And Suddenly, Summer Is Upon Us…

And Suddenly, Summer Is Upon Us...

July 7, 2023

Just as quickly as that, the solstice has passed, and we are well into the thick of early summer. In our last issue of the Newsletter, we talked about the summer solstice being a time for many things - growing gardens, crops, end of school year, family holidays, kid’s swimming lessons, JoAnn’s granola bars. We also talked about it being a time for renewal, and about Steep Hill’s renewal in particular. This has proven to be true with the conclusion of a very successful Annual General Meeting held on June 28, 2023, at Grace Westminster United Church. We have said it before, but it bears repeating, Steep Hill is so lucky to be part of the Broadway neighbourhood! There is such a sense of camaraderie and neighbourly friendship. Our gratitude to the generous folks at Grace Westminster who offered us meeting space for our AGM in their beautiful church!

The store front of Steep Hill Food Co-op with largely visible vinyl window sign of the Steep Hill logo with text that reads, Your Local Organic Food Market.

AGM Update

An enthusiastic crowd of 57 Steep Hill members gathered in the meeting hall of Grace Westminster Church and the 2023 Steep Hill Co-operative Annual General Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. A big thank you to Arla Gustafson who Chaired the meeting, and Melissa MacGillivray who volunteered to take the minutes. Both did a fantastic job, and we certainly appreciate their assistance in ensuring that the agenda flowed smoothly, that everyone who wished to voice their concerns or opinions had an opportunity to do so, and that we have an accurate and concise record of the meeting.

2023 annual general meeting registration table.

Interim Board Chair, Cathy Holtslander, presented her report which included an introduction of the Interim Board members, thanks to the past Board of Directors for their support in the transition and their aid in ensuring success in the work that the Interim Board set out to accomplish; a big bouquet of appreciation to Scott and Sammy for all of their hard work and to members for their response, their trust and their support, and finally gratitude to the volunteers for their work in assisting with the AGM.

Vic Andrucson, Interim Board Treasurer gave the Operations/Management Report and the Treasurer’s report which reviewed all the improvements and renovations that have been put into place since the Interim Board took over management of the Co-operative. These include the Point Of Sale system, integrated digital telephone system, cooling and lighting refurbishment, plan for the inclusion of corner store/pantry staple items and the installation of touchless dispensers for bulk goods. In addition, although $30,000 from the “GoFundMe” campaign was originally tagged for restocking, that will no longer be necessary. The cost of restocking inventory can now be taken from store revenue due to increased sales and new and renewed memberships, along with decreased staffing and utility costs. This leaves the original allocation able to be used directly for the development and implementation of financial and operational plans to ensure that Steep Hill will operate more effectively, efficiently and sustainably as it moves forward.

2023 annual general meeting of the members.

Gary Wilson, Interim Director indicated that when the Interim Board assumed their roles at the end of April, it was without having a complete understanding of the full nature of the Co-operative’s challenges. At this point in time, data is not yet sufficient to compile a concrete business plan for the future of Steep Hill. He estimated that it will require at least six full months of data after the Point Of Sale system has been installed and fully functioning, to properly compile a realistic, accurate and achievable business plan. As soon as sufficient data is available, plans are to provide the membership an update on this work. All reports were accepted by the membership as presented, and a question and answer period followed.

A motion was passed delegating authority to the Steep Hill Board to appoint an auditor for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Three motions to amend the Co-operative’s bylaws were passed including changing the number of directors from exactly 9 to between 5 and 12, which will allow for better flexibility and an ability to accommodate a greater number of engaged members who would like to let their name stand for election. The term for directors was changed to one year with the ability to renew, recognizing that a three-year commitment can be a barrier to participation for some, but at the same time, not preventing subsequent terms if individuals wish to serve longer. The bylaw concerning membership fees was amended to remove the fixed fee amount and replace it with wording that would make it easier for the Board to amend membership fees as required.

2023 annual general meeting of the members.

The Chair indicated that Cathy Holtslander, JoAnn Jaffe, Vic Andrucson, Louise Ranger, Gary Wilson, Karen Skarsgard, Gillian Edlund and Ann Smith who comprised the Interim Board of Steep Hill had all agreed to let their names stand again for election. In addition, Christina McRorie and Pam Groat had also been nominated for election. Nominations from the floor were solicited and when no further names were put forward, the slate of candidates was elected by acclamation. These 10 individuals will comprise the new Steep Hill Board of Directors, each for a one-year, renewable term.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. and immediately following adjournment, David Greenfield, long time Steep Hill member and Broadway District’s signing troubadour performed a song he wrote for Steep Hill entitled, Ballad of the Steep Hill Revolution, sung to the tune of Barrett’s Privateers, the conclusion of which was greeted with prolonged and thunderous applause.

Social time followed with lemonade, ice water, delicious cookies’ courtesy of Rae Hearn and warm, optimistic conversation and good fellowship.

A big thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sang, cheered, asked questions, provided insight, gave guidance, shared positive thoughts, and encouraged. We appreciated it all!

Ballad Of The Steep Hill Revolution

by Dave Greenfield
(sung to the tune of Barrett’s Privateers)

O the year was 1978,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon,
Some people came together from all around
To bring organic produce to our town.