A Sense of Atmosphere and Community
by Kamala Alister, on behalf of the Maple Street Co-op Board

As I push open the shop door to attend our monthly evening meetings, the first deep breath reminds me of why I'm here. The shop has been shut for a while and smells wonderful: scented soaps, flowers, fruit. I walk past crowded shelves of enticing wholefoods, fascinating books, informative displays.

In the immediate stillness of the shop, happy sounds of Monday night's "open mic" at the Club waft (or sometimes rock) through the adjacent walls, and the light and music pour welcomingly into the street. As I walk through to our meeting out the back, I feel a wave of gratitude to be part of such a wonderful community-based co-operative that nourishes heart and soul.

Currently, Maple Street Co-op has well over 800 members. This is a great achievement for a co-operative in a town with just over 4,000 people. It also provides a special challenge to the Board of Directors. The Board represents these members/owners in overseeing and directing our operations and long-term growth. Part of our work this year has been to improve our "Board–Member linkage" (the technical name for this relationship).

During October, we will be asking as many members as possible to complete a survey – either for the shop or the Club, or both. As well as asking specific questions about our products and services, we’re leaving plenty of room for your own comments and thoughts. Directors will also be spending some time personally surveying members and talking to as many as we can. Results of the survey will be available in time for the AGM on 28 November.

It is with regret that the Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Dawn Goddard from the Board in August. Dawn brought to the Board excellent insight, creative inspiration and a willingness to work hard during her two years as a director.

Long-term Co-op member Stephen Alexander has offered to serve as an interim director, and we welcome him warmly. Members will have the opportunity to vote on making him a permanent director at the AGM.

Thanks to the artists who submitted a variety of great designs for our logo competition. In the spirit of co-operation, we have decided to divide the $200 prize between the four entrants and extend our appreciation for their talent and enthusiasm. Admittedly, we did not find a logo that we felt would fill our needs – and we apologise if we didn't give enough information at the time for the artists to have designed something more appropriate.

At last year's Special General Meeting that approved the transfer of The UpFront Club to Maple Street Co-operative, the question of a possible name change for the Club was raised and directors promised that any proposed change would be put to a vote. Members would have seen our call for submissions in the June/July newsletter. At the 21 August Board meeting, directors considered the votes, which were overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the name. So, The UpFront Club it still is! [See article, this section.]

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", October/November 2006; published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au,
website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]