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.
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.
Sofía (left) with her family
Board of Directors Annual Retreat
Sofía Galarza Liu, Board President
On Saturday, February 18, General Manager Rita York Hennecke, Finance Director Jason Lovell, Operations Director Seth Naumann, and Outreach Manager Laura Marsh joined The Merc Co+op's Board of Directors for our annual retreat. A lot of our discussion time focused on each director’s vision for the co-op, the Kansas City store, and how both stores serve our communities. It was the first in-person retreat since 2019.
Michael Healy, The Merc’s consultant from Columinate, a national consulting cooperative that specializes in supporting the work of food co-ops, facilitated the retreat. Michael has worked with the co-op for more than seven years and has written numerous articles on policy governance and leadership development.
Spending the day together was productive for everyone. We got to know each other better and discussed how we can become more effective ambassadors for all of our member owners. The day was full of insightful conversation and good food. The Board of Directors and management staff made valuable connections and became more informed about everyone’s roles.
Membership Madness
If you've put off becoming a co-op owner, it's time to reconsider. Starting March 1 is Membership Madness! All new owners who join in the month of March will receive a $20 coupon plus automatic entry into weekly drawings for $25, $50, $75 and $100 gift cards. The earlier you join, the more gift cards you could win.
And, the savings don't end there! Join just in time for April's Owner Appreciation Days where all co-op owners save 20% on a shopping trip.