Regional Coffee Association Monthly Meeting
Date: November 15, 2025
Attendees: 34 local shop owners

Key Discussion Points:

- Minimum wage increase taking effect January 1 (to $18.50)
  - Most members planning 5-8% menu price increases
  - Discussion of timing: implement now vs January
  - Consensus: gradual increase starting December

- Shared supplier negotiations update
  - Collective purchasing group now at 12 members
  - Achieved 8% discount on dairy, 12% on cups
  - Next target: paper goods consolidation

- Holiday staffing concerns
  - Multiple members reporting difficulty filling shifts
  - Suggestion: shared pool for holiday coverage
  - Action item: Create coverage coordination group

- Technology adoption workshop scheduled
  - January meeting will demo POS systems
  - Focus on inventory management features
  - Vendors invited: Toast, Square, Clover

- Local sourcing initiative
  - Partnership with regional roaster expanding
  - Considering co-branded "Local Collective" beans
  - Survey members on interest level

- Sustainability certification discussion
  - County offering green business certification
  - Marketing value vs compliance costs debated
  - Tabled for further research

Next meeting: December 13, 2025
