The Merc Co+op’s Board of Directors is made up of seven co-op owners elected by the ownership to serve three-year terms. Any co-op owner is eligible to run for a board position.
The Board acts on behalf of co-op owners, responsible for guiding the overall vision of the co-op and monitoring progress toward that vision. To support this work, the board establishes policies that govern both themselves and the General Manager. The board works closely with the General Manager, who provides regular reports on store operations, including finances, customer satisfaction, and more.
Get to know the owners that represent you!
Mark Sprague
Meet Mark
Why did you become a co-op owner?
In the 70s, my wife and I were vegetarian and The Merc was the only source of for tofu and other meat substitutes. It was the lone source for organic products that used no pesticides. Additionally, we saved so much buying bulk beans, grains and spices.
Why did you choose to join the board?
Barbara Clark, a board member, was tabling to recruit new board members, convincing me to apply.
What part of the co-op's mission do you connect with the most, and why?
In the beginning, it was the organic products, then sustainability and enhancing the community. Today, I am most concerned about food accessibility.
What's one thing you hope the co-op achieves/works towards during your term as a director?
I hope we continue the work of expanding our reach into underserved communities while also strengthening our present community of owners.
What are you up to when you're not volunteering on the board?
I am getting my seeds in order so I am ready to begin next year’s garden, while still harvesting last year’s.
What is your favorite food or product the co-op carries?
I bake bread weekly, so I depend on the bulk department for grains and flours. They carry large bag of instant yeast that lasts me a year and saves me lots of money over those little packs of yeast. Lots! And Central Tofu, which got it’s first financing from the credit union started at The Merc, has great product
Board Meetings
All co-op owners are invited to attend monthly board meetings, typically held the first Monday each month at 6:30 p.m. Early in the agenda, the board reserves ten minutes of space to hear from owners who wish to address the board.