by Brian Anderson, Board Member
Annual Meeting
Mark your calendars! The Annual Meeting this year will be on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
The Annual Meeting will be held in person, but with a remote (virtual) attendance option. The in-person meeting will be at the Middleton Performing Arts Center. Information on how to attend remotely will be provided later.
Board Elections
October will also be the month for elections to the Board of Directors. If you are a Co-op member and are willing to contribute some of your time, energy, skills, and experience to governing the Co-op, please consider running for the Board.
You can find a packet of information and requirements for board candidates at willystreet.coop/run-for-board. Applications must be received no later than September 1 at 11:59pm. Attendance at a candidate orientation session is required; the upcoming sessions are:
- Wednesday, August 3 at 6:00pm (Online via Google Hangout)
- Wednesday, August 10 at 6:00pm (East Store)
This year, four Board seats are to be filled: three for 3-year terms and (to complete the unexpired term of a director who resigned) one 2-year term. Candidates who receive the most votes will choose whether they want a 3-year term or the 2-year term.
In general, on behalf of the Co-op members, the Board oversees the General Manager and adopts and monitors policies regarding governance of the Co-op. The Board is responsible for giving direction to, not operating, the Co-op.
Ideally, the composition of the Board should reflect the diversity of Co-op members. Please consider adding your unique skills and experience to the Board.
My Experience
In my own case, four years ago, I ran for the Board because I wanted to use my own skills and experience as a lawyer and accountant to support and advance the Co-op. I value the principles of cooperatives and would like to see more businesses follow these principles.
What I’ve Learned
As a Co-op Board member, I’ve learned the fundamentals of policy governance, gained valuable knowledge about cooperatives in general, and worked with great people (staff and Board members) who share my desire for the Co-op to succeed. The Board functions well and makes decisions collaboratively.
Over the course of its existence since 1974, the Co-op has experienced many challenges and grown from its humble beginnings on the east side of Madison to become a community institution with three stores, more than 300 employees, and more than 30,000 Owners. Like many businesses, the Co-op experienced some challenges during the pandemic. In my opinion, the Co-op is well positioned to take on future challenges. For its future success, however, the Co-op needs good directors. Might they include you?