Board of Directors
Meeting Notice
The Board meets at least monthly, generally on the fourth Wednesday from 6:00-8:30 PM. Meetings are open to Co-op owners, with specific time reserved for owner comments. To view monthly meeting information or to register to attend by Zoom teleconference, use the links below.
The Belfast Community Co-op’s board of directors are Co-op owners directly elected by Co-op owners. The Co-op’s ownership has a legal responsibility to ensure our well-being, and the Board represents and acts for the Co-op’s owners, whose votes imply trust that the Board is representing their interests.
MEET THE BOARD
To view board member bios, click on the photos below.
Todd Bluhm
2024-2027
Todd joined the Co-op in 2017 without much consideration; it just seemed the thing to do. Since then, his perspective has shifted dramatically as he has given the matter more thought and benefitted from the Co-op’s efforts to educate its owners. Yes: a vibrant, fair, local, and sustainable food economy is vitally important. By nature, businesses must prioritize profit. That’s fine for some areas of the economy, but food is too fundamental to be bound up in that model. If we do not protect and nurture community-driven efforts to manage our food supply, then we will suffer. The suffering could come through poor nutrition, through local money being vacuumed up and transferred to a far-away corporate headquarters, or by having local alternatives to unreliable global supply chains strangled out of existence. What a great thing it is to live in this area and already have a thriving Co-op. Todd is excited to protect and nurture it. He strives for awareness and balanced approaches to problems and challenges. Is inquisitive and detail-oriented, and a fair writer/editor. Although not an accountant, he can follow budgets. He understands the need for strategic vision, listening to the constituency, broad oversight, and accountability. He served on the board of a cooperative recreation/dining facility for two years and through that experience, learned how to create and maintain an effective relationship between a board and the operational realm of the general manager, and with the membership.
Corinne Burr
2023-2025
In the ideal, food brings us together at every step of its journey, from the fields and forests, grown and harvested together, to the markets and stores where we buy those ingredients, to the kitchens in which we cook them, to the tables around which we share the meals. The Co-op has an important role to play in this journey, and if we do things right, it can fulfill many steps along the way. The Co-op has the potential to step into greater prominence in the community by reclaiming its role as a gathering space, not just to buy groceries, but to pause and connect with other members and with the greater community. I’m aware of the discrepancies in food access for community members and I think it’s critically important that the Co-op develop or support the development of companion organizations that support members in receiving more subsidized food pricing so that local and organic food be available to a much broader demographic. I think this is one of the key ways to support the Co-op’s principle of concern for the community, as well as its values of equality, inclusion, care for others, and social responsibility. When food is accessible to all, all feel welcome. When a gathering space is provided and doors are unconditionally opened, all feel welcome. When greeted with a smile, all feel welcome. There is so much good already being done, and so much more that can come. Everyone is worthy of a safe environment to work, gather, nourish themselves, to bring their families. Everyone is worthy of access to good food. Everyone is worthy of a space to go that opens its doors freely to them. We all belong here and there is a way forward where everyone wins. Through visions of renovation, there is the potential to meet many of the community’s needs, and I’d love to see as part of that an expansion of support for more local farmers and producers, even on small scales. I value opening up conversations and I believe that in order to effectively serve the community, we must work more to open up conversations with the community, and to support members in becoming active participants in the Co-op’s evolution. There are voices that do not speak and others who are not being heard. I’d like to bridge this gap and feel that we must do so in order to effectively serve, and include, the diversity of our whole community.
To these visions, values, and projects, I bring my strength of will, enthusiasm, and passion, my ability to synthesize information and ideas, ask needed questions, look at broader perspectives, and reach for greater possibilities than what we currently accept and believe in. I am excited to be involved in an organization that is so central to the community that its reach and potential feels limitless.
Ernie Cooper
2022-2025
Ernie previously served as Board Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, involved in adoption of policy changes that strengthened the Co-op’s financial foundation. He has long believed in the importance of the cooperative business model as an alternative to corporate commerce. His experience has confirmed that being an active, committed, contributing member of the Board is perhaps the most important community service he can undertake.
Susan Cutting
2023-2026
Susan has experience volunteering for local nonprofits as well as managing international and regional environmental programs. She finds the most gratifying piece to be collaboration, often with those of differing voices, and group facilitation. She carries with her a love for nature, her family and friends, a deep appreciation and respect for this community, and a passion for protecting the Earth.
Rio Greeley
2023-2026
As someone who lives close to the Co-op, I myself rely on it to fill many of my needs. I think with the implementation of the Shop-For-Me system, we have helped expand our services to those who might struggle with coming into the Co-op regularly, and I think we should continue to explore areas where we can ensure that those without geographical or financial means can continue to gain access to the quality food the Co-op can provide.
I believe that the Co-op can continue to act on its values by continuing to work and collaborate with other nonprofits and organizations in the area. The Common Cents programs the Co-op provides are a fantastic example of our values, and I believe we can extend our hands out in other ways to help all of us thrive.
I believe that the Co-op bulletin board has helped with the spread of Community Activities, and I am hopeful that the eventual reopening of the Co-op Cafe can help return a sense of community that has become faded in the past couple of years. I also believe that we could host or sponsor more events (when it is safe to do so), such as a community game night, helping out a local farm, or even clean-up work at the transfer station or other such events to help foster trust in the broader community.
I think it is very important to make sure the Co-op is transparent about any issues relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion so that both the workers and the members can be assured that the organization as a whole is working to further the interests of the community and the well-being of its members. Programs such as the Owner Rewards Program are fantastic, and I think the Co-op should explore more areas to help aid those who may struggle to afford the prices of healthier products.
I have previously worked for the Co-op, so I am familiar with its inner workings. In my employment at The Game Loft, I also monitor the Game Loft Youth Board, which acts similarly to a normal Board of Directors, so I have a good measure of experience with how Boards operate.
John Krueger
2023-2026
Jim Miller
2023-2025
Collin Thompson
2022-2025
Charles Sterbach
2024-2027
Valerie Tate
2024-2027
If you have questions, please email the Board at board@belfast.coop.
Board Resources
Board’s Role
The BOD has fiduciary responsibility for the Co-op and is directly accountable to the owners. The BOD’s essential role is to set and monitor policies that guide the Co-op’s management and to ensure that all decisions are ethical and in accordance with the Co-op’s Bylaws and Ends, and with Cooperative Principles and Values.
The Board governs the organization and delegates all operational duties to the General Manager. The Board is involved in:
- Strategic planning
- Financial and legal oversight
- Member-owner linkage
- Community Outreach
The Board of Directors does not make decisions regarding the operation of the Belfast Co-op store. The Board’s sole official connection to the operations of the Co-op is through the General Manager.
Meetings and Events
- Board Meetings. The Board meets once a month, usually on the 4th Wednesday of the month, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. One to two hours of reading is required to prepare for each meeting, generally in a combination of emails and a board packet provided prior to the meeting.
- Committee Meetings. The Board has three (3) standing committees: Finance, Owner Engagement, and Board Development. Directors must serve on at least one committee. Committees generally meet once a month.
- Annual Retreat. A one-day training retreat is held each year after the election. Directors are expected to attend.
- Training Events. Directors are supported to attend co-op national and regional conferences and educational workshops throughout the year.
The Belfast Co-op’s Board of Directors consists of 9-13 members elected by the owners. The Board has fiduciary responsibility for the Co-op and is directly accountable to the owners. It ensures that all business is conducted legally, prudently, ethically, and in accordance with the Co-op’s bylaws and ends, and with cooperative principles. The Board carries out its responsibilities by establishing broad policy guidelines and by monitoring the General Manager’s adherence to these guidelines.
Board Responsibilities and Commitments:
- Interacting with owners to understand their needs, values, and visions for the Co-op
- Developing, monitoring, and revising a body of policies to guide the Board and General Manager to achieve outcomes that are consistent with our owner’s values and vision.
- Hiring, evaluating, and working effectively with the General Manager.
- Attend all Board and appropriate Committee meetings and arrive prepared to contribute to discussions and decision-making, including carefully reading the board packet in advance of every monthly meeting. Devote the time needed to do this work well, approximately 10-15 hours/month for meetings, emails, ongoing training, preparation, and other activities.
- Monitor the Co-op’s financial status and plan to position the Co-op for ongoing success.
- Planning for the Co-op’s future, recruiting new board members, and setting long-range goals.
- Keep informed of cooperative/democratic organizations and learn about natural foods industry trends through trainings and other educational opportunities.
- Adhere to the Board’s Code of Conduct, policy C5 – Code of Conduct of the Policy Register.
Board members are elected to one to three year terms and approximately one-third of the Board is up for election each year during a period that includes the Annual Meeting.
Policy Governance
The Belfast Co-op Board operates using a Policy Governance model which sets up guidelines, called policies, within which the General Manager and the Board maintain accountability for operational performance and provide visionary leadership towards our shared mission. These policies are the primary way the Board conveys its expectations and the policies are monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the store, and the Board determines the purpose, vision, and goals for the organization’s future based on Owner input. Policy Governance more clearly defines and focuses Board work on long-range policy decisions and not operational responsibilities. This system of governance requires attention, training, and practice.
Modified Consensus Decision Making
The Board uses modified consensus decision-making in its meetings. This process considers the input from all directors and aims to develop as much agreement as possible while respecting dissenting opinions. This helps generate a cooperative, collaborative group atmosphere to foster greater group cohesion and interpersonal connection. If consensus cannot be reached, the Board uses a supermajority of two-thirds to break any impasse on important or time-sensitive issues. Once the Board makes a decision, all directors must support that decision.
Requirements to Serve
Bylaw Requirements for Director Candidates:
- A candidate must be a member-owner in good standing (up-to-date on annual equity payments).
- Members of the management team of the Co-op (the General Manager and those reporting directly to the General Manager) are NOT eligible to be a director.
Qualifications
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to listen actively, and speak honestly and openly in group discussion, while also being able to abide by decisions arrived at by the Board
- Ability to work closely with other Board Members as a cohesive team, make decisions by consensus, delegate authority, and empower others
- A vision and commitment to make decisions for the long-term success of the Co-op
- Ability to synthesize complex information and share an understanding of this information
- Comfortable talking and working with owners and other groups
- Commitment to making Board work and responsibilities a priority
- Experience serving on a board of directors or other organizational committees
- Background in business or community outreach
- Experience with cooperatives, and their values and principles
- Ability to read financial reports (or commitment to learning how to do so)
Benefits of Board Service
- Opportunity to provide meaningful service to the local community and economy
- Leadership, professional and personal development opportunities
- A small monthly stipend of $40 in the form of a Co-op gift card
- Opportunity to work with a committed, principled, capable, and fun group of people
Board Meetings
The Board meets at least monthly, generally on the fourth Wednesday from 6:00-8:30 PM. Meetings are open to Co-op owners, with specific time reserved for owner comments. Additional committee meetings happen throughout the month.
You can join the Board for their monthly meetings in-person in the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library or virtually through Zoom teleconference.
Board meeting agendas are posted on the Co-op bulletin board and website one week prior to each scheduled meeting. Approved minutes of Board meetings are available on the website the week following the subsequent monthly meeting. Special meetings may be called as necessary by the Board, or by petition submitted by at least 10% of Co-op owners.
What Makes
a Co-op, a Co-op?
Definition: A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.
Values: Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.
Principles:
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
