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!
Brad Rossini, Board Treasurer
Meet Brad
Why did you become a co-op owner?
Becoming a co-op owner is an opportunity to invest in our community. Being an owner means uniting together with the community to create and grow a market that serves the people, agriculture and future of Lawrence and beyond.
Why did you choose to join the board?
With over 30 years experience in the grocery and restaurant industry, it is the ideal platform for me to contribute back to my community. I wanted to engage more deeply with my community to continue the mission of The Merc Co+op.
What part of the co-op's mission do you connect with the most, and why?
While all of the Ends are important pillars that continue to guide us, providing access to healthy and sustainable food and products is what I feel most connected with. The items we purchase, where they come from, how they get to us, how they're made, and how that affects us all are important considerations.
What's one thing you hope the co-op achieves/works towards during your term as a director?
I would like to work toward deeper and more meaningful owner engagement overall.
What are you up to when you're not volunteering on the board?
As a father of two great kids, I'm often participating in their busy lives. Otherwise, I am often found playing music with friends, dining at an indepeneant restaurant or talking about food and cheese!
What is your favorite food or product the co-op carries?
I'd have to say the local ingredients. Tortillas, flours/grains, produce; everything that this great community produces.
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.