It’s that time of the year again! Become an active member in the democratic process of your Co-op and vote in our upcoming Board election.

Elections for Black Star Co-op’s Board of Directors will begin on Sunday October 17th, and continue through the Members’ Assembly meeting on November 7th, from 1pm–4pm. Our Board elections are conducted by single transferrable vote, and Co-op member-owners will be able to vote via email, at the brewpub, or at the Members’ Assembly meeting. Voting instructions will be sent to member-owners via email and posted on this section of the website.

Candidate Responses for 2010 Black Star Co-op Board of Directors Election

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Therese Adams

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

From 2006-2009, I dedicated a significant amount of time to the formation of Black Star Co-op. While serving on the Board during that time I helped draft the first set of policies. I also coordinated volunteers for the Beer Socials and chaired various event planning and membership development committees. My level of personal investment in the Co-op is significant, and I would love to see it grow into the successful and progressive business I know it can be.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

Within the next year Black Star should be a destination for those that are interested in the best beer and food that Austin has to offer.  Within the next five years I would like to see Black Star providing resources for start-up co-operatives in business sectors not traditionally served by co-ops. These resources could be financial or they could be in the form of assistance with drafting policies and ideas for growing membership.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

I served on the Board from 2006-2009, as Secretary for 2 years and President for the end of my term. Also, I worked at Wheatsville Co-op from 2008-2009. I am currently a law student and while I cannot give legal advice to the Co-op, the analytical and problem-solving skills I’ve developed are beneficial to board work. My past experience on the Board of Directors also allows me to offer valuable institutional memory.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

The Co-op’s most important priority is establishing solid communication between the Member’s Assembly, Board of Directors, and Worker’s Assembly. Now that the brewpub is up and running, it will be critical to maintain a close relationship with the member-owners so that we don’t become like (just) any other brewpub. We are different, and the experience at Black Star Co-op should reflect that.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

People should walk in to Black Star Co-op and immediately realize that it is a community-driven business. They should notice that staff members are interested in customer input and should be aware of the opportunity to be an owner of the brewpub. They should be able to pick up on the attention given to the smaller details of their pub experience – appropriate glassware, correct beer temperature, etc. This will make the Black Star experience unique.

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Andrea Andreassen

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

I’d like to see women and families with young children better represented on the board.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

I think the first year is going to be all about becoming financially self-sustaining.  In five years I’d love to see a second location opened to serve members in South Austin.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

I am former executive admin, with a lot of organizational skills and drive.  I am currently a stay-at-home mom with a little extra time and a lot of interest in becoming part of an organization that will make a profound and positive impact on the community.  I am also a home-brewer (mostly cider, occasionally beer or wine).  I love food and drink, family and friends, and strongly feel we can create the ideal place for all of these to be enjoyed together.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

Staying true to our values while becoming financially self-sustaining.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

We have a great opportunity here to provide a place that everyone can enjoy.  As a parent with a young child, I have never understood the lack of quality restaurants that make families welcome.  In my experience we have a lot of places with nice playgrounds, and roughly adequate food, or places with good food but no place for the kiddos to run around under parental supervision.  Families want and need a place to go out together, where everyone can have a good time.

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Jake Carter

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

As a current member of the Board of Directors, I’m interested in continuing the work of the past three years including: working with the membership to encourage participation in the Co-op and patronage of the pub; making our pub a successful and sustainable business that the membership can be proud of; and ensuring the Co-op is a pillar of the community by working with local groups to give back more than we receive.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

In the next year I want to see: a vibrant Membership Linkage Committee, the committee that’s charged with providing a conduit for members to connect with the Board, the Workers, and each other.

In the next five years I would like to see: a highly trained and dedicated Workers’ Assembly (brewpub staff) and Board of Directors; expanding our eco-friendly and sustainable brewpub operations; and having enough capital and member participation to open a second location!

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

I’m a small business owner, founder of a nationwide kids’ environmental non-profit, and regular volunteer with many local organizations. I’m also a current member of the Black Star Co-op Board, chair of the Membership Linkage Committee, and former member of most of the Co-op’s committees over the past three years. I’m adept at many aspects of the Board’s business, including Robert’s Rules of Order, and Carver policy governance which is how the Board governs the Co-op.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

Once we’re open, our most important priority is to ensure the pub is a successful and co-operative business. Our pub is where we get to have a say, not just a number. Our pub is the way we connect to each other and our community. Our pub is the way we lead an environmentally sustainable life. It’s our pub and we need to make sure it’s here to stay!

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

In my mind, it all comes down to participation. The Co-op needs to ensure that our members not only have a good time but also have the opportunity to decide the direction of Black Star. We need to provide ways for every member to contribute to their Co-op if they wish. It’s time to be given a chance to be more than just another customer – let’s have fun and make it our Co-op!

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Jessica Cassidy

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

My interest in continuing to serve on the Board is chiefly selfish. I enjoy it.

I’ve filled a board vacancy since January.  The last nine months have exposed me to the inner workings of radically different, better approaches to the workplace, and allowed me to identify major goals for our Co-op as we transition from a brilliant idea to a financially successful pub, prioritizing worker treatment and environmental sustainability. I want that exposure to continue.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

Within the next year: 1) substantial gains on satisfying our financial liabilities, 2) regular events welcoming our lady patrons, 3) monthly socials to reward our patrons biking, busing, Metro-railing, and walking to our pub and 4) in-depth chronicles of our efforts; Black Star Co-op is a trailblazer among co-ops; we ought to make it easier for the folks who follow us.

And within five years, let’s have a second location.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

Skills: event planning, multi-tasking, project management, training others.

Qualities: cheery disposition.

Past experience: 1) ACLU of Texas, Central Texas chapter board member since 2008 (retiring to focus on Black Star), 2) public policy masters from The LBJ School, 3) legislature lobbying in 2009, successfully amending statute (handy if we decide to change the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Code), 4) bedrock commitment to public service and our cooperative principles, 5) employment as a public interest lawyer.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

Financial responsibility. We ought to prioritize keeping the doors open above all else.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

I’d like for Black Star Co-op to be the most lady-friendly pub in Austin. I’ve co-hosted Ladies Pub Hours with the Board every other month since late April, and I’d like to see that taken to another level. And as we transition from a working, volunteering board to a policy-minded board, I’d like to keep our female patrons involved and engaged in developing and fine-tuning our ends policies.

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Dana Curtis

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

Over the past ten months, I have been a member of the Workers’ Assembly overseeing the Co-op’s membership and investment campaigns.  Through this work, I have come to know a majority of Black Star’s members-owners and their ideas for the Co-op. I strongly believe in the co-operative model, so much that I relocated to Austin in order to work for Black Star. I’ve poured myself into this project (I’m sure you’ve received my phone calls or emails!), and I’d like to continue and extend that service as a Director of our Co-op.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

Over the next year, I would like the Co-op to become successful in paying dividends on the offering of Member-Investor Shares and follow through on our commitment in the bylaws to pay all of our workforce a livable wage.  Over the next five years, I would like Black Star Co-op to be known for quality craft beer and excellent customer service.  In addition, I would like to see the Co-op pay patronage refunds to fully invested Member-Owners.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

I’ve been a member of the Workers’ Assembly since January of 2010 and became a member-owner in 2009.  During my time with the Co-op, I’ve overseen the offering of Member-Investor Shares in which we raised over half a million dollars to pay for the construction and start up operations for the brewpub.  In addition, my work history as an undergraduate instructor at Texas Woman’s University and a union organizer with CWA, has given me excellent leadership skills and the ability to communicate ideas to diverse populations.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

Now that we’re open, I want to make sure the hard work and dedication put forth by the Workers’ Assembly continues. I see Black Star Co-op’s most important priority is to a be successful business while fulfilling the vision set by the membership.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

I think Black Star Co-op already stands out from other local brewpubs due to its uniqueness.   Not only are we the world’s first co-operatively owned and worker self-managed brewpub, we are also on track for our LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Counsel.  Our commitment to locally sourced food and community building only adds to our appeal. That being said, the co-operative advantage has always worked in our favor and is what makes Black Star great!

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Clay Delk

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

I want to help guide the co-op in the early transition from planning to operations. With the pub being open, there is greater opportunity to affect change on the community (immediately around the pub, the co-op community, and Austin as a whole). And I would like to help ensure we stay true to the vision established by the original founders and board members, while growing into new opportunities.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

In the first year, I hope Black Star is known for its food, beer and the close community of members, patrons and brewers that call it home.

In five years, I want to have established a model for cooperative businesses across the country–not just breweries or restaurants, but any place that people are passionate about. And I hope we are an important part of Austin’s growing support for local farmers, ranchers and others.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

As an advertising writer and strategist, I can help guide our marketing and online activities to establish an effective presence in the market, the community and online.

As a member of the design committee, I used this experience to help to create the new brand identity and messaging for the co-op.

I have also worked in kitchen and as a server at several restaurants, so I understand the demands and respect people who do those jobs well.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

Making Black Star members and investors proud to be an owner of the pub–by presenting an organized, professional, but still original experience.

Early focus should be placed on good food and beer, and a professional staff. But a big part also has to be working to create a true community space, a place that not only helps our membership grow, but supports and nurtures our community the way the original pubs (“public houses”) did.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

We operate in an experience economy, so we need to create an experience that’s really different from the standard bar or club or restaurant.

Popular pubs or restaurants tend to be small and prone to a “regular vs. outsider” atmosphere, or so large they get watered down. I think our roots as a membership-based, but completely open establishment will help us combine the best qualities of each.

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Tony Grasso

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

Serving on the Board represents the perfect opportunity for me to actively pursue both my commitment to co-operative ownership, public activism, civic empowerment, and other vital attributes of the democratic community, and my passion for locally sourced food and craft beer. The Black Star experience embodies the values of a more communitarian (cooperative/participatory), and thus democratic society, enriched by conscientiously prepared food and drink. These social priorities are exactly what I strive to participate in and advance.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

Going forward, Black Star should continue to establish and maintain strong relationships among the diverse population of local brewers, farmers, ranchers, and organizations that will best realize its commitment to public ownership and sustainability. As Black Star’s model acquires the practicality experience yields, it should be critiqued and refined through an ongoing process of open discourse and common deliberation to promote responsible development and enable efficient replication and implementation as a set of best practices for others.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

I earned a Masters in public policy from UT and was an active participant on the Graduate Public Affairs Council. Moreover, I currently serve on the Wellness committee at the Texas Education Agency and manage our “Farm to Work” program. Accordingly, I’ve acquired extensive experience developing and implementing policy, collaborating towards achieving common goals, and public speaking. Moreover, I’m an avid home brewer, experienced chef, and consistent volunteer with local farms and the sustainable community.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

Having recently opened we should gauge member-owner/customer interests and concerns (surveys, townhall meetings, etc.). For instance, feedback I have garnered from discussions with other member-owners suggests that we should reform our approach to customer flow in order to alleviate congestion at the bar. The prevalent recommendation involved separate beer and beer/food lines. Now that folks have actually experienced what Black Star has to offer our priority should be finding out what works and what needs improvement.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

I would like to see Black Star recognized as a locus of positive social interaction and public mindedness. It should evolve beyond the recreational impetus of the modern brewpub, providing a public space where locally sourced food and drink, civic activism, relevant instruction (brewing and culinary demonstrations, sustainability training, etc.) and socialization converge, cultivating the educative and self-sustaining process of community building. As Black Star satiates our physical appetites it should simultaneously enhance our sense of public vitality.

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Lisa Jones

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

I’m eager to serve on the Board again because I strongly wish to continue to lead and guide the Co-op in upholding the cooperative principles and be a representative for our female Members.  I deeply respect and am proud of our mission, vision, and goals, which align well with my personal mindset.  I enjoy being responsible to the Members by providing unwavering commitment in pursuit of our success.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

In the next year I’d like to see the Co-op continue growing its membership base via community involvement while retaining active long-term Members.  I envision a dynamic and smoothly-operating brewpub where great beer, food, and atmosphere are enjoyed by all.  Within five years I imagine we will be giving back to our supporters.  And for our Members in south Austin, opening a second location in their neighborhood in 2015 would be a wonderful addition!

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

My strongest asset to serving on the Board is that I’ve done it successfully for the past year!  In this time I’ve learned a lot about craft-brewed beers, co-operatives, and participating in policy governance.  I am responsible, dedicated, passionate, fair, proactive, and open-minded with a flexible schedule that allows me to act in the best interest of the Co-op as a whole.  I also have past leadership and governance skills with democratically-run student organizations.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

Now that we’re open and have a good thing going, our most important priority is to not screw it up!  This means to continue to be in good standing with Members and investors, the Austin community, and the pertinent legal and financial parties involved in our operation.  We should support sustainability, an empowering employee environment, financial development, and exceptional patron experience in order to be a model co-op and business for all.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

Our cooperative model, worker self-management, living wage, and LEED Silver designation are already the most important ways we stand out!  Beyond that, other local brewpubs lack an excellent, diverse array of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free food options.  We should be a pub where those with dietary restrictions feel welcomed rather than being treated as an afterthought.  Serving well-prepared, local vegetables beyond potatoes, that are approachable to meat-eaters and vegans alike, would be outstanding.

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Scott Kelley

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

Short answer: because I love the BSC and want to see the co-op succeed. I have contributed my time, effort, and money in the past and will continue to do so whether I am elected or not, but I truly believe I can best be of help by serving on the Board of Directors. Okay, I admit it. I really want my own Director beer mug.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

Our biggest 5-year goal should be the repurchase of investor shares. That requires profitability, which in turn means doing the little things right. Over the next year we need to polish the rough edges of our pub. We need to make sure we have a place our member-owners want to spend their time and money. I’d also like to see us open a south location, but am not optimistic about doing so inside five years.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

I am articulate, persuasive, intelligent, (modest!), and enjoy long range strategic thinking. I consider team building, effective teamwork, and consensus building as particular strengths. I have served on a church Administrative Board, the Austin Dart Association BOD, and the TSBVI Instructional Planning Council. I was the principal architect of the revision of the dart association by-laws and also helped rewrite the league rules. I have a marketing background and own a small educational business.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

As we finish out the bar, our most important task will be changing our collective mind-set and methods. We are in the midst of what will probably be the co-op’s greatest transition. The skills, methods, and policies necessary to get us to this point are not necessarily those required to carry us forward. Future boards will be concerned with maintenance and small-scale efficiencies. This board must move us from building a brewpub to running one.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

Everyone wants BSC to provide excellent food and beer, but frankly, I want a city with LOTS of brewpubs that do that. BSC stands out by being a co-op. As I’ve attended various BSC events and visited the pub itself, I’ve been struck by the realization that this group is both more diverse than any other bar I visit and, simultaneously, more united. Our sense of community, involvement, and commitment should ring from every wall.

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Steve Randall

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

I have been an active part of this journey for  3 ½ years, from formation to opening.  I want to be a part of this important next phase as we ensure continued viability.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

The next year is critical in becoming fiscally sound and being able to stay in business.  In 5 years I’d like to see a search committee scouting for a second location in South Austin.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

I have served on the Board of Black Star for the past 3 years, and am also on the Board of the Charity Craft Volunteer Network.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

Running the business.  There are a lot of start up costs to cover and debts to be paid.  Running a sound business will ensure the Co-op survives and will lay the base for expansion.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

The beer menu is most important and the initial brews are a fantastic start.  Innovation in beer and continued use of local foods will make sure Black Star stays Austin.

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George West

1.     Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?

I’ve watched the development of Blackstar since its inception and literally bought into it after meeting people involved.  We are members of Wheatsville and co-operatives remain wonderful part of what makes Austin so special.  I am enthusiastic about a co-operatively owned brewpub in and of itself because it’s the first of its kind and my desire to serve on the board is generated by my desire to see it succeed by offering experience based input.

2.     What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

Within the next year Blackstar’s primary goal should be one of viability and the meeting of both quality and sales targets. Although Blackstar will likely derive a good portion of its income from food sales, the beer produced and its reputation will be a key draw for patrons and out of town visitors.

3.    What skills, qualities, and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?

Former small business owner of a 10,000sf retail location with over 20 employees while working my way through law school. Currently own consulting company. Homebrewer over 15 years. Grand Wazoo of the Houston Foamranger homebrew club, largest in the state. Organized Dixie Cup Homebrew Competition, oldest in state. Recognized BJCP Beer Judge. Took Cicerone (beer sommelier exam), expect to pass. Represented brewpub at GABF. TABC certified. Write www.zymurology.com blog.

4.    Once we’re open, what do you see as Black Star Co-op’s most important priority?

TO STAY IN BUSINESS! Sorry to be so pragmatic, but that is the first priority of any first year start-up whether a co-op or another form of business. The equation is simple, make more money than you spend, and a brewpub generates a large amount of overhead, so job number one will be to meet sales targets and promote.

5.     Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.

I think it already does as the first of its kind, not only in Austin, but in the world! That is something that no other business will be able to say…ever.  In addition to quality beer I think the menu also shows a great deal of sophistication and the atmosphere lends itself to being considered not just a beer destination, but also one for quality beer and food pairings, something that should be fostered.