The Way Forward
By Calvin Vismale, Sevananda Board President
Sevananda is transitioning toward a new beginning. A beginning fraught with the winds of change. Change is occurring at an increasing rate. Change can be uncomfortable. Change is inevitable. We must learn, together, to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Sevananda has a 35 year history to be proud of. The last 10 or so years has been marked by significant growth in membership, customer base, square footage, product selection, competition, etc.
We find ourselves with a gift; the “present”. An opportunity to act cooperatively for our mutual benefit. Reaching back and moving forward. Honoring our past. Facing the future without fear of uncertainty. A chance to begin our next 35 years with a commitment to continuous improvement of the quality of service to our customers, our employees, our vendors and suppliers, our community, and most important, to our members.
In order to serve you better we must have your help. Respond to our upcoming outreach initiatives so we can get to know you better. Participate in ways you may not have in the past. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn our governance model. Share your vision of a better tomorrow. Engage!
The current Sevananda Board of Directors is tasked with the responsibility of taking the necessary steps to provide a solid foundation for future boards to build upon and grow stronger.
The normal continuity of Sevananda’s board is maintained by staggered terms: three board seats of the nine member board expire every year. This process broke down due in 2009 to circumstances that were not anticipated by our governing documents (ByLaws and Board Policy). These documents need to be revised, updated and amended to better serve our current and future organizational needs. The result will provide greater clarity, transparency, and accountability.
Challenging economic conditions and increased competition require enhanced operational efficiency, superior service culture, and effective communication of the organizational value proposition. Our Ends Policy [which can be found at www.sevananda.coop, click on “Board of Directors”, and see statement beginning “Sevananda exists such that the commonhealth…”] needs to be examined and the process for making changes to product policy must be de-mystified.
To take on this very important work, in addition to selecting and hiring a permanent General Manager, the board has both established some new committees, and incorporated some of this work into existing committees. The committees are shown in the chart on this page.
If you are interested in preparing yourself for Board service, get involved! If you have a special skill – financial, marketing, legal, etc. – get involved! If you love Sevananda – get involved! The most important requirements for service are an open mind and a spirit of cooperation. Contact Board Administrator/Liaison Carolyn Renee – aoc@sevananda.coop, or 404.681.2831 x121 – if you are interested. Provide Carolyn with a brief statement of your abilities (skills, talents, etc.), your area of interest, and time availability.
Be a part of the way forward!
