• 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.
• 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.
• Research options for reducing tax liabilities.
• Improve annual financial record keeping to facilitate trend analyses.

• 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.
• Initiate sales trends analyses utilizing available technology such as cash register product type segregation, product pricing scanners, and cash register-computer linked software for immediate pricing changes.

• 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.
• Conduct an analysis to identify factors that influence the length of tenure for the average volunteer.
• Work with all Co-op teams to develop detailed and accurate job descriptions for each position.
• Develop policies, standards, and guidelines for training development.
• Identify multiple rewards to recognize or compensate the Co-op’s work force focusing upon providing volunteers with both public and private recognition options.
• Update the Co-op Volunteer Handbook and develop a process to ensure that it remains current.

• Investigate the benefits and costs associated with installing high speed internet access.
• Identify best administrative business practices and determine which can be effectively implemented at the Co-op.
• Create easily maintainable databases for volunteers, membership, and inventory management.
• Introduce product bar code scanners tied to computerized pricing systems to allow for easy inventory management and instant price adjustment.
• Assure that all volunteers and managers accept the need to utilize computerized technologies such as email, standard office productivity software, time tracking packages, etc.
• Create an interactive web site for Mountain Community Co-op accessible by members and other interested persons.
• Provide a vehicle to allow members and other customers to order online.
• 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.
• Develop and test business continuity/disaster recovery plans for the Co-op operations.

• 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.
• Organize special store events and promotions.
• Develop marketing campaigns targeting special populations (e.g., summer tourists, seniors, families with small children, etc.).
• Prepare and distribute a monthly Coop newsletter
• Acquire professional assistance in the periodic conduct of market research for the Coop.

• 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 redesigning windows and closets, improving overhead lighting, and expanding existing floor space.
• Improve cold storage capacity through purchase of walk-in refrigeration and freezer.
• Develop alternatives to expand store warehousing capability
• 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
• Purchase small shopping carts suitable for the existing store.

• Install a new bathroom including tub and shower.
• Conduct electrical and plumbing inspections and make needed repairs to these systems to meet use and occupancy requirements and needs of renters.
• Repair the wheelchair access ramp and meet other ADA requirements.
• Remove existing porch and rebuild it.
• Replace windows where needed.
• Complete framing to upgrade the building.
• Maintain the existing roof and repair as needed
• Build a fence on south property line to improve the landscape appearance.
• Design, install and maintain landscaping, coordinated with Store property

• Respond to the existing offers to rent building space.
• Develop alternatives to utilize rooms that are not required by the proposed renters, or if current Proposals are not accepted; develop alternatives for the entire building.
• Determine optimal use of the kitchen.
• Provide access to the bathroom, depending on the use alternative selected.

Strategy 1: Develop a ‘Strategic Plan’ and ‘Business Plan’ for the Coop.

• Embrace the opportunity afforded by the Northwest Cooperative Development Center grant to prepare a ‘Strategic Plan’ and ‘Business Plan’ for the Coop through a thoughtful, deliberative, and inclusive process.
• Print and distribute copies of the final plans to all Coop members and other stakeholders.
• Prepare a graphically pleasing Powerpoint presentation summary of the final plans.

• Set a permanent date for holding an annual Coop board retreat for planning purposes.
• Establish an annual work plan to guide Coop activities for the coming year.
• 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.

• Market the Coop as a potential partner to other organizations with compatible goals.
• Tell the world about the Coop’s plans, goals, and objectives through a variety of media (e.g., website, brochures, newsletters, publications, etc.).

• 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.
• Maintain a lending library on a variety of food-related topics such as organics, GMOs, sustainable agriculture, and special dietary needs.
• Develop and implement community related education programs associated with:
  • Growing food for self-reliance
  • Health and nutrition
  • Food preparation and recipes (organic food that tastes good; wheat-free, vegan and other targeted markets)
  • Environmental sustainability
• 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).

• Develop alternatives for re-establishing and expanding the Farmer’s Market and implement a plan of action.
• Enlist farmers to grow for produce share and Farmers Market
• Target tourist market such as traffic through town on the way to Mount Rainier.
• 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
• Identify local markets to expand to such as locally made arts, crafts and food items.
• Facilitate development of local food markets by establishing a commercial kitchen in partnership with other organizations (see below).

• Develop partnerships with regional Cooperatives for mutual benefit:
  • for buying efficiencies and building distribution networks
  • to share operation and member formation expertise
  • to generate markets and assist in the development of small, local producers
  • to provide training in business, marketing, and financial management
• Co-host a workshop with small local and regional cooperatives to initiate partnerships.