Co-op News
From "Maple Street Co-op News", August/September 2008

"Thanks Alan, from the Board of Directors"
By Co-op Director, Marc Kalifa

I met Alan Harrington at Crystal Waters nearly 14 years ago during the Maple Street Co-op Annual General Meeting. Back then, the various Maleny co-ops used to have combined AGMs, as it made it easier for the many people who were members of several co-ops. These combined AGMs were great catching up times, introducing new members to other co-ops, as well as providing a quorum for even the smallest co-op.

Our AGM was in full swing, with a lot of heated debate going on, when Alan stumbled in with his wife, Mary Meadows, who was involved with Waste Busters.

Terry Ryder, Bob Fontine and myself had volunteered as new directors, but we were still two directors short because most of the Board had resigned.

After talking with Francoise Leduc, the then coordinator, Alan accepted a nomination and was made a new member and director on the spot. Little did he know he would still be involved 14 years later!

Our first challenge as a new Board was the new manager that had just been employed by the old Board to try to fix the Co-op's financial mess.

After a lot of conflict between the new manager and some of the more vocal staff members, the new Board decided to let the new manager go after his three-month trial period.

The Board asked Alan if he would resign as a director and become temporary manager, as he had valuable financial and retail experience. After making sure this was a unanimous decision from the staff as well as the Board, Alan accepted the position.

While the Co-op had a lot to learn from Alan about running a financially viable retail business, Alan was on a steep learning curve trying to get his head around 'consensus decisions' and other co-operative principles.

Under Alan's management, the Co-op has been able to build up a strong financial position, expand its range of products, its membership and its newsletter, as well as planning for the future. Soon we will build a much-needed extension at the back, which will greatly improve the working conditions of the incredibly patient and dedicated staff.

Recently, our strong financial position allowed the Co-op to rescue the UpFront Club when it became insolvent and was about to close down. After some major refurbishment and a lot of sometimes unpopular financial decisions, the Club has been able to slowly trade its way up. This remains a difficult challenge, closely monitored by Alan.

After nearly 14 years of sustained and dedicated efforts, Alan is seeking a less demanding job. He will now be working as assistant manager, helping familiarise our new manager, Karen, with all aspects of the Co-op and Club - not an easy task.

When he's finished, I am thinking of asking him if he would become a director again. I hope he will accept as I have truly enjoyed our time together.

On behalf of the Maple Street Co-op Board of Directors and our members, thank you Alan for all your hard work and your substantial contribution to our organisation.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", August/September 2008; published by The Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au, website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]