Good Tern Co-op  members are cordially invited and encouraged to attend the Annual Member Meeting on Saturday, April 26 at 5:30 pm.  The meeting will be held at St Peter's Church, 11 White Street, in Rockland, beginning with a shared meal.

 The Good Tern is cooperating with MidCoast School of Technology in providing the meal, which will be soups and breads prepared by their Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry program students. Included will be vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Coop members are asked to bring pot-luck desserts. Please RSVP at the store or at outreach@goodtern.coop, if you plan to attend.

 Featured speaker for the event is Jane Livingston, who will speak about the role of trust and trustworthiness in cooperative business practice. Ms. Livingston has worked with cooperative enterprises for 20+  years, organizing conferences and events and developing marketing strategies, such as creating the 'Co-op Development Action' section of USDA's Rural Cooperatives magazine. Jane coordinated the 'Maine Feeds Maine'  teleconference series in 2007-08. She has helped found many local food buying clubs.

The business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., including committee reports, the General Manager's Report and Board Member elections.  Issues for discussion include the pros and cons of membership with National Cooperative Grocers Association and planning for sustainable future growth of the Co-op.

There are five  Board seats open and interested folks are asked to contact retiring member, Marty Schindler, at marty@rr.maine.com for Board member qualifications and duties, or for more information. Other than being a Good Tern member-owner in good standing, no prior experience or professional training is required to run for the board. Though every member is eligible to serve on the Board, certain skills and abilities make for useful and satisfied directors. They include:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         • Integrity, flexibility, and common sense
• Communication and group process skills
• Leadership and facilitation skills
• Ability to see the big picture
• Ability to understand financial statements (training provided to all new BOD members)
• Ability to support a group decision, regardless of personal viewpoint
• Commitment to enhance the quality of life for our community
• A desire to learn
• Understanding of the cooperative movement, cooperative values &principles, and Good Tern history.  

Good Tern is a cooperatively owned food market, offering high quality organic and locally grown products, health and beauty aids, items for gourmet and specialty diets, a children's playroom, and deli and lunchroom, as well as educational programs about cooperative practice and food safety and sustainability issues. Founded in 1980 and located at 750 Main Street, Rockland, the Co-op is open to all and new members are always welcome. FMI: 594-8822.

**Please note Good Tern will be closing at 4pm on 4/26 so our staff can attend.