Board Meeting Notes

January 26th, 2026

Annual Meeting plans are coming together

We walked through our draft annual meeting agenda and confirmed presenters for our core programs — Production & Preservation, Food Access, the VIGA Market Table, Farming & Community, and partner updates like Mukai. We also agreed to include a simple, visual look at how VIGA has grown year over year — not just financially, but in participation, vendors, and community impact — to make our progress easy to see and celebrate.

A simpler, more mission-aligned sponsorship approach

We’re shifting away from market-only business logo banners and moving toward lighter, more flexible ways to recognize sponsors, such as newsletter features, farm-stand map recognition, and targeted underwriting like event food or wine. We’ll also create a permanent, year-round VIGA banner with our website and a QR code for easy donations — instead of reprinting sponsor banners each year.

Our big goals for 2026

We’re focusing on long-term sustainability so VIGA can continue growing and eventually support paid staff. Priorities include growing sustaining donors, hosting a focused fundraiser, and strengthening financial stability. These will be included in the Annual Report. 

Supporting Get Growing

We plan to set aside about $1,500 this year to support Get Growing while exploring refreshed, hands-on educational approaches.

New opportunities & partnerships

In partnership with Kevin Hoffberg, we will be offering a gallon of bio-char to growers after they renew their annual membership. 

Farm-scale biodigester grant (Bobby Butler): A grant opportunity due February 9, with Bobby willing to write the application and a list of interested farms being confirmed.

We also discussed the importance of planning ahead for potential changes in local partners (such as Stella Maris) and how those shifts could impact operations.

Strengthening operations & continuity

We discussed ways to improve clarity around board email addresses and role-based communications, including options like forwards and aliases while preserving continuity and history. We also acknowledged the need for a thoughtful bookkeeping transition plan due to health challenges, with overlap and support to ensure smooth operations.

2026 fundraiser planning: date & vision aligned

We aligned on hosting a major community fundraiser on Saturday, May 16th 2026. The shared vision is an experience-driven evening with food, music, community storytelling, a silent auction, and a clear end-of-night fundraising ask. We’re aiming to send a “Save the Date” in March, with initial guest name lists brought to the February board meeting.