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.
Melissa Williams, Board President
February Board Report
Melissa Williams, President
There was a challenge; there was a huddle; there was excitement for what was happening and going to happen. No, I’m not talking about the Chiefs Superbowl win. I’m talking about the 2024 Board of Director’s Annual Retreat on Saturday, February 18 at the Baker University Wetlands in Lawrence, Kansas.
During this year’s board retreat, we were fortunate to have the wonderful guidance from Columinate advisor, Michael Healy from Vermont who shared delicious chocolate produced in his hometown and sold in his local co-op.
Our morning “get to know you” challenge was quite eye-opening as we each were given a piece of what we thought was the whole of a picture. The twist was that one person’s picture might have been a piece of a picture of a picture in the whole. Bottom line: we had to talk to each other about our picture perspective and we eventually found out that our perspective may have to be adjusted to fit in the whole picture. Let me just say, I thought “I am the ship;” I was wrong. (Ask me what I mean when you meet me.)
What a great pre-exercise as we got into learning about our co-op’s financial health. What I thought I knew was greatly challenged and a greater understanding of not just the financial health, but about The Merc Co+op’s operation was learned. What I thought I knew was not what really was true. I do have a greater understanding of the right questions to ask and what to expect. This was a session I dreaded before coming but it probably was the best part of the day for me. We even had an unrecorded “podcast” created by board member Dorri Rowan and Marketing Director, Laura Marsh. The creativity was amazing.
After a delicious meal prepared by the Lawrence store’s deli staff, we delved into Owner Engagement and looking at our year ahead—which includes the 50th anniversary of the co-op; the newly formed KCK Advisory Council; and learning talking points about the co-op that increase individual board members’ knowledge and response to questions when we are in the community. We filled a lot of time in valuable communication that will only enhance The Merc Co+op.
What did we leave with from this “Super Bowl” of a retreat? We left with a better understanding of the staff’s role in the co-op’s growth and development; we left with an understanding that it takes us all to know what to say, when to say it and how to help the community know that “The Merc Co+op is a grocery store for the people by the people.” And mainly that whether we are in Lawrence or if we are in KCK—ALL OF OUR “PEOPLE” (owners, shoppers, distributors and staff) MATTER!
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.