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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
Steep Hill co-op was the name,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon,
The name they gave to the organic food store,
And the people kept coming back for more.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
Fruit and vegetables everyone,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon,
Dairy products, meat and bread,
Rice and pasta so we’re all well fed.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
The years and the decades they went by,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon.
The store and the people and the product line grew,
Bringing the best to me and you.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for anew day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
Now the year is 2023,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon.
We’ve been through some ups and downs,
But the revolution keeps turning ‘round.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
So here’s to everyone far and wide,
And this sleepy town of Saskatoon.
Life sometimes seems like a rather steep hill,
But come make some friends and eat your fill.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
GoFundMe Campaign
The GoFundMe Campaign that was opened right after the Special Members Meeting at the end of April is now closed. Through the Campaign, and from other donations, we raised $43,100! That is a significant amount of money raised in a very short time, and speaks to the dedication and determination of the community to ensure that the Steep Hill Co-operative remains a thriving and contributing part of the Nutana and surrounding neighbourhood districts.
We are humbled and grateful for your generosity. To everyone who gave to this cause, whether large or small, you have done your part to allow Steep Hill to go forward on solid financial ground, with an achievable business plan, efficient and appropriate equipment, knowledgeable, welcoming and capable staff, responsive and co-operative suppliers, a stock of wholesome, fresh and nutritious food and a vision to ensure the Co-operative’s longevity, commitment and contribution to the Broadway District and the city as a whole.
The seven principles of a Co-op are:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Members’ economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training and information
- Co-operation among co-operatives
- Concern for the community
Thank you for demonstrating how much you care about these! Congratulations to every one of you who chose to invest your hard-earned dollars into these principles and into the future of this Co-operative.
Although the “GoFundMe” Campaign has closed, we are always happy and grateful for your contribution towards the Co-operative at any time! Contact us at board@steephillfood.ca.
New Store Hours
Though the early opening Tuesday hours were initially successful, recently the traffic to the store on Tuesday mornings has been very light. The Board has decided that staff dollars would be better utilized later in the day when more customers are shopping.
Starting on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Tuesday shopping hours will be from noon to 7:00 p.m. This will be revisited when the Point of Sale system is up and running and the Corner Store/Pantry Staple items have been stocked. Some changes in hours might be required at that time. We’ll keep you posted.
Good Things To Remember…
Store Hours are: Monday to Saturday - 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday - 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We’d love to see you anytime!
Product Preference Survey is still open, and we would love to hear your opinion. Steep Hill has limited space, and we need to be stocking the things that are important to you. Let us know what gaps exist and help us provide more of the items that you need and want. Take a few minutes to fill out the survey and return it to us. The feedback that we get from you is invaluable and helps us to ensure that Steep Hill is a satisfying and convenient shopping experience for you every time you visit.
We are moving forward with purpose and volunteers are welcomed and sincerely appreciated. Please contact us at board@steephillfood.ca and let us know if you are interested in volunteering at Steep Hill! What an exciting time to be involved in your Co-operative!
And By No Means Least…
So much has been accomplished over the last several weeks. Steep Hill has gone from a small co-operative that was slated for closure to solidly member-backed organization that has a new lease on life. The new Board is moving forward with creative and sound business decisions on behalf of our members to ensure the sustainable future of Steep Hill. The hard work is only beginning! This next year will be a pivotal time for the store, and will provide an amazing array of opportunities for continued and positive contributions from everyone! Staff, members, volunteers, Board - we’re all in this together, and the most gratifying thing is that we all recognize that together we are so much stronger!
Ann Smith,
Director
On behalf of the Steep Hill Board