Re: BioDiesel Coop -Distributed Model Meeting UPDATE location

Just an update on location of meeting for meeting.  

Details:
What: Biodiesel Coop Future -planning meeting.
When: Wed, Nov 7, 7-9 pm (or later if need be; lot to discuss)
Where: Cube Space; 622 SE Grand Ave., in Portland, Oregon (503-206-3500, htp://www.cubespacepdx.com/ ) -when you enter the lobby, tell them you are there for the GoBioD Mtg.

Pete
 
----- Original Message ----
From: Pete Kramer <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, November 4, 2007 6:06:28 PM
Subject: [pdx-biodiesel] BioDiesel Coop -Distributed Model Meeting

Yesterday at the membership meeting to discuss dissolution of GoBioDiesel Coop, there were several members who presented a new model for distributed production.  The general overview: the coop would remain in existence to provide the raw WVO to distributed home producers.  See bottom of this e-mail for an outline of the model.  

Based on feedback from the meeting, this model will be pursued further in an effort to iron out the details and determine what kind of business model it should be set up as; a cooperative, 501(c)(3), etc?  Because we want to setup this new business quickly so we can have a smooth transition of GoBioDiesel Coop to this new model, we are planning to aggressively work on the details.  

While what we have below is a relatively all encompassing outline, realize, this was a 1st draft and by no means is this written in stone.  We gladly encourage your input.  Please attend the next planning mtg (see below) where we will be going over the proposed plan in detail, or at minimum, respond back to me ([email protected]) with your comments and/or interest to want to stay in the loop.  

Details:
What: Biodiesel Coop Future -planning meeting.
When: Wed, Nov 7, 7-9 pm (or later if need be; lot to discuss)
Where: TBD

Biodiesel Liam" src="http://ads.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/a/ya/yahoo_mail3/061907_160x600_csky_enviroliam_biodiesel3.gif" width=140> 

Thanks.  Hope to see you Wed night.

Pete Kramer

------------------------------------------

Overview 
The distributed model is based on providing sources of oil and discounted fuel supplies to independent biodiesel producers.


Members are either fuel producers or persons who have aligned themselves with a fuel producer forming a production "team".


Fuel is made by these producers independently from the cooperative. Fuel is consumed by them and their team. No fuel is ever sold.


Each production team collects oil from one or more cooperative-brokered oil sources. A member from the team collects oil directly from the vendor and transports it directly to the team site, where it is made into fuel for the team.


At monthly meetings, members decide how to fairly allocate source oil based on oil availability and the needs of each production team.




Membership
Members pay annual dues of around $100. Members either make their own fuel or contribute to the fuel-making efforts of a fuel producer. Collectively, these members are a production "team".


Teams
A fuel producer and the coop members electing to contribute to that producer's efforts are a team. They share the costs and responsibilities of making fuel for their team. Individuals may contribute to the team by:
a) helping make fuel
b) picking up source oil
c) purely financial support
All team members should be expected to share the costs of fuel-making in return for sharing the fuel made. They are, in effect, getting fuel "at cost".


The fuel made by a team is consumed by that team. No fuel is ever bought or sold.


Teams are solely responsible for their safety and  the quality of the fuel they produce.


A representative from each team must attend the cooperative's monthly meeting.


Meetings
Meetings are held at the same location once a month. A representative from each production team must attend. The meetings are used to discuss the allocation of source oil to member teams. They are also used to discuss formation of new production teams and/or give an opportunity for new members to join an existing team formally.




Coordinators
There are several volunteer positions which are elected annually by representatives of the coop's production teams.


Oil Coordinator - Works with source oil "clients" (restaurants, schools, large businesses with cafeterias, etc) to maintain contracts to collect their oil. Communicates with clients on a regular basis. Also works to secure new sources of oil. And coordinates with producers as needed to track the pickup of oil and deliver to production sites.


Materials Coordinator - Works with vendors to secure the best possible price for fuel-related materials (methanol, lye, cat food). Communicates with vendors on a regular basis.


Website Coordinator - Maintains cooperative web site with updated information about the cooperative, meeting dates and minutes, administers mailing lists and posts technical documentation of use to member producers.

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