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.
From the Board - A New Year, A New Chapter: Reflecting on Our 50th Year and Welcoming Seth, Our New General Manager
LeAnne Richardson, Board Member
Happy New Year from the Merc Co+op! As we leave behind a year of unforgettable celebrations marking our 50th anniversary, we’re stepping into 2025 with fresh energy, a renewed sense of purpose, and some exciting new faces to help guide us into the future. The past year was a milestone for our community, and now, we’re focused on what’s next—and we couldn’t be more excited for the journey ahead.
A Year to Remember: Celebrating 50 Years of the Merc Co+op
Our 50th anniversary year was nothing short of incredible. Together, we reflected on the Co+op’s rich history, celebrated the countless individuals who have helped shape the Merc into the thriving, community-centered space it is today, and looked forward to a bright future. From the opening of our doors back in 1974 to today’s bustling locations in Lawrence and Kansas City, the Merc has always been driven by the power of community, the values of sustainability, and a commitment to providing high-quality, locally-sourced products to our members.
We want to thank all of you—our loyal owners, customers, and community members—for being part of this monumental journey. Your support has helped us grow, thrive, and become a true reflection of the communities we serve.
Welcoming Seth: Our New General Manager
As we embrace a new year, we’re also excited to introduce Seth Naumann, our new General Manager! Seth joins the Merc Co+op with an incredible wealth of experience and a deep passion for cooperative values. With his leadership, we are confident that the Co+op will continue to evolve and grow in ways that remain true to our mission of promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and community.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Merc Co+op team,” Seth said. “I’ve always admired the Co+op’s dedication to its mission and its focus on building a better future for the communities it serves. I look forward to working alongside the Board, staff, and all of you to make the next 50 years even more impactful.”
We look forward to seeing the positive impact his leadership will have as we continue to serve you and strengthen our community.
What’s Next: Building on 50 Years of Impact
While we’ve just celebrated 50 years of success, we’re already focused on the next 50. With Seth leading the charge as General Manager, and a dedicated team and Board of Directors in place, we are more committed than ever to our values of sustainability, equity, and community. Here are a few things we’re excited to focus on in 2025 and beyond:
Sustainability Initiatives: We’re continuing to enhance our sustainability efforts, from offering more environmentally friendly products to reducing waste and supporting local farmers and makers.
Community Building: As always, we’ll be expanding our community outreach and engagement. From local events to partnerships with grassroots organizations, we’re dedicated to being a force for good in the communities we serve.
Strengthening Our Co-op Model: The Co+op will remain a cooperative owned by and for you, our members. We’ll continue to focus on the values of democracy, participation, and economic fairness that have made us a trusted community asset for five decades.
Thank You for Being Part of the Merc Co+op
As we embark on this exciting new year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our community. The Merc Co+op would not be what it is today without the passion and dedication of each and every one of you. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support, and we are excited for the future we will build together in 2025 and beyond.
Here’s to a year full of new beginnings, continued growth, and even more ways we can work together to build a better, more sustainable world.
With gratitude,
LeAnne Richardson, Board Member
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.