Rainbow Board Meeting Minutes
February 19, 2008
Attendees: Gen Barbour, Leo Huddleston, Ann Herlihy, Joy Adams, Barbara Scobee and non-board members Steve Whitlow, Bruce Fraiser, Luke Lundemo, Kat McGee, Pattie Kurts-McGee. Irene Jones arrived late.
A quorum was present.
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm.
Approval of minutes: The minutes from the January Board meeting were approved.
Member’s Input: Kat McGee reserved any comments and simply distributed a written report of both questions and comments for the board as well as a list of observations.
Manager’s Report: Steve Whitlow presented the manager’s report. January sales exploded. It was the most successful month Rainbow has ever had; sales were up 24% vs. January 2007. Supplements, grocery, bulk, and HABA set all-time records. Monday-Saturday sales topped $12,300. Sunday sales were up 11% (an all-time record). Café sales increased 42% while payroll percentage decreased. Rainbow also experienced the largest single day without a Member’s Day coming in over $15,000.
Steve also reported that Beth Ramsey and Todd Goode were featured in a 30 minute radio spot with WCHJ Brookhaven for the 3rd consecutive year, Leigh Anne Lawson was hired for the Human Resources position, the Supplements Department manned a booth at a Vicksburg health fair, and Rainbow Today e-news is up and running again.
Financial Report: Barbara Scobee presented the financial report. She reviewed the Profit and Loss, Statement of Cash Flows and Balance Sheets. She believes Rainbow has experienced growth because of being able to put more merchandise on the shelves. Fixed asset purchases of $2508.75 went towards purchasing fermentation pots, air filtration system, and a honey vat.
Old Business:
Luke reported that Rainbow has selected Tougaloo College to partner with for the organic farming initiative because of their commitment to education, the Community Service Department of the college will be involved , and Rainbow has been offered its selection of over 400 acres. Luke will be meeting with an organic gardening specialist for advice and help selecting the best area of the 400 acres to farm. He will report back to the Board at the March meeting.
Lease Update: Rainbow has a signed lease. Information was presented to move forward towards obtaining a loan to purchase the property from the leasers, however, an assessment of the property has to be made by the bank at an approximated cost of $3600 and upwards. There was some discussion and the board voted to move forward with the appraisal.
Product Purchasing Criteria: is now being implemented. Rainbow will move forward in marketing this information to the public. The Board discussed possible ways to do this as well as emphasizing it at the annual meeting. Gen suggested adding parabens to the list.
Annual Members Meeting: The meeting will be held March 30, 2008 at The Cedars in Fondren. The Board discussed revising the flyer for the meeting to focus it more as a Rainbow community picnic. The Café will cater a portion of the food for the meeting.
Candidates: We have received two applications so far. Deadline for candidate registration is March 13. The openings are for 4 board positions and 2 alternates. A few Board members expressed they will be running again.
Legal Structure: Still discussing and researching the information for Rainbow’s best option.
New Business:
Applicants are being reviewed for the position of Outreach Coordinator. The management has set a goal of filling this position within 30 days.
The Board received a copy of the Human Resource job description and the Board accepted it. We also received a copy of Leigh Anne’s resume.
Leo expressed concern over the possible growth of the HR person’s responsibilities.
Irene proposed Leigh Anne joining the following two organizations for ongoing support and help: SHRM & CARA.
Management committed to periodically review the workload of HR.
Luke was asked to read Kat’s material, summarize, and report on it.
Meeting adjourned at 7:36.
Minutes submitted by Joy Adams