Strategy 1: Implement a comprehensive budget and financial accounting program.

Actions:
Assess current business practices utilized by MCC, conduct a finance and accounting best practices gap analysis, and develop and implement a comprehensive budget and accounting program. (20% completed in 2008)
Develop standard operating procedures for financial areas such as but not limited to accounts payable, budget development, accounts receivables, financial control review, reporting, etc.
Implement separation of job duties processes to minimize fraud potential.
Improve annual financial record keeping to facilitate trend analyses.

Strategy 2: Optimize business functions associated with store operations.

Actions:
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key operational processes.
Take appropriate steps to enable operational efficiencies for inventory management, including but not limited to, ordering, tracking, and receiving.
Direct the implementation of processes and procedures that allow for easily understood and repeatable training for a dynamic, volunteer-based work force.
Assure that a set budget is defined for purchasing associated with store operations, and implement monitoring processes to assure adherence.

Strategy 3: Implement human resources practices designed to facilitate the effectiveness of a volunteer work force.

Actions:
Assign overall responsibility for human resources management for the Co-op to the Volunteer Coordination Team.
Develop and implement processes for volunteer recruiting and training.
Work with all Co-op teams to develop detailed and accurate job descriptions for each position.
Develop policies, standards, and guidelines for training development.

Strategy 4: Identify and implement technology improvements that will enable the Co-op to operate more efficiently.

Actions:
Create easily maintainable databases for volunteers, membership, and inventory management.
Assure that all volunteers and managers accept the need to utilize computerized technologies such as email, standard office productivity software, time tracking packages, etc.
Utilize technology to increase the effectiveness of member outreach efforts through the use of email, automated call trees, web site information, and computer-generated printed materials.

Strategy 5: Implement a comprehensive marketing and communications program.

Actions:
Establish a standing committee responsible for Coop marketing and communications.
Advertise the Coop through a variety of media such as newspaper ads, fliers, mailings, bulletins, etc.
Prepare and distribute a quarterly Coop newsletter
Organize special store events and promotions


Goal 2: Determine optimal use, renovate and improve Coop properties for life, safety, functional, and compatible purposes.

Strategy 1: Improve and maintain the Co-op Store Infrastructure and Property

Actions

Repair and install a new roof on the existing building.
Investigate methods and implement improvements to ventilation including purchasing and installing air conditioning and minimizing exhaust heat from refrigerator/freezer
Improve function of store by improving overhead lighting, and expanding existing floor space.
Improve outdoor covered area by inspecting the existing grape arbor and replace or relocate as necessary to meet needs such as produce share distribution and display of outdoor store products.
Organize the tool shed to provide additional storage capabilities and move the shed to a more functional location.
Build a fence on south property line to improve the landscape appearance.
Design, install and maintain landscaping coordinated with the Washington St. property.

Strategy 2 – Improve and maintain the Washington St. building Infrastructure


Actions
Build a fence on south property line to improve the landscape appearance.
Maintain the existing roof and repair as needed.
Design, install and maintain landscaping, coordinated with Store property.

Strategy 3 – Determine the short-term optimal use of the Washington St. building

Actions
Completed all actions in 2008


Goal Three: Develop and implement short and long-range plans that guide management of the Coop and assist in determining priorities.

Strategy 1: Develop a ‘Strategic Plan’ and ‘Business Plan’ for the Coop.
Actions:
Completed all actions in 2008.

Strategy 2: Establish annual and recurring planning mechanisms to set, review, edit, modify, and re-affirm Coop priorities, annual work plans, and short and long-range goals and objectives.

Actions:
Hold Coop board retreat in April 2009 to review and revise the Strategic Plan.
Establish an annual work plan to guide Coop activities for the coming year (Completed at January 2009 BOD meeting).
Review and discuss progress in implementing the annual work plan at each monthly Coop Board meeting.
Establish short and long-term goals and objectives for three, five, and ten year horizons.
Treat all planning documents as ‘living’ documents that frequently require updating, reassessing, and prioritizing.


Strategy 3: Market and communicate Coop plans and goals.

Actions:
Coop plans and goals will be posted on the website.

Goal 4: Promote socially and environmentally responsible lifestyles

Strategy 1 – Encourage informed choices by educating members and the community on issues of food, healthy lifestyles, the environment and human rights.

Actions
Develop a member skills directory to facilitate educational programs.
Initiate communications with the Eatonville School District to improve health and nutrition for students by facilitating purchase of locally available organic food.
Develop demonstration gardens as an educational tool.
Facilitate the development of a community garden (e.g. P-patch) by seeking suitable locations, finding local co-sponsors, obtaining required infrastructure (water, electricity, fencing, any required permits).


Strategy 2 – Promote sustainable, local, markets that encourage production in environmental friendly and socially responsible ways.

Actions
Market Co-op products to larger businesses such as Mount Rainier Guest Services, local restaurants in Eatonville, Ashford, and Mineral and to the Eatonville School District.
Enlist farmers to grow for produce share and Farmers Market
Target tourist market such as traffic through town on the way to Mount Rainier


Strategy 3 – Develop partnerships with local and regional organizations to facilitate community service opportunities

Actions ·
Develop a list of local and regional organizations with compatible goals and outreach with identified groups.