Shopping locally has never been more important than now. When that effort also supports local growers and organic producers, it’s even better!
It was with that in mind that Sno Isle Co-op was founded 23 years ago, with a commitment to sourcing local and sustainable products, and it’s a key reason many Everett residents volunteer with the co-op’s Board of Trustees.
“There weren’t a lot of options back in 1997 for natural and organic options,” notes the Co-op’s Laura Finley.
Owned by 5,000 families in the Snohomish and Island County areas, the Co-op is governed by a democratically elected, volunteer board that through several committees sets strategic plans and ensures the Co-op remains fiscally sound and operating within its Cooperative Principles.
Nominations are open until Aug. 1 with voting for board positions in September.
“Volunteers help pass the Co-op mandates forward: focus on the owners and their health and sense of well-being; focus on support of the local farmers and producers; focus on protecting and enriching the environment; focus on emphasizing the values of the Co-op to our larger community in Everett,” says Board president Bruce MacCracken.
Planning for an exciting future
It’s an exciting time to be involved, both because of the growing interest in healthy, organic foods and because the Co-op is poised for expansion.
“Our volunteer board members will help guide the future of the Co-op, with decisions being made right now,” Finley says.
As a thank you, volunteers receive 15 per cent off all purchases while serving on the Board, and gain a better understanding about how the food system works.
Board members have several opportunities to participate with varying levels of commitment and engagement. To run for the Board of Trustees or Nominating Committee, find the online application here.
Board committees include:
- Nominating Committee: Elected by the member-ownership to recruit new Board candidates and run the election process.
- Community Engagement: Open to all co-op owners, the committee plans and organizes store and community events.
- Finance: Ensures the fiscal integrity of the co-op and makes decisions concerning certain capital expenditures.
- Policy Governance: Reviews policies governing the operations of the store and the board processes. The Board works with the Management Team to monitor policy compliance.
- Executive: Made of the Board officers and sets the agenda for Board meetings.
Redefining business success
Today, recognizing Sno Isle’s local leadership for more than 20 years, the Co-op recently became a certified B Corporation – a business that meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
With its vision of growing the community from the ground up, beyond supporting local families and growers, the Co-op also works with local food banks, the Recovery Café, and organizations supporting homeless youth. “We’re here for the community,” Finley says.
And remember, “you don’t have to be an owner to shop at Co-op, through you do get added benefits!”
To learn more, visit snoislefoods.coop or stop by today at 2804 Grand Ave., Everett.
