BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCEMENT

On May 13, 2026, the Board of Directors appointed Liv Eck to the Board of Directors.

Liv will serve the remainder of a vacant term which expires with the 2026 elections.

Here is her statement of interest:

When did you become a shareholder of the Brattleboro Food Co-op?

3 years ago.

1. Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Brattleboro Food Co-op (BFC)?

I would love the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of the Brattleboro Food Co-op because I truly value the important role the Co-op plays in our community. Supporting local businesses, farmers, providing access to high-quality food, and promoting sustainability are all things I care deeply about both personally and professionally. As a local business owner and community member, I understand how important it is to balance financial success with staying true to core values. I’m passionate about strengthening relationships with local producers, increasing community engagement, and helping ensure the Co-op continues to grow and thrive for future generations.

2. What experience or involvement have you had with the BFC or other cooperative enterprises?

My experience with the Brattleboro Food Co-op comes from being both a local vendor and a member, which has given me a unique perspective on how important the Co-op is from multiple sides. As a vendor, I understand how valuable strong partnerships between the Co-op and local producers are, along with the challenges and opportunities that come with supporting regional businesses. As a member, I really value the Co-op’s role in building community, increasing access to quality food, and creating a sense of shared ownership. Beyond BFC, my work with other cooperative businesses through NCG has also given me broader exposure to how co-ops operate across the country and the important role they play in supporting local communities.

3. What opportunities or challenges do you see in the future for the BFC?

The Brattleboro Food Co-op has a lot of opportunity to continue growing its role in the community by supporting more local producers, increasing member engagement, and adapting to what consumers are looking for when it comes to health, sustainability, and convenience. As more people care about where their food comes from, BFC is in a great position to stand out from larger grocery stores through strong community connections, education, and its commitment to local food. At the same time, there are definitely challenges, including competition from bigger retailers, rising costs, supply chain issues, and making sure food stays accessible and affordable while still honoring Co-op values. I think staying innovative, thinking strategically, and having strong leadership will be key to helping BFC continue to thrive and remain an important part of the community for years to come.

4. What qualities, skills, and experiences would you bring to your service as a BFC board member?

I would bring my experience as a local business co-owner, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to community values. As the co-owner of a local food business and a Co-op member, I understand how important it is to balance financial sustainability with staying true to the Co-op’s mission. My experience as both a vendor and member gives me a well-rounded perspective on the needs of local producers, shoppers, and shareholders. By regularly attending food shows and industry conferences, I stay up to date on emerging trends, consumer preferences, and innovations in the food world. This helps me bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that could support the Co-op’s continued growth and relevance. I value collaboration, practical problem-solving, and strong leadership, and I’d be committed to helping BFC continue to thrive as an important part of our community.

5. Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team? How did you compromise for the team’s benefit?

As a business co-owner, I work as part of a team every day, whether it’s with my family, employees, retail partners, or industry peers. Building and growing our business has required constant collaboration, clear communication, and the ability to balance different ideas and priorities. I bring strategic thinking, creativity, and a strong work ethic to any team I’m part of, while also valuing the perspectives and strengths of others. There have been many times when compromise was necessary, whether around product decisions, branding, or business strategy, and I’ve learned that the best outcomes often come from listening, staying flexible, and focusing on the bigger picture rather than personal preference. My experience has shown me that successful teams are built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to common goals.

Optional: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us? Do you have other experiences that you see as being related to the work of the Board?

In addition to being a local business co-owner, vendor, and Co-op member, I’ve also served on the Boys & Girls Club Going the Distance Board and volunteer with the Center for Solace. These experiences have helped me better understand how different organizations function, including their unique structures, governing responsibilities, and the importance of strong leadership. Being involved with both business and nonprofit organizations has shown me how important thoughtful decision-making, collaboration, and community focus are to long-term success. I believe these experiences, along with my passion for local food and community, would allow me to bring a well-rounded perspective to the BFC Board.