The Co-op’s 2024 Board of Directors election is coming up! The upcoming election, like so many other things that have occurred in the past two years, is a little unusual: we are having an uncontested election.
No Contest…
An uncontested election is when there are more open seats available than candidates. This year, we have two candidates running to fill three open seats. This wide of a discrepancy between candidates and open seats is unusual, even for a smaller store like our own. Our current lack of candidates undoubtedly has many influences: an epidemic-induced exhaustion giving pause to new endeavors, a confusion about what the Board of Directors actually does, and perhaps even a general satisfaction with the direction of the Co-op (if the Co-op’s not broken, then why run for the Board to fix it?).
...but the election goes on...
Though we have more open seats than candidates this year, the Co-op and the Board of Directors will still be holding an election, and we hope that all the Co-op owners will vote. Democratic Member Control is one of the 7 Cooperative Principles, and it is important that owners still participate in the store’s voting process. We want you to know who the three new candidates are, what they stand for, and what their plans are after joining the Board. We hope you’ll cast your votes in the election and let these new Directors know if you believe in their vision for the future of the Co-op.
...and we have big hopes for the future!
We also hope that this electoral process helps inform our owners and customers a bit more about who the Board of Directors are and what they do. These determined Co-op owners set the direction of the store and are vital to ensuring that the Co-op is a thriving, successful business that can continue to grow for years to come. If you’re a Co-op owner and you want to learn more about the Board, you can drop in on one of the monthly Board meetings (they take place over Zoom—it’s never been easier to sit in on them!). Or if you have more questions about the Board, please reach out to the Board by leaving a message in store or online at our website: https://www.chiconaturalfoods.coop/bod .
Voting begins Friday, May 31.
We hope you’ll take the time to learn about this year’s candidates, the role of the Board, and maybe even look into joining in the future!
Kathy Faith, Board President