Beyond Thunder Dome Café
Coop Themed Blog
Rise and Shine Cabaret Cafe
Links Communitybout Land Trusts
I Want to Start A Worker and Artists Owned Publishing Company
I want to start a worker owned art, publishing and performing arts cooperative that performs or creates recordings, movies, novels, books, comic books and magazines together.
I want to provide live and online platforms for the artists to show, distribute or sell their art, recordings, books and performances.
I want to create a worker-artist owned fictional universe for the characters created and owned by independent artists. This universe could have shared fictional settings created by the members of the cooperative.
I want to create collaborative storyboard templates that encourage collaboration and creativity.
Greg Spence Wolf
Marvel Bay Cafe
Marvel Bay Cafe makes their own deli salads, cookies, brownies, biscotti and tarts. My wife and i have been there a dozen times. It has a nice athmosphere.
A worker owned taxi service with online and ap scheduling
Uber and Lyft call themselves Ride Share Aps. Thise companies neither share rides or are aps. They are websites and corporations that nsert themselves into the process by owning the means of communication between users and providers of a service.
And the communication between the above mentoned parties is the only service they offer. They don’t exist to provide service. They exist to profit off of the work done by others through the least expensive, for them, way.
Websites and aps are cheaper to make and maintain than cars.
These corporations don’t share. They buy up competitors. (https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1R50KZ/ - Uber buys rival Careem in $3.1 billion deal to dominate ride-hailing in Middle East.)
I would like to say first off that computer dispatched drivers are not sharing rides. They are providing a driving service. But if you call it sharing, then it is easier to justify not paying the drivers.
Ride hailing is more accurate way to describe these internet based services.
In a June 30, 2022 article in Wired Magazine a new model for driving services, Worker ownership of the commnication stream between customer and worker, is presented.
The artice starts by saying:
“KEN LEWIS MOVED from Grenada to New York City in 1989 at a time when he says employment options for immigrants were limited. “You either got into construction or drove a taxi,” he says. Alongside grad school study, he drove a cab and remembers being alarmed at drivers footing the bill for all their expenses, from gas to vehicle repairs.
“Then in 2011, Uber came along and everything got worse, as drivers ran from the yellow taxi industry in the hope of finally making more money for themselves and their families,” he says. “We invested our life savings into buying cars, but actually, we were just buying the tools to exploit us further.”
Central Coop’s upcoming Board Election
It's Central Co-op Election Time!
Impact Central Co-op's future by voting for the newest members of our Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee! Voting for governance leadership is a crucial piece of what sets co-ops apart from many other business models, and we need your voice to move our Central Co-op into the future!
Each year, we elect one new Worker and one new Consumer to the Board (for three year terms), and one Worker and one Consumer to the Nom-Com (for one year terms). All Central Co-op Member-Owners vote for open positions for both Worker and Consumer candidates.
All you need to vote is the name on your account, and/or your member number -- one vote per Member-Owner account! Read about our 2023 Candidates below, and follow the green buttons to our Online Voting portal.
In-store voting will be available beginning October 31.
2023 Annual Owner Meeting
Alongside the Election, we are returning to an in-person format for our 2023 Annual Owner Meeting!
Please join us on Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm at the Silver Cloud Hotel at Madison and Broadway.
You'll hear about updates in our organization, meet members of Central Co-op's Board and Leadership Team, interact with other members, and get the latest on the Annual Election. Light snacks and beverages will be offered.
Space is limited at this event, so please let us know if you're planning on attending by emailing info@centralcoop.coop.
Board of Trustees Consumer-Owner Candidate
Amethyst Green
Home Store: Tacoma
Candidate Statement:
As a passionate and dedicated resident of Tacoma, I am honored to put forth my candidacy for the Co-op Board position. My deep-rooted pride in our community drives my commitment to its growth and prosperity.
My journey is defined by service and leadership. My professional background includes 14 years at Apple Inc, where I was immersed in leadership development and real estate. I had the privilege of spearheading the launch and management of new Apple stores. These experiences have honed my skills in strategic planning, financial management, and community engagement.
I also have the privilege of coaching golf at Silas High School, imparting valuable life skills and fostering young talent. In addition, I volunteer for the Tacoma School District, mentoring students in achieving their financial goals, empowering them to make informed choices for their future.
With my unique blend of corporate leadership and community involvement, I am committed to bringing a fresh perspective and strong sense of responsibility to the Board position.
Thank you for your consideration and vote!
Board of Trustees Consumer-Owner Candidate
Jeremiah Treacy
Home Store: Tacoma
Candidate Statement:
I’d like to be part of the Co-op's participation and community involvement with “setting the table” for family and friends, our neighborhood source of health, wellness, goodness, nutrition; having the Central Co-op is a plus for our neighborhood and having it lead with sustainable, organic and local resources is a continued and beneficial next step.
Board of Trustees Worker-Owner Candidate
Jack Sharp
Home Store: Seattle
Candidate Statement:
I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Board, driven by a passion for positive change and a commitment to our community's well-being. With a background in project management and a proven track record of leadership, I am dedicated to fostering collaboration and implementing effective solutions.
Throughout my career, I've focused on listening to diverse voices and finding common ground. I believe in the power of inclusivity, where every member's perspective is valued. As a Board member, I will prioritize transparent communication, ensuring that the community's concerns are not only heard but acted upon.
My vision for our community includes sustainable development, fiscal responsibility, and the enhancement of educational opportunities for all. I will work tirelessly to preserve the unique character of our organization while also embracing innovation to address emerging challenges.
I'm excited to embark on this journey with you, and I promise to be a tireless advocate for our community's best interests. Together, we can build a brighter, stronger future. Your support and trust in my candidacy would be a privilege, and I look forward to making a positive impact alongside you.
Nominating Committee Worker-Owner Candidate
Hannah Jessup
Home Store: Tacoma
Candidate Statement:
I am the assistant produce manager at our Tacoma location. I have worked for Central Co-op Tacoma, for about three and a half years!
I was able to serve on the Nominating Committee for the past two years and have loved being able to get to know our members as well as the community better than ever.
I enjoy being able to do community outreach, as well as chatting with potential board members in the store! I am able to have a more hands-on approach than some of the other nomination committee members since I am in the store almost every day - face to face with members. Among many other things - I will bring creativity, determination, and attention to detail to the Nomination Committee. I pride myself on my organizational skills as well as communication and being personable. Thank you for considering me to be on the Nominating Committee another year!
Nominating Committee Consumer-Owner Candidate
Winston Fryer
Home Store: Both! Has lived in both Seattle & Tacoma
Candidate Statement:
Winston is an incumbent candidate who served on the Nominating Committee in 2021-2023. Until recently moving to Seattle, Winston was a lifelong Tacoma resident, and former employee of Central Co-op Tacoma. He is familiar with and supportive of the Co-op's goals and values, and is always looking for new ways to interact with new partners on behalf of the Co-op. Winston is passionate about engaging with the community, has experience working with and supporting businesses and non-profits, and is excited to bring his strength of connection to the Nominating Committee!
Rhythms Café in Olympia
Small Business profile: Gallery Boom Shop
Gallery Boom Shop
Who are you and how do you want to be identified?
I am Christine Malek. She/they is fine.
Do you have a business name, stage name pen name, etc.?
I'm the head curator of Gallery Boom.
Do you have a catchphrase that helps describe what you do?
Gallery Boom Local Art & Gifts.
What inspires you to write, create and perform?
I want to encourage, support and promote South Sound artists and their art. I meet these lovely people and their fantastic art. They are very good at making it but after that, it kind of just sits there. It's not fair to ask people who are good at one set of skills to master a whole other set just to find success. We can help each other. I can help.
What cultural traditions do and draw from?
Since it's a for profit business, it's hard not to be sucked into good ol traditional American Capitalism.
I do my best to just follow the rules I need to so we can stay open and not be sucked into the mire.
I like the concept of the "Free Market". This is a myth in the general economy because all sorts of selfish forces bend the markets to their will. At Boom I want to liberate the Free Market to be truly free. We have art items of all types, styles, mediums, abilities for people to choose from. If you want to paint your butt green and hop on canvases, go for it. Let's put a price on them and see if the people want em. If they do, then they'll buy. If not. Nope. I try not to censor the art too much outside of some commonsense rules.
How long have you performing, creating and writing? Gallery Boom is 9 years old. We've hopped around buildings in that time but are still truckin.
How can people buy your merchandise?
Go to Gallery Boom at 3959 Martin Way E Olympia, WA Wed-Sat 11-7, Sun 11-5 (closed Mon & Tue) or www.galleryboomshop.com (we have over 5,000 pieces of art online)
How can people support your efforts materially and financially?
Go to one of those two places and buy everyone you love presents.
How can people contact you if they want to hire you or license your work?
galleryboomolympia@gmail.com
What is your website(s):
http://www.galleryboomshop.com
How can people friend you online?
Instagram & facebook /galleryboom
Do you have a mailing lists, subscriptions, publications, webcasts or streaming services people can subscribe to you on?
We have a mailchimp mailing list.
Email galleryboomevents@gmail.com to be added
What is your proudest achievement as an artist, creator, designer, human being, performer, producer or writer?
I feel quite proud at events that Boom is hosting when the hum of people enjoying themselves fills the air. There is a timelessness and deep grounding I experience. It is an atomized peace where my individuality is calm and blends into the collective. A fleeting moment yet worth all the questions, emails and hurry that go before it.
Do you have an inspirational message that you would want to share with the world?
Make art. Sell Art. Trade your Art. Don't judge it or compare. You are worthy and your art is too.
Local Artist, Writer and Performer Profiles
- Who are you and how do you want to be identified. IE. Do you have a business name, stage name pen name, preferred prefix or pronoun, etc.
- Do you have a catchphrase that helps describe what you do?
- What inspires you to write, create and perform?
- What cultural traditions do and draw from?
- How long have you performing, creating and writing?
- How can people buy your merchandise?
- How can people support your efforts materially and financially?
- How can people contact you if they want to hire you or license your work?
- How can people friend you online?
- Do you have a mailing lists, subscriptions, publications, webcasts or streaming services people can subscribe to you on.
- What is your proudest achievement as an artist, creator, designer, human being, performer, producer or writer.
- Do you have any events, shows, performances, open houses, exhibits etc coming up"
- Do you have an inspirational message that you would want to share with the world.
- Feel free to submit up to 3 photos or photo links. And one video link.
For Crafters and Designers.
- What do you make?
- What do do make it from?
- How do you make it?
- Where did you learn to make your craft?
- What do you like about making your art?
For musicians
- How would you describe your act?
- What instruments do you play?
- What is your repertoire genre?
- Where can someone see you perform?
- Where can people purchase your music?
For writers
- What kind of writing do you do? Technical, songwriting, Social Media Posts, Poetry, Novels, Magazines, Journalism, haiku, Comics, blogging,
- What Genres do are write in?
For storefronts?
How long have you been in business?
All answers submitted by October 31st will be edited using Natural Intelligence and posted by November 30th on the Cooperatively Owned Blog.
Would you like to be invited to join the cooperatively owned mailing list
Cooperatively owned is not cooperatively owned. It is owned by Greg Spence and and it is mainly used to blog about cooperatives and sell music that is collaboratively produced by my wife Paulette and I.
I also use it to blog about locally owned businesses. In the long run I'd like it to be a consumer owned version of Facebook, Myspace, Nextdoor, Yelp, Bandcamp,Twitter, and-or Yelp?