Coop Board Members

Coop Member Since: 1992

Board Member Since: 2009

Favorite Co-op Item: Organic valencia oranges

What brought you to the Co-op Board?:  Desire to ensure that the Co-op continue to be able to meet its members needs.

What can you contribute to the Co-op and the Board?:  I expect that my contribution as a Board member will be to straighten out the Co-op's finances. I was the Co-op's Treasurer 1992–1996 when I inherited a different financial mess. Since then I have helped to set up the accounting system, and I worked on Co-op bookkeeping thru the end of 2003. I have a good understanding of the workings of the Co-op.

Coop Member since: 2006

Board Member since: 2009

Favorite Co-op Item: Carriage House Bakery scones!

What brought you to the Co-op Board?: I'm a member for the same reasons
that most people join the organization: I highly value what the Coop
brings to all of us. Nowhere else can we find the mix of local,
regional, international products offered there. That is why it is so
important that the Coop maintains and strengthens its position in the
challenging economic environments.  I also believe what many people say
about the Coop: it serves a function beyond that of mere merchant. It
provides a wonderful and much-needed intersection of north country
community life.

What can you contribute to the Co-op and the Board?: I have experience
as a Board member for two other north country organizations. I served
for two years on the St. Lawrence County Planning Board which provided
me insight into key elements of business development in the region.
Following that, I served for two years on the Board of Trustees for the
Potsdam Public Library, another important cross-roads for the local
community. From those experiences I have learned some things about the
key roles and responsibilities that Board members need to play in the
progress of an organization.

Coop Member since: 1991

Board Member since: 2009

What brought you to the Co-op Board?:  A sense of responsibility to the membership and the community that stems naturally from a deep appreciation of what the Co-op has been and what it can and should become.  Food co-ops arose historically in response to a collective need for good food at reasonable prices.  That need still exists within our community and as our economy makes the necessary transition to local and sustainable, that need will grow.   Since we own the store collectively, it can be directly responsive to our needs, to the needs of our community, and to the growing network of local suppliers.  This requires dedicated leadership.

What can you contribute to the Co-op and the Board?:  I have been active in the Co-op since I joined, and 10 years ago served on the board for a tumultuous six years. Since then, I have devoted my time and energy to the gardens, believing that the Co-op was being well managed and well directed.  Events of the past year startled me from an uninformed complacency.  I would prefer, quite frankly, to tend the flowers, but believe that my viewpoint, experience and dedication will be a useful addition to the decision making process.

Co-op Member Since: 1990

Board Member Since: 2009

What brought you to the Co-op Board?:  My family has been a member of the Coop for 19 years. It was always a place were you could get healthy food.  and with addition of the Bakery, delicious bread.  The choice was made to take a chance that people would buy a quality product.  An example of a need recognized, and people who made it happen.  The Bakery is a success.  I believe in the Coop as a reliable year round supporter of local agriculture. 

What can you contribute to the Co-op Board?:  I'm interested in the continued support of our regions growers as a replacement to anything shipped in. I will be focused on building these relationships.