Each month, The Merc Co+op Board of Directors shares the decisions and topics discussed at their most recent meeting, promoting transparency and accountability with co-op owners.

November Board Report

Deon Whitten, Board Treasurer

Hello dear members of the The Merc Co+op community,

I hope this message finds you well. I am both honored and humbled to serve as your Treasurer, and today, I'd like to take a moment to provide you with a friendly synopsis of our recent board meeting, along with some personal insights into the discussions that transpired during that time. It's a privilege to be able to share this with you, and I look forward to shedding light on the valuable discussions that took place as we continue to work together to shape the future of our cooperative.

In a recent gathering of The Merc Co+op's Board of Directors, we embarked on a journey that extended beyond the usual duration, delving into discussions that were not just fruitful but profoundly meaningful. Among the topics that sparked our collective interest was the challenge of increasing foot traffic and basket size for shoppers at our Kansas City, KS store to ensure its financial stability and growth. At the heart of this challenge lies a crucial element — the need to galvanize our community's support.

As a passionate advocate for cooperative economics, I proposed that one of the cornerstones of ensuring the Merc's longevity and continued success in KCK is to foster a deeper understanding of what cooperative economics truly entails. Through my community engagement and conversations centered around the Merc, I've discovered that many people, including our employees are unaware of its principles and structures. This lack of understanding hinders their ability to articulate and comprehend the significance of cooperative economics within our community and their role within the organization. Acknowledging this we began a discussion of equipping our employees with this foundational knowledge.

By bridging this knowledge gap and empowering our employees with a deeper understanding of the cooperative's structure, we can enable them to better appreciate how their individual roles contribute to the growth and success of the store. This, I believe, will act as the catalyst for a new wave of success that will resonate not only within the Merc but throughout the entire community.

The impetus for this crucial conversation was a thorough review of the ends report, during which each board member reported on a specific aspect of the report. My focus was on transforming and nourishing the health of the community. I was heartened to discover the level of community involvement and engagement revealed in the report, reaffirming the Merc's position as a community-centric organization.

In addition to our discussions, we had the pleasure of announcing the winners of the Board election. It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome a new member, an older member returning to the board, and someone who has been re-elected. This diverse mix promises to bring a rich blend of fresh ideas and the continuity of success, strengthening our commitment to the Merc's mission.

Recognizing the importance of continuous education for our board members to stay well-versed in ideas and issues affecting cooperatives, we approved a budget allocation for ongoing training. This investment in knowledge will empower us to make informed decisions and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cooperative economics effectively.

As I reflect on our board meeting and the road ahead, I feel truly blessed and honored to be a part of this remarkable organization. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has entrusted me with this responsibility. We invite all owners to join us in our next meeting because your support and the diversity of your ideas are instrumental in shaping the future of The Merc Co+op. We remain fully committed to transparency and look forward to continuing this journey together.

About the Board

The Merc Co+op's Board of Directors is comprised of nine co-op owners who are elected by the general ownership and serve a three-year term. Any co-op owner can run for a board position.

The board creates a set of policies to govern themselves and the General Manager, who provides the group with regular reports on store operations. The board delegates all operational matters to the General Manager.

Board Meetings

All co-op owners are invited to attend monthly board meetings. Early in the agenda, the board reserves ten minutes of space to hear from owners who wish to address the board.