Urban Greens General Membership Meeting Minutes – 10/25/09

Start 7:15 End 8:10

Council Present: Bridget, Craig, Deb, Kristin, Michelle

1. Welcome and Intro
2. River Valley Market

   – Deb provided a summary of the council’s trip to visit two co-ops in MA. We learned the most from the River Valley Market, which just opened in 2008. They were able to sell 2000 shares before they opened, and several hundred before they even secured a site.

3. Project update – Craig provided an update of our progress so far.
1. Site - 1577 Westminster has been delayed further and in order to keep momentum for the co-op we have been looking into other locations on the West End to lease. Size, parking, location, and a landlord who will support our mission are all important considerations.
2. Financing – we have been looking into financing options with several community organizations. One such organization is The Cooperative Fund of New England – which offers both technical assistance and loans. In order to get a loan with them we need increase our equity through member shares (we currently have 105 members, we would like to have 500-600 before we open) and through a member loan program (where our members would loan us start-up funds), which we are working on developing.
3. Member Drive - Our membership committee has been working hard to set things in place (new email program, new website, new pamphlet) for a renewed member drive to be launched soon! While we have all been busy trying to get the word out (attending farmers markets and green drinks, doing a t-shirt event) and doing some fundraising to pay for some of this work (selling t-shirts, yard sale, bake sale), we will be ramping things up in the next couple of months.

The membership present responded to this with suggestions for community assistance and ideas for partners to work with.

4. Elections
   

   – Bridget ran the election for three prospective new council members, nominated by co-op members. Corey, Carey, and Stephanie spoke briefly about their interest in serving on the council. On a motion by Kristen and a second by Craig, the membership voted unanimously to elect all three prospective members to the council.

5. Wrap-up and Get involved

   – Deb passed around sign-up sheets for those interested in getting involved and who have particular skills to share.

Alteris Renewables is hosting Green Drinks on Thursday, October 15th and Kristin from Urban Greens will be on hand to represent our Coop. Alteris just moved into the Wolcott Eco-building and is looking forward to celebrating with friends, neighbors and the green community. Please join Alteris and Urban Greens for music, local beverages, and locally grown food between 5-8pm tonight at 28 Wolcott Ave in Providence, RI.

Alteris Renewables has 30 years of experience designing and installing solar electric, solar hot water, solar thermal and wind energy solutions for homeowners, educational institutions and businesses in the Northeast. Alteris is committed to working with communities to educate the public about renewable energy options, financial incentives and efficient design choices. Learn more about Alteris at the event and through their website.

Tonight, the Membership and Communications committee is hosting a meeting dedicated to the topic of Fundraising. If you are interested in participating in this discussion, feel free to stop by 22 Brighton Street, Providence, RI 02909 @ 6pm