View from the Directors' Den
by Douglas Gillies, on behalf of the Maple Street Co-op Board

The major happening for the the Co-op has been the reopening of The UpFront Club following its refurbishment. I rarely attend functions at the Club, but I had the good fortune to be part of a great reopening night. The atmosphere was welcoming, the music was brilliant for dancing, and everybody seemed to appreciate the more efficient layout and improved decor. Thanks to all those members and non-members who made up such a marvellously supportive crowd.

While on the subject of thanks, I'd like to acknowledge the extra special effort put in by our Co-op manager Alan Harrington. I know that Alan has spent many unpaid hours on mundane operations of both the Maple Street Co-op and The UpFront Club in order to deal with other pressing matters that have arisen since the merging of both co-ops. Our enthusiastic Club operations manager Kelly Robson has been a driving force in achieving a successful outcome; thanks, Kelly. I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the staff members and volunteers who supported the management during the renovation; also, the staff and volunteers who contributed to the memorable "unofficial" opening night. Please note that the "official" opening is being planned and the date will be advised in due course.

As announced in our last newsletter, the Maple Street Co-op Board would like your suggestions on a possible name change for The UpFront Club. If you haven't already had your say, please leave your suggestion(s) in the box provided at the Co-op by 15 August. The Board will consider these at its late August meeting and will post an announcement about the name change (if any) on the Club's noticeboard. The Board has also called for submissions on a new logo incorporating both co-ops, and would like these to be dropped in to the Co-op by 15 August.

One of the things that makes a cooperative successful is the dedication of its staff members. The staff at Maple Street Co-op were often burdened with extra duties to cover for the manager during this busy Club transfer and renovation period. So, on behalf of the Board, I extend grateful thanks to our staff members. Not only have they been supportive of change during this recent merger period but, as I've been privileged to observe over the years, they have shown their dedication to the direction of the co-operative movement.

Although it's early days, judging by the increased turnover The UpFront Club has become a more attractive place for people to spend some leisure time. Comments from chef Sonia Allen suggest that the Club renovations have now made meal preparation much easier, which in turn has led to improved staff communication. Clientele with whom I have spoken all agree that the ambience is much improved.

If any members would like to contact me with positive ideas that may be incorporated in either co-op, or if you have any concerns, please phone me on 5446 9184 or email me at douglas57@westnet.com.au.

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