Our second co-op network conference was held on March 27th (Originally scheduled for February 27th, this year's snow squalls delayed our plans.) The event was held the offices of TURN (Tenant Union Representative Network) at 1315 Walnut St., Philadelphia.
The attendees were representatives from Friends Housing Cooperative, Germantown Historic Properties, Keystone Development Center, TURN, Valley Greene and Vernon House.
The speaker of the event was Mike Simo. Mike is a specialist in installation of wireless internet capability. This service is being offered by an ever- increasing number of multi-family dwellings and represents the type of amenity 21st century cooperators will be demanding. The installation is relatively easy for a multi-unit complex consisting of only one single building. The service is password protected, so the co-op would control access to the wireless signal. In addition, the co-op could use there wireless capacity as a profit center by offering wireless service to nearby neighbors.
Edward Murray presented an argument for our Philadelphia area co-ops to band together to form a regional group within the structure of the National Association of Housing Cooperatives. Ed listed the following advantages of adding our voice to this national organization:
1) Networking: Access to a nationwide network of cooperative and professional members.
2) Government Relations: a program that represents housing cooperatives on issues of mutual concern before congress and federal agencies. (lobbyist)
3) Technical Assistance: via email and phone; in depth consutlting available for a fee
4) Information: Cooperative Housing Bulletin quarterly newsletter
5) Education: Annual National Conference which features training workshops for board members and a Registered Cooperative Manager Certified Training Program.
6) Purchase discounts – GE appliance discount
Ed then suggested a dues structure for our regional organization:
Housing Membership (for housing cooperatives) – Annual dues $30 base plus $4.25 per unit Includes a subscription to a regional newsletter and membership in the National Association of Housing Cooperatives.
Business Membership (for Management companies and firms who do business with cooperatives) $350 annual dues (includes membership only in the DVAHC)
Affiliate Membership (for other groups (non-profits or condo associations) or individuals interested in furthering the cooperative movement.) $100 annual dues (includes membership only in the DVAHC)
There was a positive reaction to Ed’s presentation and he stated he would follow up with the national organization via letter as recommended.
General Discussion Topics:
The next portion of our meeting involved three popular topics of interest among co-op people (bylaws, strategic planning, management companies versus self-management). Pertinent articles were distributed on each subject.
Bylaws- How and when should you make changes to your bylaws?
Strategic Planning-How do you walk that fine line between short term obligations and long term visions for your co-op?
Property Management-The age old co-op question, Do you hire a management company or do you take the leap and go for self-management?
There was an expressed interest in the actual definition of co-op terms. Specifically, what is a “market-rate” co-op versus a “limited equity” co-op? The definitions of the different categories of co-op structure have been included on our website (see COOP 101)
Suggestions were made at the end of this meeting for workshops to be included in future sessions. Workshops involving weatherization, budget, bylaws and finance were mentioned.