Dearest DFC folks,

Since February of this year, I have been doing what I can to stay in touch with the store's staff and management.  Considering everything, the current staff and interim management are handling the difficulties of change better than ever.

We think little elves are coming out at night to read _The Little Engine That Could_ to the store equipment, and we hope they continue to do so.  So don't forget to give that dairy cooler an extra push when closing the door!  We haven't hired a paid manager yet, but things are looking up in that area (read Regina's article for more info).  The co-op has often been under-staffed, but Ajay, Thomas, Antonio, CJ and Amy have been quite the troopers.  They've been working hard and usually operating the entire store one person at a time, all while keeping notably positive attitudes.  Keeping up with the check out counter, daily ordering, cleaning, stocking, etc. makes it challenging for our staff to implement changes.

Denise is going on a much-deserved vacation and was able to recruit Ajay to take care of a lot of things while she's gone.  I'm guessing most of you reading this know him-- he has worked at the co-op for a while.  Where most interim managers might try to simply maintain a store they are leaving in a couple months, Ajay has made it clear that he hopes to leave the place better than it was when he started. (Oh- just in case you didn't know, Ajay will be leaving this leadership position at the end of August to pursue his dream of doing social work.  But he promises he will still be involved at the co-op, and we are lucky for that!)

In the last two weeks, Ajay and I have been interviewing potential store clerks to fill in some open weekend shifts.  On that note, please welcome Lisa Greenbaum to the co-op staff!  She has been a sustainer for quite some time, and has now joined the staff ranks.  (We are still hiring for more open weekend shifts, so send qualified applicants to the co-op to fill out an application if you happen to know of someone who is especially reliable and enjoys working hard!)

If you haven't met CJ yet, please give him a warm welcome as he gets used to his new job.  (He is actually Antonio's cousin!)  Antonio seems to have a renewed energy toward his work, despite the challenges.  Amy says she doing great and loving her job, and is enjoying the break from her grad school plans to study Philosophy.  Thomas is basically amazing and was only away from work for a few days after a car hit him while he was riding his bicycle.  Amy says the staff appreciates member feedback, so feel free to speak with the staff or leave a note in the suggestion box.

I would say the biggest and most exciting improvement Ajay and I are working on together would be a new approach to sustainers and members.  Though still in its early stages at this point, our efforts should help all aspects of the business!  We are working toward contacting and meeting with interested members to determine where their talents could best be used in a mutually beneficial way.  So be expecting to hear from us soon!  We are looking forward to talking with everyone.  Hart Pillow and Lisa Greenbaum have also been helping with this project.  We all hope to have an effective, flexible, organized and rewarding sustainer program in the coming months, and to keep in closer contact with all of our members.  This project will take some time, but we hope to have more updates on this soon!

Cheers!
Sarah Bish

Secretary of BoD, BoD liason to Membership Relations Committee