2004 Annual Report

A message to our members from your board

Despite increased competition, PCC has again had a successful year. Our sales were $89 million, up from 2003 by 6 percent. Congratulations to our staff, management and members.

PCC’s Board of Trustees worked this year on updating our articles and bylaws, refining our Ends policy language, and examining membership.

Our review of the articles and bylaws resulted in proposals to amend both documents. The proposals are being presented to our members in the 2005 annual election.

Using Policy Governance, the board writes the goals we have for PCC into "Ends" policies. We worked to refine these policies to make sure they comprise the overarching goals of the co-op: to maintain a balance of economic, social and environmental responsibilities while providing high quality healthful food and educating members and patrons on healthy living topics. The Ends are posted on our Web site and are published in the Sound Consumer at least once each year.

In our examination of membership, we looked at what it should cost, what value is derived from it, and what members think of the benefits programs. In preparation, we researched membership fees and benefits of other co-ops and we asked our members for feedback. We were gratified to read the hundreds of comments we received. Your participation played a major role in our discussions.

It was clear that many members preferred the flexibility of the floating 10 percent shopping trip to the fixed discount shopping days. Based on this feedback, and after cost analysis, management has made the flexible 10 percent shopping discount a permanent member benefit. Members also tell us that they perceive great membership value in the research that goes into PCC’s product offerings, and in the education PCC provides about food issues. We agree that these kinds of benefits set us apart from others in the grocery industry.

As we look forward to another successful year for the co-op, we encourage you to continue sharing your ideas with us.

Mary G. Simon
Chair, PCC Board of Trustees