CCMA 2011) 4. What We’re Doing 5. Factors for Success 6. Questions, Networking, Collaboration
- 5. 1. The 6th Principle in Theory… Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
- 6. …and in Practice “Secondary co-operatives, which are co- operatives whose members are primary co- operatives [act] as a place to share knowledge and resources, and to support co- operatives independently and collectively.” ICA Guidance Notes to the Co-operative Principles (2015)
- 7. …and in Practice “Co-operative federations… are often the stewards of many types of work such as development, education, and advocacy. Creating federations that leverage scarce resources whilst respecting the identity of smaller members is key to and the intention of this 6th Principle.” ICA Guidance Notes to the Co-operative Principles (2015)
- 8. Mondragón, Spain Emilia Romagna, Italy Secondary Co-ops & Co-operative Economies
- 9. Solidarity, Mutuality & Reciprocity Increased Economic & Social Impact Promo9on of Clear Co-‐op Iden9ty Federa&on, Scale & Shared Resources
- 10. 2. Collaborative Efforts in the Northeast 1980s Northeast Co-operatives founded 1990s Co-op Grocers Association Northeast (CGANE) 1999 NCG formed (CGANE merges) 2000s Northeast Co-operatives (and other regional co-op warehouses) sold Shift to national efforts to support co-op survival.
- 11. CGANE, NEC & Regional Collaboration • Peer support – Networking – Store audits – Mentoring • Support existing co- ops (few start-ups at that time) • Networks include small co-ops, buying clubs • Support needed comes from co-ops • Regional knowledge, context important to survival
- 12. 3. Last Time We Talked (CCMA 2011) • 2004: Informal Networking – Brattleboro Food Co-op 100 year vision & dialog • 2007: Shared Visioning – NCG, CFNE participation – “Middlebury Manifesto” • 2008: Measuring Impact – Economic impact study – 2020 scenario planning
- 13. Last Time We Talked (CCMA 2011)… • 2009: Planning – Project manager hired – Vision & strategic plan • 2010-11: Action – Executive Director hired – Operational priorities – Incorporation – Second staff hired
- 14. Progress • Member engagement • Refined priorities based on vision • Formalization of key partnerships • Engagement of start-ups • Development of capital
- 15. Growth 2007 • 17 food co-ops • 0 start-ups • 64,000 members • 1,240 staff • $28.6M wages • $161M shared revenue • $33M local purchases 2015 • 25 food co-ops • 11 start-ups • 107,000+ members • 1,800+ staff • $41.5M+ wages • $260M+ revenue • $50M+ local purchases
- 16. Vision The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) is a co-operative federation bringing together over 35 food co-ops and start-up initiatives that are working together toward a shared vision of a thriving co-operative economy, rooted in a healthy, just and sustainable regional food system and a vibrant community of co-operative enterprise.
- 17. Mission The mission of the NFCA is to advance our vision by leveraging the resources, purchasing power, experience and creative innovation of our members, other co-operative enterprises and organizational partners to support the success of our food co-ops, achieve shared goals and grow the wider co-operative economy.
- 18. 4. What We’re Doing Priorities • Organizational Partnerships • Marketing & Education • Regional Sourcing • Peer to Peer Collaboration
- 19. Organizational Partnerships Increased impact through collaboration… • National Co+op Grocers • Cooperative Fund of New England • Valley Alliance of Worker Co-ops • New England Farmers Union • Hunger Free Vermont • Associated Buyers • Food Co-op Initiative
- 20. Challenge • Food co-ops perceived as expensive, exclusive • Individual co-ops lack resources to address • Food assistance regulations confusing Solution • Research on existing models • Partnerships help fund program development • Coordinated roll out • Ongoing peer networking for growth Healthy Food Access
- 21. Raising awareness… • Ads & Press • Regional Conferences • “Go Co-op” initiative • Cross sector collaboration • UMASS Co-op Certificate & Interns Education & Outreach
- 22. Regional Sourcing Harnessing our shared purchasing power… • Regional Cheeses • Frozen Products Pilot • Regional Distribution Partnership – Regional Natural Products – Affordability – Innovation & Collaboration
- 23. Regional Sourcing: Artisan Cheeses • Potential of collaboration • Regional distributor Provisions International • Raise awareness of local cheese makers • Monthly special at reduced price • Exclusive to NFCA co-ops • 28,000 lbs over 5 years
- 24. Regional Frozen Fruits & Vegetables • Survey of priority products • 2 yr exploratory pilot with NCG grant support • 13,000 lbs for 2012-13 season • Challenge: Quality processing, price, distribution • USDA Grant: Deep Root Organic Co-op, Farmers Union • Relaunch with Associated Buyers partnership – distribution
- 25. Peer Collaboration Linking our members for shared success… • Member Gatherings • Monthly Coordinated Start-Up Calls • Healthy Food Access Collaboration • Peer to Peer Department Trainings
- 26. Peer Collaboration: Department Trainings • Organic Valley Farm Tours • Produce Training • Marketing & Membership • HR Departments
- 27. Peer Collaboration: Organic Valley Tours
- 28. 5. Factors for Success: Governance • Formalization of Peer Collaboration • Engagement of Board & Mgmt • Development of Clear Vision • Co-op Investment in Progress • Creative Support • Co-op Model: – Member Engagement – Accountability – Investment
- 29. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS STAFF ELECT HIRE & SUPERVISE MEMBER USERS PRODUCTS & SERVICES OTHER USERS THE CO-‐OP MODEL Collabora&ve Empowerment & Business Advantage MEMBER OWNERSHIP POTENTIAL MEMBERS
- 30. Board of Directors (6-‐9 Board Members, Managers or Empowered Staff) Neighboring Food Co-‐op Associa&on Members (25) City Mkt / Onion River Co-op Middlebury Food Co-op Monadnock Food Co-op Plainfield Food Co-op Putney Food Co-op Co-op Food Stores / Hanover Portland Food Co-op Old Creamery Co-op Fiddleheads Food Co-op Kay Litten, Board Co-op Food Stores Kari Bradley, GM Hunger Mt Co-op Staff Executive Director Franklin Community Co-op Littleton Food Co-op Suzette Snow Cobb MG Franklin Co-op Joanne Todd, Board Willimantic Food Co-op Faye Conte, Board City Market Glenn Lower, GM Middlebury Food Co-op David Durfee, GM Wild Oats Co-op Mkt Affiliated Organiza&ons Affiliated Organizations are co-ops from other sectors, associations, and organizations that are committed to the co-op movement, support the NFCA vision, and meet the requirements of affiliate membership including payment of dues. Member Programs Mgr ELECT HIRE & SUPERVISE The Board of Directors is elected by and from among the Member Co-ops. Associate Members (start-ups) do not have a vote on Membership matters. In keeping with current practice, we prioritize balanced representation of management and board members on the Board, as well as representation of diversity in terms of region, scale, and demographics. The NFCA is a Secondary Co-operative of food co-ops, owned and governed by its members, creating a formal structure for collaboration, support and linkage with partner organizations. Future Staff Up to 3 Stakeholder Board Representatives Brattleboro Food Co-op Buffalo Mountain Food Co-op Leverett Village Food Co-op Hunger Mountain Co-op The Board of Directors may also nominate up to 3 Stakeholder Board Representatives, to be approved by the Members. Stakeholder Board Representatives may not comprise more than 1/3 of the Board of Directors. Food Co-‐ops PRODUCTS & SERVICES MEMBER-OWNERSHIP Collaboration Up to 3 Stakeholder Board Representatives Up to 3 Stakeholder Board Representatives Michael Wells, Board Putney Food Co-op Sue Miller, GM Upper Valley Co-op Start-‐Ups Associate Members (11) Dorchester Community Co-op Assabet Village Food Co-op Granite City Co-op Amherst Community Co-op Great River Co-op Upper Valley Food Co-op Underhill Country Co-op Wild Oats Co-op Market Stone Valley Community Co-op Willimantic Food Co-op Merrimack Valley Food Co-op Manchester Food Co-op Morrisville Food Co-op Holyoke Community Co-op Souhegan Valley Food Co-op Rutland Area Food Co-op River Valley Co-op South County Food Co-op Quabbin Harvest Food Co-op Springfield Food Co-op Urban Greens Food Co-op CT ME NH MA RI VT A CO-‐OPERATIVE OF FOOD CO-‐OPS FUTURE MEMBERS
- 31. Factors for Success: Activities • Member Investment – Financial – Human & Social • Engaged, Empowering Board • Staff Leadership & Sustainability • Focus on Priorities Linked to Vision • Member Linkage • Partnerships • Risk Taking / Innovation • Avoid Duplication of Effort — But Also address Member Needs
- 33. 6: Questions & Dialog
- 34. Contact Erbin Crowell Erbin@nfca.coop Bonnie Hudspeth Bonnie@nfca.coop Suzette Snow Cobb Suzette@franklincommunity.coop