MEET MELISSA

Why did you choose to join the board?

When the Kansas City store was opened, I was at the groundbreaking ceremony. I love the idea of how co-op grocery is different than larger chain grocery stores, and how it is community focused, local producers focused and how it could be a great asset to our community. I purchased a membership.

When the opportunity to become a board member opened, I did not think I was going to get elected because I lived in Missouri but worked very near the store. When I found out my location did not matter, I signed up and received votes to obtain a seat on the board in 2022. Thank you everyone who voted for me!

What part of the co-op's mission do you connect with the most, and why?

“Community.” I am a native of Kansas City, Kansas and it is important to me that we look out for our community needs. That The Merc Co+op is located in a food desert speaks volumes of the concern and care it has for the community.

What's something you've gained from participating on this board?

I have gained great knowledge about the grocery business and financials as I served on the Finance Committee. This board is also steeped with co-op history and more specifically Merc history. I also gained a heart for supporting the excellence that is presented by the management of the Merc’s two locations. Kudos to the Merc Team!

What's one thing you hope the co-op achieves/works towards during your term as a director?

During my term as a director and this year’s board president, I am excited about the opportunity to navigate the “new normal” instigated by the pandemic. The KCK store opened and survived during the pandemic. The Lawrence store has made changes and will be presenting new products—some created during the Pandemic. And now that governmental policies have changed post pandemic, new suppliers have surfaced, new farmers and old farmers are back in business, and the shoppers/owners become informed, I am excited to be at the decision-making level and the support-giving level of the Merc. We will need our owners’ patience and support and honest communication; but I have a lot of faith in our GM, Rita and the team that she is building to bring the Merc to the level of excellence that is expected by our owners and our board members.

Why should owners consider becoming a director?

The common bond I see in our very diverse board of directors is that we care about our communities—both the Lawrence and Kansas City communities—as one. When decisions are discussed and made, they are for both communities. It isn’t hard for me, as I am a graduate of KU and I love Lawrence. But even if they aren’t familiar with both communities, if they feel a move in their heart they should run for election to the board, because they might be carrying the answer to challenges we will face or they might have the creative solution for future endeavors as we establish our presence for excellence in the 21st century grocery business.

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, typically the first Monday of the month. Early in the agenda, the board reserves ten minutes of space to hear from owners who wish to address the board.