MUM courses:
- Energy Use by Man and Nature
- Hands On Course In Sustainable Technologies
- Permaculture Design Certification
- Sustainability Forest Academy
- Artisan Foods and the Slow Food Movement
- Local Economy
Grinnell College courses:
Resource Center
People For Staffing
Labor Costs
The average rate for a store clerk, in Fairfield for last year was $6.98, however, with the increase in minimum wage. This has likely increased to at least $7.25 an hour. The average rate for a store manager in Fairfield was $12.02, this may be higher as well.
The idea of the co-op is to have multiples owners, starting with a core group with the possibility to expand to as many owners as 20. Each part-owner will be required to put in at least 2 hours a month of volunteer work. This is to keep all owners involved in the running of the business. It will also help with dispersing extra work load.
The store will need a couple of chefs, managers, and cleaners. A dozen or so store clerks will be needed. Additional employees may necessary. The goal is to start small and simple and expand when necessary. This applies to the cafe, retail store and restaurant as well as employees and complexity. The cafe will start with the simple coffee and muffins. Retail must start with artists with existing work and the desire to sell. As the store gains reputation, more artists will be attracted to sell their wares their as well as leading some people into the crafts business. The restaurant too must begin simple and expand when supply and demand provide the opportunity.
The cafe will be open from 10am to 10pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. The retail space shall function on the same hours as the cafe. The restaurant will serve lunch weekdays and Saturday and dinner only on Fridays and Saturdays.