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.
Celebrating 50 Years + Join us at the Annual Co-op Meeing
Mark Sprague, Board Member
October 19th, the Watkins Museum hosted an open house for an exhibit celebrating The Merc Co+op’s 50th Anniversary. The event was well- attended and those there enjoyed going through the old newsletters and watching a slide show pictures documenting those times.
That evening, a potluck dinner was attended by present and past members of the co-op’s Board of Directors. Over 2 dozen showed up and shared stories about the significant work each board had to take on. Some were board members when the co-op was struggling in the early 90s which led to changes in board governance. Others were involved in the move to our present store at 9th and Iowa and the opening of the new store in Kansas City.
It is hard to believe that much time has expired since I walked into our first store downtown at 730B Massachusetts to now in our 5th location. While I am sure everyone had big hopes for The Merc at the time of their service, I believe we have exceeded most of those. When we reincorporated thirty years ago, the number of ownership shares was capped at 10,000. Fortunately, Boog Highberger, a former board member was able to have this amended to 100,000, as we now have over 9,700 owners!
Who knew being on our board would be such a springboard to bigger things? I believe we counted 3 mayors, 3 representatives, and one senator among our group.
I am glad we were able to celebrate our 50 years, and we want everyone to continue to share memories we can post in the form of stories, pictures, and old t-shirts.Our observance will continue through our upcoming Annual Meeting, the evening of November 15th, our first in person meeting since the pandemic. I hope you will be able to attend!
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.