CCMA Conference 2013 - Austin, TX

Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) - Austin TX - June 6th-8th: As a new board member of the Brattleboro Food Coop I was selected by the board to attend the CCMA conference in Austin, TX. CCMA is a 3-day gathering of several hundred food co-op managers, staff members, directors, and consultants, plus their national allies. THis year Wheatsville Coop in Austin, TX was the host Coop and provided tours of their market and an inside view of their culture, success and love for cooperatives. Both myself and Alex Gyori the GM of the Brattleboro Food Coop attended.

When we arrived at the airport in Austin this wonderfully jubilant guitar was present while picking up our bags. Many different artistic versions of this guitar also graced the streets of Austin.

During my first hours in Austin I checked into the Hyatt Regency and walked across the Lady Bird Lake to enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant with Alex.

As my walk continued throughout the capitol of Texas I visited the State house which was built in 1885.

On Thursday Alex and I enjoyed a tour of the Wheatsville Coop which is the only Food Coop in Texas. Wheatsville has 13,000 owners and has been in business since 1976.

Thursday we registered for the conference and started attending seminars on Friday. Friday was highlighted by an opening speech by Kristen Christiansen who initiated the Bank Transfer Day. Other highlights of Friday included lively discussions and seminars on topics such as food access, engagement of owners, recruitment of board members and policy governance.

During the award ceremony on Friday night the Monadnock Food Coop won startup Coop of the year!

Mark Winne kicked off Saturday challenging food cooperatives to mobilize and reduce food insecurity. Saturday's seminars included effective decision making, member owner engagement and democratic participation.

Later that night we had our final dinner party at The Bullock State History Museum where we ate Southwestern food including Popcorn TOFU from the Wheatsville Coop!