[Seattle Luthiers Group Notice] Co-0p Meeting notes

[Campbell-Drury Guitars]

Hello Luthiers,

Now the holidays have passed it's time to get back to the business at 
hand. Here's what the first meeting about the co-op space brought about.

In attendance were myself, Sam and Dave Krause, Robert Lane, Cat Fox, 
Rob Girdis, and one innocent bystander known only as Terri. If I missed 
anyone, feel free to yell at me in the future. Some others who had sent 
in some good ideas, were unable to attend. Hope to see more of you all 
the next time around.

In general it seems that all involved have a similar concept they would 
like to pursue. I won't bother to do a lot of direct quoting, just a 
rough outline of what we talked about.

With a broad brush, the concept seems to be a working space, that can 
be divided to accommodate repair, building, and retail for PNW 
Luthiers. Under the same roof would be a full shop facility, including 
the hard to find, build, borrow or rent spray booth, and a small but 
functional store front for retailing members instruments.


Salient points made by individuals at the meeting:


At the current time, many of us are in transition, in terms of space to 
work in, availability of large and or expensive equipment, and finances 
to do it alone. This could be a good time to share resources.

An opportunity to create some real buying power for raw materials ( 
wood, pearl, tuning machines, strings, etc.), supplies (sand paper, 
glue, blades, etc.) and equipment.

A space to share sources, techniques, and ideas, that could help all of 
us in reaching our potential as luthiers.

Centralized space for workshops, that could produce an educational 
opportunity for those of us who wish to teach or take on apprentices.

Public Interface, where we will actually be apparent to and part of a 
local community. A visible public presence for local luthiers.


Issues that need some attention:


How do we structure a co-op, i.e, what does it mean to have membership 
and how do you get it, and maintain it?

How does working space get divided? Some expressed an interest in the 
private "cubical" with communal space environment, while others favor a 
more open concept.

location, location, location! Due to the dual nature of the space, 
retail/shop. exposure to the public and ability to legally perform the 
necessary operations, severely limit available options. Mixed use 
buildings in mixed use zonings are rare, but still available in areas 
like Fremont, Ballard, Greenwood, University. These areas seem to offer 
the most potential for both public access and proper zoning.

What about outside or non-member retail display or shop time ( hey can 
I use your sander?). Do we as a group choose to rent, barter, charge 
for shop time, say no?

Insurance for shop, retail and repair? What are the real liability 
issues?

Board of Directors?


O.K. So that's about all I can manage to chew in one sitting! If that's 
not enough, Michael Gurian recently emailed me to let me know about 
someone he knows who may have just the space we're looking for, and 
he's willing to arrange for it to be shown to us! Funny how 
opportunities rear there heads. Put energy in, get energy out, nature 
hates a vacuum, all that.

I'm willing to arrange a date to see this space if we can develop a 
consensus. Are we serious or just kicking things around? If in fact 
we're serious, than it's going to take a lot of brain power and energy 
to get the issues and ideas in line.

Once again, the question, anybody have any experience putting together 
co-op situations?

Thanks for your interest,
please respond if you'd like to pursue it further,

James Campbell-Drury
CD Guitars