From the Board of Directors
Emily Green, Board Secretary
I was recently listening to the news, and they were discussing the annual ritual of setting New Year’s resolutions. The usual themes came up: increasing physical activity, eating healthier, gratitude journaling, getting organized. And these are all commendable resolutions. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not one to set New Year’s resolutions. Historically my New Year’s resolutions don’t make it past January.
That said, of the many times I’ve heard this familiar messaging, one phrase stood out to me this year: “count your contributions.” Perhaps it resonated more deeply because I was recently elected to The Merc Co+op Board, or perhaps because it reframed resolution setting in a way that felt more meaningful.
Counting contributions doesn’t require perfection or grand gestures. It can be as simple as shopping locally, attending a board meeting, volunteering time, or having a meaningful conversation in the aisles. These moments accumulate and invite us to reflect on how we show up for others, how we invest in our community, and how our actions—big or small—help nourish something larger than ourselves.
I am excited to share that The Merc Co+op just recently reached a major milestone of 10,000 owners. As we are moving into a new year, I invite you to consider becoming an owner of the Merc Co+op. It is easy to think of the Merc Co+op only in terms of food. And while access to fresh, healthy food is important, nourishment takes many forms. It looks like creating welcoming spaces, supporting staff, honoring diverse voices, and ensuring the Co+op remains accessible for future generations.
For me, being part of The Merc Co+op—first as an owner, and now as a Board member—is one of those sustaining practices. It’s a reminder that wellness is not just personal; it’s collective. And when we count our contributions, we begin to see just how interconnected we truly are.
About the Board
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.
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.