Regular Board Meeting Minutes
15 September 2026
Present: Kay Coburn, Cathy-Ann Glockner, James Hiebert, Paul Cowan, Kate Miers, Leannah Fidler, Kendal Benesh, Mike Morrison (on Zoom)
Staff Present: Amanda Verigin (General Manager), Sean Silverson (Finance Director)
Chair: Kay Coburn
Recorder: Sadie Yancey (Board Administrative Assistant)
Meeting brought to order at 5:03 pm in the Teaching Kitchen
Adoption of September Meeting Agenda: M/Kendal S/Paul, items were rearranged. All in favour.
Declaration of Interests: none
Approval of August Meeting Minutes: M/Leannah S/Kate, no amendments. All in favour.
Approval of consent agenda, including:
- Governance Committee minutes
- Finance Committee minutes
- HR Committee minutes
M/Cathy-Ann S/James
A director asked about the proposed timing of the annual GM evaluation. HR Committee members shared their considerations. A director supported engaging a consultant to set up an effective evaluation.
The chair reminded directors that they can make notes in the ‘working copy’ of the policy manual.
A director made a suggestion to reduce the president’s workload and Governance Committee members shared their considerations.
CARRIED. All in favour.
GM Report – Presented by Amanda Verigin.
- Amanda presented the GM report verbally, including
- Insights behind slower August sales,
- Resurgence of Buy Canadian movement and Co-op’s response,
- Price analysis in Food Services,
- Changes to leadership team, and
- Ongoing training to support the GM.
- Sean shared the highlights from the August financials, as circulated. Sales growth slowed in August with 2.6% growth since August 2025, below budget estimates. This was expected to be due to smoke and decreased people in the area.
- Sean shared the highlights from 1st quarter of fiscal year 2027 compared to budget
Business Arising
- Review member feedback. There was one operational request that has been answered.
- Audited financials for FY206
MOTION To approve the audited financials, as amended.
M/Kate S/James
- Sean walked the board through the 2026 Financial Statements and the Management Letter.
- The auditors issued an unqualified report. Sean addressed the minor concerns about internal controls.
- A director complemented Sean and his team for their responsiveness to the auditor’s requests.
- Highlights of the financials will be presented at the AGM, and members can make an appointment with Sean to view the full financials.
CARRIED All in favour.
Kay and James signed the audit.
- Surplus funds report
MOTION To approve the Surplus Funds Report, as circulated
M/Kendal S/Cathy-Ann
Sean walked directors through this report that details how net income from FY2025 was spent in FY2026 and sets distributions for FY2026 net income.
$150k will be distributed to members, in store credit based on their total purchases in the fiscal year
$250k will be distributed to current staff according to the Employee Bonus Policy.
CARRIED All in favour
- Recommend auditor
MOTION To recommend that the members appoint Doane Grant Thornton as the auditor for FY2027.
M/James S/Kate
It was noted that the finance committee was happy with the auditor’s performance. It was suggested to put this out to tender next year as this has not been done for several years.
CARRIED All in favour
- Election update. The BAA shared the current total votes cast.
- Gifting procedures discussion. Directors discussed the appropriate amount for a thank-you gift when a director in good standing completes their term or is not re-elected. It was decided to raise the amount to $100.
MOTION To update Board Gifting Procedure, as amended.
M/Paul S/Mike
CARRIED The three directors running for re-election this year abstained.
- Columinate Training. Directors shared thoughts on their recent training with Columinate.
- Clarifying Board priorities for the coming year. One result of the training was a ‘Roadmap’ to guide the board in the next 6-12 months while Amanda gets comfortable in the GM role. The directors reviewed items on the Roadmap and determined which body would lead each.
- Questions from member attendees – There are no non-board members in attendance.
Next Meetings:
September 24th (Thursday) – AGM! – 5:30pm
October 20th – 5pm in person (pending availability of elected directors)
The meeting adjourned to in camera session at 7:07pm
