What a great time for cooperatives. VFC is just one of many thousands of cooperatives around the world celebrating 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives. It’s awe inspiring to read cooperative success stories in the midst of an economic calamity. And VFC is one of them. We may be a small Co-op, but we are big in our commitment to providing healthy, local & organic foods, good jobs, and a sustainable business in the community and the greater Driftless region.
And you, our owner members are responsible for our current and future success. Understanding the role you play in VFC is important. Just being a shopper is fantastic, but what about becoming a board member? We look at ourselves and say “wow, look what we’ve done!” But what about the future? Do we just “be” as we are or do we latch onto a new idea and run with it?
Your Board of Directors is caught up in a visionary mode. We are actively working on a microlending initiative, patronage dividends, looking at solar power possibilities and wondering if the ownership thinks we should grow into something more.
What do you think? Do you have ideas for the Co-op’s future? Do you wonder what the Board is up to? Attending a board meeting is one way to find out. Owners are always welcome to meetings and we can set aside time for visitors to speak to the board on matters of concern or to ask questions. Just contact a boatd member ten days before the meeting. Our next meeting is August 16 in meeting room 3 downstairs at Vernon Memorial Hospital.
Right now we are seeking VFC owners who would like to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. We have seven board members, and two seats are up for election. Each seat is a three-year term. As of yet, no incumbents have decided to run. How about you?
Of course we all know the balancing act of work, family, and volunteer work, but we sure would love to see at least four of our valued owners run for election. I have been on many boards over the years, and on this board I have gained the most knowledge and have been able to contribute the best of myself. It’s a great opportunity to be a part of a strong, well-loved, and growing Co-op in a leadership capacity.
If you are considering running for the Board of Directors, you’ll be asked to answer the following questions:
- Why are you interested in serving on the VFC’s Board of Directors?
- What skills and experiences would you bring to this job? Be sure to note any relevant business background, financial skills, co-op experience and/or leadership experience you possess. Feel free to list other qualities you would bring to the board.
- What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing the Co-op in the next 2 years?
Let’s see your passion for VFC and consider running for a seat on your Board of Directors. The candidate packet and questionnaire are on the VFC website, in the store, and feel free to email or call me.