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.

🎉 Big congratulations to Wasatch Food Co-op on their official Grand Opening!After more than 20 years of community vision...
05/27/2026

🎉 Big congratulations to Wasatch Food Co-op on their official Grand Opening!

After more than 20 years of community vision, dedication, fundraising, organizing, and believing, Salt Lake City now has a thriving food co-op to celebrate. What an incredible accomplishment for everyone involved. ❤️

We’re especially proud that Columinate’s Garland McQueen served as the Interim General Manager on contract during this exciting chapter. His leadership, alongside the hard work of the board, staff, volunteers, and community supporters, helped bring this long-awaited vision to life.

Congratulations to the entire Wasatch Food Co-op community and everyone at The Milk Block — this is a milestone worth celebrating! 🎊

Do you plan on attending the late May CCMA conference or know someone who is? It will offer a chance to meet in person ...
04/20/2026

Do you plan on attending the late May CCMA conference or know someone who is? It will offer a chance to meet in person with your favorite CBLD (Cooperative Board Leadership Development) consultant, along with other Columinate consultants and co-op colleagues from across the country.

Columinate will have a large contingent of members who will be in attendance, many of them presenting or co-presenting as part of the program—including these CBLD consultants: Jade Barker, Hether Jonna, Michael Healy, Molly Phipps, Laura King, and Molly Snell-Larch. Other Columinate members delivering presentations at CCMA are Jeanie Wells, Sarah Dahl, and Wynston Estis. Also attending the conference from Columinate (as of this writing): Vernon Oakes, Rose Marie Klee, and James Morrell. They are eager to hear from other cooperators before or during the conference—so feel free to reach out to them!

04/06/2026

Enriching, accessible, AND fun!
With on-site childcare, interpretation, by-donation tickets, and more, we’re creating a space where more people can fully participate and really enjoy the experience. Find the full program and register at maine.coop/principle-six-conference-2026

03/22/2026

This conference celebrates the power of cooperatives to make a difference. Whether you’re a co-op member, aspiring entrepreneur, or community advocate, you’ll leave inspired to support and grow the cooperative economy in Maine.

One week until Co-ops gather in Jefferson, Maine.Have you registered yet?https://columinate.coop/coopcafeBreakfast and l...
03/22/2026

One week until Co-ops gather in Jefferson, Maine.
Have you registered yet?

https://columinate.coop/coopcafe

Breakfast and lunch included.
Scholarships available.

Confident communication.Boundaries that protect your energy.Decision-making without second-guessing.Leadership is a prac...
03/12/2026

Confident communication.
Boundaries that protect your energy.
Decision-making without second-guessing.

Leadership is a practice.

Join 12 women committed to strengthening it — together.

Wednesdays in April | 4–5 PM ET

https://columinate.coop/learningcircles

In late March, Columinate consultants will be presenting at FCI Live! https://fci.coop/events/fcilive/This is a free, on...
03/11/2026

In late March, Columinate consultants will be presenting at FCI Live! https://fci.coop/events/fcilive/

This is a free, online series of one-hour sessions aimed at startup co-ops, led by experienced trainers and co-op leaders.

Sponsored by Food Co-op Initiative (FCI), this year’s expanded FCI Live! comprises an impressive roster of over twenty different sessions; see the link above for the full listings and the time of day for each.

Besides being free, all of the sessions will be posted in April to the FCI YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com//videos.

The series launches Monday, March 23, with an overview by FCI executive director JQ Hannah on “The Next Chapter.”

On Wednesday, March 25, Columinate’s James Morrell will co-present with Heather Lazickas on “Business Concept 101” and moving from a vision to business feasibility.

Also on March 25, Patrick Shabram of Columinate and G2G Analytics will discuss “What to Expect from Your Market Study.”

On March 31, Columinate’s Jade Barker will present a review of “Grocery Industry Basics for Startups.”

On Wednesday, April 1, Columinate’s Hether Jonna will facilitate a discussion on “Leading Through the Co-op’s Toughest Year” with a panel including two leaders of recent startups.

We’re excited to welcome Desiree Nicole Lester to the Maine Co-op Cafe on March 29 in Jefferson, ME.After years working ...
03/09/2026

We’re excited to welcome Desiree Nicole Lester to the Maine Co-op Cafe on March 29 in Jefferson, ME.

After years working across arts and nonprofit institutions, Desiree began questioning whether “business as usual” was the only option. In 2022, she joined the inaugural Co-op Navigator Fellowship with the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, deepening her commitment to cooperative models rooted in shared ownership and collective responsibility.

She is now the founder of The Artist Assignment, exploring documentation and legacy services for artists through a cooperative, community-centered lens.

Her perspective brings an important cross-sector voice to the conversation about cooperation, ownership, and the future of shared enterprise.

Join us for the Maine Co-op Cafe:
đź“Ť Jefferson, ME
đź“… March 29
🍽 Breakfast + lunch included

Scholarships available.
Promo code: JeffersonME

Register:
https://columinate.coop/coopcafe/

Maine co-ops are gathering.📍 Jefferson, ME📅 Sunday, March 29⏰ 9:00–4:30🍽 Breakfast + lunch includedJoin us at Damariscot...
03/05/2026

Maine co-ops are gathering.

đź“Ť Jefferson, ME
đź“… Sunday, March 29
⏰ 9:00–4:30
🍽 Breakfast + lunch included

Join us at Damariscotta Lake Farm for a full day of conversation about cooperation at scale.

Theme: Stronger Together: Balancing Autonomy and Collective Power

Scholarships available.
Promo code: JeffersonME

Register: https://columinate.coop/coopcafe/

Spots are filling up fast for the Mighty Community Markets 2026 Grocery Bootcamp — don’t miss your chance to level up yo...
02/13/2026

Spots are filling up fast for the Mighty Community Markets 2026 Grocery Bootcamp — don’t miss your chance to level up your grocery business. 🛒

This comprehensive 6-week training kicks off March 5th and is designed to give you practical tools, industry insight, and the operational confidence to grow and strengthen your store.

Here’s what past participant Jermeria Skillom (Partnership for a Healthier America, MS Delta Healthy Corner Store Initiative) had to say:

“If you’re new to the grocery store world or looking to expand your business knowledge, here is your perfect resource. This course has made me a mini expert in terminology, psychology, and functionality running a grocery store.”

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the grocery landscape or ready to sharpen your strategy, this bootcamp delivers real-world knowledge you can apply immediately.

👉 Register now before it’s full: https://columinate.coop/mighty

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