Dear Owners,
This past Saturday, our co-op hosted two events, Meet the Candidates and the inaugural Downtown Co-op Support Market! Thank you to the owners and community members who came out in support of co-op led democracy and our artistic entrepreneur community.
This Saturday, we are excited to welcome ownership into a community led discussion session regarding the finalization of our business planning. While the ownership has entrusted the Board with the stewardship of the organization, owner input is vital to moving the cooperative towards a sustainable future.
Upcoming Events:
- Town Hall: Business Plan – July 26th, 2pm, 970 Embarcadero del Mar
Subscribe to our NEW shared calendar.
Board BoD Elections: July 19th – August 10th
The 2025 Election for your Board of Directors has begun!
You can submit a ballot by using ONE of the 3 voting options:
- On paper using the ballots provided in-store.
- Via online ballot at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IVFC2025Election
- Via phone by calling (805) 699-5685
There are 2 items on the ballot for this year. Please support your co-op by participating in both of these important votes.
Number of Directors:
Your co-op is in the process of revitalization and improvement. This work is being managed by the Board. Approval of this item will increase the number of Directors to allow for more owner participation in governance during this crucial time. The Board unanimously supports increasing the size of the Board to provide the co-op the people power to achieve our goals.
Candidates for the Board:
The role of the Board of Directors is to provide long-term planning and decision-making for the IVFC on behalf of the Ownership, to provide oversight of your co-op finances and General Manager, and to generate, maintain, & improve the policies that govern our cooperative. The Board of Directors is the governing body of representatives from the Ownership. Vote for up to 5 candidates who you want to elect to the Board of Directors.
More information about the election, including candidate statements and the ballot can be found on our website and posted in-store.
Voting runs through August 10th!
Tiger Team Updates: What’s New This Week?
Here’s what’s happening across our Tiger Teams:
- Owner Engagement Team
- Director Megan engaged owners in conversation to review the Board’s suggested changes for the Round-Up proposal, calendarizing events, and creating opportunities for community.
- Visioning Team
- If you signed up for the Visioning Tiger Team, please check your email to find the scheduling poll sent out by Director Marcelino.
- Customer Satisfaction
- Director Bill met with his group of owners to have an initial discussion on customer satisfaction within the co-op this past Thursday. Powerwashing the IV Store, painting, and other items were discussed.
2025 Business Recovery Plan: PRIORITIZE YOUR ATTENDANCE
Fundraising remains our most urgent need. We’re incredibly grateful to our owners, staff, and community who have contributed money, time, and expertise to help stabilize the Co-op.
The Board has finalized the 2025 Business Recovery Plan, but we want to brainstorm with the ownership first. This Saturday, we will be presenting a condensed business plan and having discussion groups. From these, BoD will incorporate owner feedback into finalizing the business plan.Put on your creative caps, bring your unique insight, and prepare for an afternoon of collaborative cooperative advancement.
The proposed agenda is as follows (subject to change)::
- Purpose & Intention Setting
- Quick financial overview
- Recovery Priorities & Key Areas of Business Plan
- Governance
- Ops Improvements
- Fundraising, Debt Repayment
- Re-envisioning store for sustainability
- Owner Feedback Breakouts:
- Store Operations & Sales Performance
- Community Engagement & Ownership Activation
- Other
- Wrap up, next steps of Business Planning process
Mark your calendar for our next Town Hall THIS Saturday, July 26 from 2–5 PM.
Keep Building Momentum:
- Shop at the co-op – every purchase counts – and encourage your networks to do so, too. Summertime in IV means lots of parking!
- Make a donation to our GoFundMe of any amount – every bit helps
- Donate through our website: https://islavistafood.coop/save-the-coop/
- Make a tax-deductible contribution of $500 or more—Please contact treasurer@islavistafood.coop for more details.
- Connect us with like-minded businesses – We’re eager to form business-to-business partnerships that strengthen both our local economy and our community.
- Join a Tiger Team– Help expand our efforts and bring fresh ideas.
Notes From The Ground:
The Board is finalizing in FAQ that addresses the current state of our organization and looks towards the beginnings of our future. We hope to have it on the website within the month.
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Updating Your Information with IVFC has never been easier! Make an account in our webcart portal to update your address, phone, and email. All you need is your owner number!
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IVFC is seeking owner testimonials to post on our website, social media, and of course donation platforms. These owner testimonials will also be featured in our business plan to showcase the credibility that we have within the community. If interested, please email marketing@islavistafood.coop.
Thanks for Your Continued Support
The commitment and passion of this co-op community continue to inspire the team towards improving the cooperative for all.
In pursuit of a thriving cooperative,
Your Board of Directors
