Maybe walking through the store you have noticed the pictures of the River Market board and wondered what do these people do (aside from posting a QR code with a favorite recipe)?  Maybe you have even wondered if this is something you would be interested in doing? Now is the time to start thinking about applying for the board, with applications appreciated by May 21st and due by July 1st. 

The first thing to know about being on the board is that the main job is to represent our community of owners.  Co-ops are different in that by virtue of buying one share of equity (currently at 80 dollars for River Market) you become part of that owner community.  As co-op owners, we actually all own the store!  With our ownership we have benefits (discounts and patronage refunds) and responsibilities. One responsibility each owner has is to vote for who they want to represent them on the board. Our votes make River Market Co-op  a democratically controlled business that focuses on the values of the community.  This is different from a traditional corporation that is focused on increasing the wealth of its shareholders.   Co-op board members are also distinct from traditional businesses in that each of them is simply an owner (like you) who is willing to represent the values of all of us. Our values include things like supporting a local food economy, providing the best and healthiest food available, environmental care, social responsibility and supporting the wider community around us.

The board is responsible for the oversight of the management of the co-op.  Oversight of the co-op involves three main areas:

1. Hire, supervise and evaluate the General Manager of the co-op.  The General Manager then is responsible for all the other employees and the operational decisions regarding the co-op.
2. Review the financial reports that the General Manager submits.
3. Engage in long range and strategic planning for the co-op.

The board traditionally has nine members with a possible additional two alternates. The term is for three years and is staggered so there is a mix of experience on the board. Any owner is eligible to run for the board with the only requirement that you care deeply for the values of the co-op, be able to use a computer, have attended one board meeting in the previous year and be willing to commit the time.

The time commitment to being on the board involves one evening meeting a month, two day-long retreats in a year, being on at least one committee in addition to the general board and some time preparing for the meetings. You don’t need to have specific experience to serve on the board.  You can learn what you need to know with resources and classes that are available to board members.  Serving your fellow owners is a chance to apply your skills, make a difference, and expand your network. Most importantly, there’s also a sense of fulfillment in contributing to a cause you care about.

If this interests you the deadline for applying is July 1st and the board appreciates getting applications early, preferable by May 21st.