Call for 2022 Board Candidates

Board elections are coming up and with two seats up for grabs, it’s time for you to consider bringing your cooperative spirit to the table! The MMFC board room is a space brimming with excitement as we work towards an expanded space in downtown Eau Claire. It’s also a space consumed with collaboration, policy governance, education, and connection. We’re fortunate to be a strong board with diverse perspectives, knowledge, and backgrounds; we take pride in representing our ownership and making strong decisions on your behalf.

The unique viewpoint of each board member builds a strong foundation for the co-op to thrive. We’re always looking to grow and learn as a board and one way this happens is through the onboarding of new board members. Holding ourselves accountable to being innovative and agile and thinking beyond the status quo is vital to the success of our co-op, producers, owners, and communities.

Director Commitments

When you apply to be a board member, you are agreeing to:

1. ATTEND REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS FULLY PREPARED. Board membership requires a significant time commitment during the three-year term. Each director is responsible for attending all meetings and for thoroughly preparing by reading and thoughtfully considering meeting packets. Between meetings, it is also sometimes necessary to communicate via email. Directors should be prepared to respond as needed.

2. SHARE IDEAS AND CONCERNS. Directors are encouraged to take an active part in the work of the board by asking questions and putting ideas forward.

3. TAKE ON LEADERSHIP ROLES AND CONSISTENTLY AND ACTIVELY SERVE ON COMMITTEES. Directors should be prepared to serve on a committee if called upon and to participate in projects outside of board meetings as needed.

4. ATTEND TRAINING SESSIONS. Ongoing education is part of board membership. Directors should be willing to read articles, participate in online seminars, and attend the Cooperative Board Leadership 101 Workshop as well as other live workshops as opportunities arise.

5. ACT IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER. Directors are expected to display integrity, resist pressures from special interest groups, be able to work constructively with others, analyze and use good judgment, be forward-looking, constructive and energetic, and loyal to the interests of the co-op.

6. MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY. The Board Policy Manual states that all directors will maintain confidentiality as needed to protect the co-op’s interests and financial viability. All issues related to personnel, real estate, market strategy and goals, pending litigation, and details of financial status will be considered sensitive and subject to confidentiality unless or until full disclosure is approved by the board as a whole.

7. AVOID CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. All directors will avoid any conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility.

Benefits

Not only will you receive a monthly stipend of $50 credit at Menomonie Market Food Co-op, you will have the satisfaction of serving a growing organization that serves the community with healthy products and education. You will have a voice in the shaping of the future of the co-op while working with a group of people who share a commitment to a democratic process and a sustainable local economy.

How to Apply

If you feel called to share your talents and perspectives with our board, start brushing up on the seven cooperative principles and get your application started! If you’re on the fence or want to learn more, please reach out via email at karlee@board.mmfc.coop. I’d be happy to meet with you or connect virtually to chat. We’d also love for you to join us at an upcoming meeting to see the board in action.

When you’re ready to apply, download and refer to the candidate packet linked below for information concerning what it means to be a director. Answer the seven questions listed in the board packet linked below that are designed to help our board understand your approach to board governance, finances, cooperative principles, and community service, create a 300-word candidate statement summary to be printed in the newsletter and posted in the store prior to the election, and submit both via email to crystal@board.mmfc.coop or in-person Attn: Crystal Halvorson to the store.

This article was originally published in the July/August 2022 issue of our bi-monthly newsletter, The Morsel. If you’d like to read more stories like this one and stay up to date on the latest co-op news and events, pick up a print copy in-store on your next grocery run or find more news on our website here.

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