Share Your Co-op Stories with The Merc Co+op Board of Directors
From Anthony Lang, Board & Owner Engagement Committee Member
Anthony Lang, Board Member
Hello co-op owners,
With March Madness finally behind us, let's move into April with some appreciation. Did you know that April is Owner Appreciation Month and owners get 20% off one shopping trip during this month? That's a huge savings, so make sure you load up on your favorite groceries and make that discount count! There are other benefits of being an owner like Merc Perks discounts with local businesses and your right to vote or run for the co-op’s Board of Directors. Go to the Ownership page to learn about all your owner benefits.
Did you also know that in 2024 The Merc Co+op celebrates its 50th Birthday? That's right, what started out in 1974 as a small cooperative buyer's club has become a multi-store food co-op that employs over 100 employees and serves two vibrant communities in Lawrence and Kansas City, Kansas. To show our appreciation for our humble beginnings and rich history, we’re asking for you to share the stories and experiences of our owners over the years.
When did you first shop at the co-op and why? Were you an early owner member who worked shifts at The Merc to fulfill membership hours requirement? Did you participate in the owner drives and owner loans in the 90s to expand store operations and compete against Wild Oats? Did you shop at the Lawrence store before it moved to its current location in 2001? Do you shop at the KCK store that opened in 2020? If you answered yes to any of these questions - we want to hear from you! Why do you shop the co-op?
Co-op Board Members will be tabling on April 13th at both stores to hopefully meet you and capture your story. We'll be handing out gifts, prizes, and samples in appreciation for your contribution. April is Owner Appreciation Month. We appreciate you and want to hear from you!
Can’t stop by in person? Submit your story here! Why do you shop the co-op?
Celebrate Earth Day with The Merc Co+op & Friends of the Kaw by joining in the Earth Day Clean Up Saturday, April 20! Register today and join in! Did you know, co-op owners who volunteer with Friends of the Kaw get co-op coupons through our MercWorks Volunteer Incentive program?
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.