CCWBE Report

80%

The team has had a fruitful period of applications for hiring the Store Operations Project Manager position. After reviewing applications and working collectively to assess strengths for each candidate, we have interviewed three individuals and conducted a second interview with a finalist. We have drafted a feedback form to collect feedback about the candidate and get input on a potential offer, contract, and other next steps. Pending a successful contract negotiation process, we hope to hire an onboard our Store Operations Project Manager this March. This role’s primary responsibility will be to assess the co-ops current internal and external models and systems, develop a business plan and operating procedures, lead recruitment and training, develop staffing structures and other human resources protocols for the store and help assign work to the store operations team to execute. This process is being overseen by Corner Store Co-op’s Dante Hamilton, Takisha Smith and Nakia Sims, with support from NPHM’s Associate Director Tiff Beatty and Manager of Human Resources, People and Culture Alexis Clark and Advisor Teresa Prim.

60%

In May 2023, we worked with graphic designer Nekita Thomas to conduct a 4-week brand research workshop. During the workshop, which included all 6 members of the co-op team, as well as three NPHM staff and three additional community members, Nekita introduced the team to the essentials of brand creation, including color theory, recognizability, emotional appeal, and other factors. At the end of the workshop, she provided three possible brand directions for the Corner Store Co-op’s consideration. As the team continues to explore barriers and opportunities in branding and design, legal considerations, particularly trademarking the name/logo has arisen as a priority. The team has had an inquiry call with a trademark lawyer and is in the process of determining if/how to develop a trademark strategy, as a potential next step. This process is overseen by Dante. In the interim, Corner Store Co-op is utilizing a temporary logo/brand on materials and the e-commerce website, including a logo obtained through an online logo tournament. Congruently, the team has worked extensively with Monica Chadha and John Wolf of Civic Projects, our site design and construction project managers, and made key decisions regarding the store’s physical space layout, shelving, opportunities for signage, etc.. Currently, the team is reviewing fabrication and installation bids from three different teams, including Building Brown, BKE, and Navillus Woodworks.

10%

This goal is to research and develop the Corner Store Co-op’s business plan and financial structures. We have not made significant progress on this goal at this time, as it will primarily be developed under the leadership of the Store Operations Project Manager, which has not yet been hired. In the meantime, we have been working with our Advisor Teresa Prim to research and reach out to sources that may be able to provide additional start-up capital to fund furnishings, inventory, and the store buildout. The Corner Store’s Operating Agreement and Membership Subscriptions will also factor into the financial modeling and business plan. The members, including Dante Hamilton, Nakia Sims, and Natalie Crue, are currently working with attorney Elizabeth Carter to finalize these documents, which will be a key resources for the Store Operations Project Manager and Store Operations team as they develop and implement the business plan and structures to support the day to day operations.

No

Yes

Somewhat useful

Somewhat useful

0

0

16

0

At this time, the full team has not been hired on to complete this project. Regarding capacity, the 6 working group members are paid $1000 stipends for their work and NPHM staff is simultaneously working on other programs and projects. The team looks forward to hiring a Store Operations Project Manager in March to increase capacity moving forward.

Members of the team have been attending CWB meetings for networking and collaboration purposes.