FEBRUARY 2017 EDITION
EDITION 2015 NEXT TO MOUNDS PET FOOD IN JANESVILLE, WI BASICS CO-OP NATURAL FOODS - OPENJULY TO THE PUBLIC - LOCATED
The 7 Co-op Principles: Democratic Control Did you know your co-op is governed by a democratically elected, volunteer board made up of five Basics Co-op Owners? Democratic Governance is the second principle of the internationally recognized Seven Co-op Principles. Pictured, at right, are current Basics Co-op Board president Jim Hutchinson, vice president Sverre David Roang, secretary Clarice Green, Dr. Carrie Kaiser, and S.A. Welch. Our board meets every other month to establish policies to advance the mission and goals of the Co-op. As a group they are the elected stewards of our community-owned asset, responsible for any major plans or commitments, long-term financial planning,
and accountable empowerment of the general manager. These duties are part of a board model called policy governance. Under policy governance, decisions related to daily operations or organizational issues (Means) are delegated to the general manager and hired staff, so that the board can focus on policies to achieve the Co-op’s bigger picture goals (Ends). How does a co-op board’s purpose differ from that of a corporation? Co-ops are organized to benefit their owners, who, in our case, are also the customers. Fairness, transparency and equity are prioritized more than financial returns. The main purpose of a corporate, or for-profit, board is to ensure profitability for shareholders and employees. (cont’d, page 2)
Tofu Guacamole
Ingredients 12oz tofu, squeezed dry 1 peeled & seeded avocado 2 T tamari 2 T sesame butter (tahini) 2 T minced onion 1/4 tomato, diced 2 tsp lemon juice 1 clove crushed garlic dash paprika 2 T minced parsley
Prep Combine the first 9 ingredients and mash with a fork. Serve as a dip, spread, or dressing, garnishing with the parsley. This recipe by Basics co-founder Debbie Ramsdell first appeared in the Basics Market Basket newsletter in September 1980! A big thank you to Carolyn Veek for sharing.