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.
A Grocery Store for the People by the People
Melissa Hayes-Williams, Board President
Who sings “Happy Birthday” to a co-op for celebrating 50 years of operation in two communities? EVERYONE who attended the 2024 In-person Annual Co-op Meeting on Friday, November 15 at StoneBriar Farm in De Soto, KS.
This was my first in person Annual Co-op Meeting. The pandemic was still active when I was initially elected in 2022. I did not know what to expect even though I was on the program. What I wanted most was to meet everyone present who I have the privilege to represent on the Board of Directors. I volunteered to be a greeter, and I got to meet several co-op owners who attended as they arrived. It was a pleasure and quite fulfilling to meet and greet so many wonderful people!
Everyone seemed ready to come together to meet with no fear of Covid and no worries about catching a cold. We were just people who had one thing in common, the love for a co-op that we collectively own and value. But most apparently, we all loved good food, good fun and prizes! 12 owners received gift cards from Merc Perks partners Mud and Lotus, River Rat, Lucky Dog Pet Bakery, Lou & Co. and Bluestem Yoga — and all attendees received coupons for Lawrence Beer Co.
Treasurer, Deon Whitten, shared the financials. While performance improved quarter-to-quarter last year, there will be no patronage rebate disbursed.
Why There’s No Patronage Rebate This Year
“Some of you may have noticed that we won’t be issuing a patronage rebate this year, and I want to explain why. This decision stems from a combination of factors:
Tight margins and ongoing inflation pressures impacted our ability to maintain the profit margins needed for patronage.
We made a significant commitment to raising wages at the start of the fiscal year to provide a livable income for our employees. Supporting our team is essential to who we are as a co-op.”
The Board of Directors election results were announced, and we welcomed our newly elected board member, Dr. Isaac Falcon Campos. Our two incumbents, Mark Sprague and Anthony Lang were both re-elected. We honored our vice president, Abbey Healy, as she decided not to run for re-election this year. She is truly a treasured board member as she served these last three years, two of the years as the vice-president. And, we had a chance to surprise our General Manager, Rita, who after 19 years of service to The Merc Co+op, will be taking her knowledge and skills to the greater community of cooperatives. We gave her a plaque and a gift card to enjoy a great meal at her favorite restaurant. We plan to do a little bit more in the coming weeks as we will surely miss her commitment and patience with us as a board. We are thankful to our Interim GM, Seth Naumann, for stepping in to create continuity in leadership.
Lastly, the highlight of the evening for me was one of the youngest persons in attendance who was with her mom and dad. She showed us great kindness by making greeting cards for all the board members with “Thank you for inviting us.” That was the sweetest expression and embodiment of the kindness that members share with the staff who in turn share with the customers. I believe this is what makes The Merc Co+op one of the best co-ops to shop, in my unbiased opinion, in the world.
Happy Thanksgiving and Thank you for investing in The Merc Co+op — A Grocery Store for the People by the People.
Melissa Hayes-Williams
Board President
Pictured, left to right: Rita York Hennecke, Deon Whitten, Anthony Lang, Isaac Falcon-Campos, Mark Sprague, Melissa Williams, LeAnne Richardson, Sofía Galarza Liu and Seth Naumann
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.