Columinate - Catalysts for common good

Columinate - Catalysts for common good At Columinate, we are catalysts for common good. Our consultants share strategies, tools, and skills

Columinate specializes in supporting clients to meet their goals as strong marketplace competitors whose success is predicated on ethical business practices. Our consultants help clients develop the insight, skills and resources they need to adapt to market challenges and be models of teamwork and cooperation in their communities. Through experienced assessment, coaching and planning assistance, o

ur team works with clients to strengthen internal and external business systems and relationships that result in profitability and greater capacity to fulfill their mission. Columinate is a of consultants working together, and that means we put into practice what we preach. All of our consultants act in service to the values of cooperation, so you get the benefit of mutual aid, collaboration, and expertise. Our consultants specialize in co-op governance, leadership development, expansions, retail improvement, marketing, member services and human resources. When you work with us, you get the benefit of our whole team. Our clients tell us again and again that with the assistance of Columinate, they can realize their goals as exemplary businesses, create meaningful work, build community, and do good. Our clients and business partners are co-ops in various sectors, natural food grocery industry, and cooperative and community development.

Some of you know us well. Others might be discovering us for the first time — either way, we're glad you're here! 👋Colum...
08/24/2026

Some of you know us well. Others might be discovering us for the first time — either way, we're glad you're here! 👋

Columinate is a shared services co-op supporting independent consultants who work in cooperatives and other purpose-driven organizations. Our team brings hands-on experience running retail food co-ops and practicing strong governance — because many of us have done both.

From our Cooperative Board Leadership Development (CBLD) program to our Manager on Contract team, plus HR, finance, marketing, and more, we're here to help co-ops and their communities thrive. We've also grown beyond consulting, with Common Good Management Services supporting affordable housing communities and Columinate Financial Services helping co-ops build better financial systems.

We believe co-ops are the backbone of strong communities. Read more about how we're evolving and how we might work together 👇

🔗 Read more: https://co-op.link/h66

Is your co-op board performing as well as it could be?Early-bird registration is now open for the 2027 Cooperative Board...
08/18/2026

Is your co-op board performing as well as it could be?

Early-bird registration is now open for the 2027 Cooperative Board Leadership Development (CBLD) program — and if you enroll by August 31, you'll lock in $500 off your program cost for the entire year.

Now in its 24th year, CBLD offers monthly consulting, a facilitated board retreat, unlimited access to webinars and trainings, and on-demand courses through CBLD Academy. Most CBLD consultants are former board presidents of their own food co-ops, so they know the real challenges boards face — from GM turnover to board transitions to navigating today's uncertain climate.

"With CBLD program support, we created something more amazing than I could have ever imagined." —Jade Barker, CBLD Coordinator

📅 Enroll by August 31 to save $500
🎓 Enroll by September 30 for 50% off any 2026 CBLD trainings

Learn more: https://co-op.link/5vo

Questions? Reach out to Jade at [email protected]

Ever wonder where your co-op's shoppers are coming from — and whether your store is reaching its full potential across y...
08/06/2026

Ever wonder where your co-op's shoppers are coming from — and whether your store is reaching its full potential across your community?

That's where a CAT Survey comes in! By asking a sample of customers where they live and what they spent that day, your co-op can learn exactly which neighborhoods are shopping with you (and which ones might need a little more outreach).

It's a simple, friendly survey that customers are usually happy to help with — and the insights can make a real difference in how your co-op markets itself and serves the community.

Want to learn more? Reach out to Patrick Shabram, Columinate's location research consultant, at [email protected] or read more here: https://co-op.link/j5q

FREE Open House: Columinate Financial Services 📊Friendly reminder — CFS is hosting a free Open House this Friday, July 2...
07/21/2026

FREE Open House: Columinate Financial Services 📊

Friendly reminder — CFS is hosting a free Open House this Friday, July 24th from 12:00–1:00 PM ET, and you're invited!

Come learn how CFS helps food co-ops build stronger, more accurate financial foundations. CFS is adding new clients this year, so it's a great time to see if it's the right fit for your co-op.

👉 Register for Friday's session: https://columinate.coop/events

Can't make it this week? No worries — two more dates are coming up:
🗓️ August 14th, 12:00–1:00 PM ET
🗓️ August 28th, 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Stop by, ask questions, and see what CFS can do for your co-op!

Is your co-op's workplace culture where you want it to be?For 25 years, Columinate's Employee Satisfaction Surveys have ...
07/14/2026

Is your co-op's workplace culture where you want it to be?

For 25 years, Columinate's Employee Satisfaction Surveys have helped co-ops across the country understand what's working — and what needs attention. Our custom-designed surveys include smart phone optimization, department-level reporting, and a follow-up site visit with staff interviews to make sure results translate into real action.

"We help managers celebrate the wins and build on what's going well and implement action plans to make positive changes that will have lasting impact." — Melanie Reid, Columinate HR Consultant

Dozens of co-ops have used this service to build stronger teams and healthier cultures. Ready to learn more?

🔗 Read more: https://co-op.link/1wo

📧 Contact our HR team: [email protected]

Did you know a co-op board can change its entire composition in a single year? That's the beauty of democratic governanc...
07/14/2026

Did you know a co-op board can change its entire composition in a single year? That's the beauty of democratic governance — and the challenge.

The Cooperative Board Leadership Development (CBLD) program has been helping co-op boards navigate exactly this for 23 years. With annual retreats, interactive webinars, on-demand training, and dedicated consultants, CBLD gives boards the tools they need to lead with confidence — no matter who's in the room.

Over 1,100 people nationwide attended CBLD trainings in the last two years alone.

Read more: https://co-op.link/5hm

Is your co-op facing a management transition?A Manager on Contract (MOC) gives your board the time to find the right per...
07/08/2026

Is your co-op facing a management transition?

A Manager on Contract (MOC) gives your board the time to find the right permanent leader — without losing momentum.

Maintain or improve operations during the GM search
Make tough decisions without the weight of personal connections
Support for retirement, sudden departures, turnarounds, startups & expansions
Flexible contracts: 3 to 12 months, tailored to your needs
Trains your board in working effectively with a seasoned GM

👉 Learn more: https://co-op.link/llo


🌱 Building co-op capacity & culture — one relationship at a time.Columinate's Melanie Reid has spent over a decade stren...
07/07/2026

🌱 Building co-op capacity & culture — one relationship at a time.

Columinate's Melanie Reid has spent over a decade strengthening HR systems and workplace culture at food co-ops across the country. From employee surveys and handbook reviews to GM hiring support, her people-first approach creates lasting impact.

Now, as Columinate's new Consultant Support Manager, she's bringing that same energy inward — connecting consultants, building community, and living out Columinate's mission: "We make a difference in the world."

👉 Read more: https://co-op.link/n26

📊 Market studies matter. Columinate member Patrick Shabram explains why a strong market analysis is the essential first ...
07/06/2026

📊 Market studies matter. Columinate member Patrick Shabram explains why a strong market analysis is the essential first step for any co-op startup or expansion.

From trade area analysis and competition mapping to feasibility and risk assessment — Patrick's work gives co-op leaders the numbers they need to make informed, confident decisions. He currently works with both new startups (60%) and existing store expansions or relocations (40%).

💬 "Market studies are the front end of feasibility analysis — providing local leaders with a foundation for pro formas and strategic financial decisions."

Read more: https://co-op.link/srh




☕ For over a decade, the Co-op Cafe has been bringing co-op boards, managers, and staff together for conversations that ...
07/02/2026

☕ For over a decade, the Co-op Cafe has been bringing co-op boards, managers, and staff together for conversations that actually matter.

Since 2012, Columinate and National Co+op Grocers (NCG) have hosted this unique gathering — not a lecture, but a participatory World Cafe experience where real questions get explored in a real room.

Three times a year. Affordable or free. Close to home.

Whether you're a board member, a GM, or a staff member looking to strengthen your co-op, the Co-op Cafe is for you.

Address

Brattleboro, VT

Telephone

+18023803824

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Columinate - Catalysts for common good posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Columinate - Catalysts for common good:

Shortcuts

Share

Category