2019 Election for New Board Members
In 2019, there are two seats open. One seat can be (but does not have to be) filled by a staff member (the current board already includes one staff member). The two candidates who receive the most votes will be elected for 3 year terms, starting December 2019 and ending December 2022.
The running candidates are Grace Koch and Denise Glover.
Below are their candidate statements which are also inclusive in the online voting venue (when you click to vote).
If you prefer a printable PDF of the candidate statements, please click these links: Grace Koch | Denise Glover.
Grace Koch
1. Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Brattleboro Food Co-op (BFC)?
I am interested in serving on the Board of the BFC because I am immensely interested in what collaboration really means, feels, and looks like, and diving into that at a Co-op that is so dedicated to providing members of the community with healthy goods, a warm and welcoming space, and justly compensated work is an amazing environment to do it. Coming into Brattleboro two months ago, I wasn’t entirely clear on what a Co-op was, or why I’d want to be a part of one. But, I am on foot and bicycle for the year, and the Co-op was my closest option for food, so, I became a shareholder. As I received my welcoming packet and introduction to the principles of the Co-op, it dawned on me the power of collective ownership of a space, food supply, and workforce as well the personal power of being conscious of what I’m eating and where my food is coming from. I want that awakening to be reinforced and expanded by knowing exactly how a cooperatively owned marketplace functions cohesively, effectively, and inclusively through learning from members of the board and providing my insights as a newcomer, a low-budget shopper, and an advocate for restorative practices in the community. This board position deeply connects with my work at the Brattleboro Community Justice Center in which we are constantly striving to figure out what a healthy, connected, and safe community means for every individual. Brattleboro has been such a welcoming community to be brought into, and I want to contribute to its vibrancy in every way I can.
2. What experience or involvement have you had with the BFC or other cooperative enterprises?
None.
3. What opportunities or challenges do you see in the future for the BFC?
As for challenges, I see that the BFC will continue to have issues with folks who steal from the shelves and disturb the warm environment that the Co-op is trying to cultivate both inside and surrounding the store. This, I know, has brought about unwelcomed financial setbacks and uncomfortable conversations about what a welcoming community marketplace really means when the community involves those in all walks of life. I also see the challenge of providing reasonable access to participation in the Co-op, as well as reasonably priced food, while also upholding the other values of the store and making a profit. In both of these arenas, I ultimately see opportunity in how the Co-op can grow to fulfill its mission in more expansive and inclusive ways. I see the opportunity to continue to explore restoratively answering any wrongdoing that has been done, and from there building stronger relationships with those community members out of the healing process of conversations centered in mutual respect and compassion.
4. What qualities, skills, and experiences would you bring to your service as a BFC board member?
I just graduated with my BA in Theatre at Loyola University Chicago. While there, I spent most of my time devising theatrical productions with my peers, which meant collaboratively creating shows from scratch in about two weeks time. I was apart of a Women in Leadership Program which gave me over 60 hours of professional development training during college, and am now an Americorps VISTA which has professional development and leadership training embedded into every month of the year. I also have a background in community organizing and activism with my time at Chicago’s One Northside. I pride myself in being an inherently collaborative person who values the “step-up/step-back” philosophy of discussion, and is constantly seeking creative new ways to communicate with others.
Denise Glover
1. Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Brattleboro Food Co-op (BFC)?
I am interested in both the big picture and the details of our Co-op, and would like to learn more and participate. I want our Co-op to thrive and to assist in that.
2. What experience or involvement have you had with the BFC or other cooperative enterprises?
I am currently a cashier sub. I have been and continue to be on several boards/committees: Town Tree Advisory Board, Edible Brattleboro steering committee, Brattleboro Time Trade board are current positions I hold.
3. What opportunities or challenges do you see in the future for the BFC?
I would like to help address the current situation with pan-handling etc. Also to help with the still-held perception that BFC is over-priced. I would love to assist with more integration with local groups.
4. What qualities, skills, and experiences would you bring to your service as a BFC board member?
I feel I am a good listener. I can also pick up on underlying subtext when listening. I love to be involved and be helpful. I feel I have a positive and calm outlook and demeanor.
To vote online, you will need:
- Your Voter ID (this is your Shareholder Number)
- and a Voter Key (this is your last name with the first letter capitalized)
- Voting period runs until Sunday, December 1st, at 5:00pm. If you have questions, please call Shareholder Services at 802-246-2821, or email Shareholders@BrattleboroFoodCoop.coop.
- Paper ballots can be obtained by visiting Shareholder Services in the store from 10am-6pm every day during the voting period.
