Thank you for your signature in support of PFC and its cooperative values. This petition is a collective effort by concerned owners, former employees, and former board members working to address the current crisis at PFC. 

The Situation: A Co-op in Crisis

This began on Sunday, January 25, 2026, when the current Interim General Manager (IGM), while serving as Board President, called an emergency executive board meeting. He claimed PFC faced imminent financial collapse and advocated for the immediate firing of the then-GM. He put himself forward to fill the role of IGM. He fired the GM the following morning, stepping into the IGM role with the support of the board. Three board members resigned following this meeting.

This action violated PFC's comprehensive emergency succession policy, which is designed to ensure a smooth transition, continuous operations, and fiscally responsible management of owner investment. Crucially, PFC was actually in a strong financial position on January 25, 2026. 

Troubling Actions by the IGM:

The IGM's actions since taking the position have included:

• Compromising Operations: In his second week, he terminated three buyer-level employees, leaving PFC unable to perform crucial functions.
• Creating a Hostile Environment: Employees report frequently experiencing emotional distress due to a hostile work environment he has fostered. One resigned as a result.
• Retail Dysfunction: He has demonstrated an inability to ensure the store remains functional. Examples include incorrect pricing in the POS system for Co-op Deals and other items, an inability to perform simple POS tasks like printing receipts and processing returns, and closing the store during business hours after hiring an uncontracted, unauthorized vendor to work on the Co-op's leased computer server.
• Misuse of Authority: He attempted to move a no trespass order against a staff member working their shift. He also asked a police officer in the store to trespass a co-op owner in good standing, without success, and threatened to revoke their membership following a calm inquiry about a price discrepancy—an action outside his authority as IGM. It points to a larger pattern of using police to intimidate employees and owners, such as calling the police when he fired the Retail Manager. 

Your Call to Action:

We are stronger together. The transformation of PFC will be accomplished through cooperative values and transparency, not by a hierarchical takeover. Here's how you can help:

1. DO NOT BOYCOTT THE STORE. Continue to shop to support PFC.
2. Focus on the Board: Be respectful and curious. Direct all actions and comments to the Board of Directors, not the IGM. The IGM is accountable to the Board of Directors and the Board is accountable to the owners. We elected these leaders to uphold our cooperative values and make responsible decisions.
3. Invite an Open Forum: Email board@pfckalamazoo.coop and ask the board for clear instructions on how owners can attend the next board meeting to make their concerns known.
4. Urge Transparency: Email board@pfckalamazoo.coop and ask the board to provide meeting minutes (none have been posted since 2024). Urge transparency regarding PFC's financial position and the status of our owner equity.