Working at the Co-op

The staff members manage Buffalo Mountain Co-op Inc. collectively. We use a non-hierarchical model that allows each of us to be responsible for the whole of the cooperative without a single “boss.” We feel that this model creates a stronger, more collaborative management team that draws upon each person’s best strengths and abilities. This process also fosters a more fair and compassionate workplace. As part of our effort to keep communication and accountability channels open and flowing, the Board has created the Collective Coordinator position. His or her role is not a managerial role but rather a conduit through which the board, staff, and members can communicate more clearly. Staff members are all responsible for the overall management of the. All collective members take part in a regularly scheduled co-evaluation process. Over the years, with a considerable amount of board and member input, We have developed a truly unique form of collective decision-making. We feel that this collaborative approach, reflects our co-op’s best ideals and principles.

Collective Management: The Buffalo mountain food cooperative has a unique form of management that begins with the individual and ultimately falls to the collective staff as a whole. All management tasks, responsibilities, and accountability fall to the whole staff and not to one sole manager. This is called a collective. Within the collective there is various assumed duties but the whole collective decides on where those duties fall. There are maintenance coordinators, and department managers, and there is a collective coordinator. Participation in the collective management of the co-op is a priority, necessary for the function of the co-op.

Super Subs and Subs

The co-op regularly trains and hires substitutes to cover staff absences. Subs receive a working member discount and an hourly wage. Staff members who work 10 hours or less on a regularly scheduled basis, are called super subs. Super Subs are not considered members of the staff collective, but receive additional work benefits and a 15% discount on most food purchases at the co-op. If you would like to apply to be trained as a sub, please fill out a sub application located at the front register. Working as a sub, can be a good way to get to know our co-op community, and also feel out whether you would like to apply for a staff position should one become available. Some sub positions are regularly scheduled fill-in slots for an extended time with a limited number of hours. These individuals are referred to as super subs and receive a 15% discount on most purchases as well as an hourly wage.

Board of Directors

A way to become further involved in the workings of your store is to join the co-op board. As a board member you participate directly in decision-making and take responsibility for tasks involving the short- and long-term needs of the store. The board works closely with the staff and the general membership and provides leadership in maintaining the store and initiating changes. At our Annual membership meeting, members are nominated and elected to serve on our the Co-op Board for a term of two years. This position is unpaid though board members receive a working member discount for the hours they put in working on Co-op policy and management. The co-op board meets monthly and has overall responsibility for setting policy and managing the store. The board works closely with the staff and the general membership and provides leadership in maintaining the store and initiating changes. Board meetings are open to the public, and members are encouraged to come to voice concerns or lend a hand.

Current Board Members and their e-mail addresses are:

• Michael Lew Smith – President
• Bruce Kaufman – Treasurer
• Michael Gray – Secretary
• Barbara Conn
• Claudia Gohl
• Maggie Mcguire