Another year has flown by, and the annual election of open seats on our board of directors is fast approaching. Our seven-person board consists of individuals devoted to our cooperative, shaping and achieving our Ends, and serving our community. Board members are elected by our owners to serve a three-year term, with each year’s election rotating between two and three open seats. Election results are tallied and shared at our Annual Owner Meeting each fall.

This year we have two seats up for grabs, and it’s time for you to consider bringing your cooperative spirit to the table at this exciting time in our history as we prepare to open the doors to our expanded store in downtown Eau Claire. The “board room” is 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.

Elected board members agree 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.

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.

If you feel called to share your talents and perspectives with our board, start brushing up on the cooperative principles and get your application started! If you’re on the fence or want to learn more, please reach out via email to Vice President and Nominating Committee Chair, Karlee Wallin at karlee.wallin@mmfc.coop. We’d also love for you to join us at an upcoming meeting to see the board in action and determine if a leadership role in your cooperative is a good fit for you. Meetings rotate between video conference and in-person meetings in Menomonie and Eau Claire.

When you’re ready to apply, download and refer to the candidate packet available by clicking here or visiting mmfc.coop/board. Answer the seven questions listed in the board packet that are designed to help our board and owners understand your approach to board governance, finances, cooperative principles, and community service, and create a 300-word candidate statement summary to be printed in the newsletter and posted in the store prior to the election. Then please submit all materials to crystal.halvorson@mmfc.coop or in-person to the Attention of Crystal Halvorson by October 16, 2023. The election will begin on October 23, 2023.

This article was originally published in the July/August 2023 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.