WANTED: Board Candidates for the October Election Would you like to…

WANTED: Board Candidates for the October Election

Would you like to help guide the St Peter Food Co-op's future? Are you available one Thursday night a
month (the co-op's Board of Directors meets at 6:15 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month)? If you
answered "yes" to these questions, we invite you to be a candidate for the co-op Board of Directors (BOD).
If you become a Board Director, you will learn that our agenda is determined by something called Policy
Governance. It is a systematic way of addressing all the areas that we Board Directors review in order to
focus on the future of the St. Peter Food Co-op. We don't really get involved in ordering organic produce
or stocking the shelves. Our General Manager, Margo O'Brien, is responsible for seeing to it that she and
her staff take care of that work. We "rookies" probably wouldn't get it right anyway. And besides, it isn't
really what the Board of Directors is supposed to do.
However, we do oversee Margo and the work that she does. And to that end, we are responsible for being
knowledgeable about co-op issues so that we continue to grow. The St. Peter Food Co-op's Vision
Statement sums up how we Board members contribute, which is: "...to provide for a vital community by
supporting cooperative principles and sustainability for a growing number of stakeholders locally,
regionally and globally."
Making this future happen is what the co-op is all about. Consider joining us and pick up an application
packet at the co-op. Continue reading to learn more about our expectations.


Reasons to consider running for the Board

    1.   To make a contribution to your community.
    2.   To give something back to your favorite co-op.
    3.   To share talent and energy.
    4.   To be actively involved in a representative democracy.

Responsibilities

    1. Understand and promote the mission of the St. Peter Food Co-op.
    2. Set long-range goals and the strategic direction for the co-op's future.
    3. Ensure sound fiduciary management of the co-op's resources.
    4. Act as trustees on behalf of the members.
    5. Supervise and evaluate the co-op's general manager, but not make the day-to-day operating
       decisions or product choices.
    6. Perpetuate a well-qualified Board by recruiting new directors.
    7. Learn to use the Policy Governance System that guides how we address and focus on decisions for
       the co-op's future.

Criteria Considered by the Nominations Committee for Board Candidates

    1.   St. Peter Food Co-op member.
    2.   Ability to perform the responsibilities and expectations of Board members.
    3.   Good communication skills.
    4.   Ability to readily understand financial issues or an interest in learning.
    5.   Previous board, committee or other group experience.

Term: 3 years, beginning after the September 2007 annual meeting.
To receive an application: Pick up an application at the co-op or print the following three pages.
Application deadline: Completed applications are due by August 17, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. The nominations committee will
review applications and present the slate of candidates to the membership for its consideration. Ballots and candidate
profiles will be mailed in late September.




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       St. Peter Food Co-op Board of Directors
                Candidate Application
Return to the St. Peter Food Co-op by August 17th, 2008 at 5:00 PM.
The Nominating Committee would like information about your background and expertise, what you
can offer the St. Peter Food Co-op, and what interests you about serving on the board. Contact any
board member if you have a question about this process.


Name: __________________________________     Member-Owner number: ______________


Address: __________________________________________________________________


City, State, ZIP _____________________________________________________________


Phone: (W)_____________ (H)_____________ E-mail ______________________________


Best times to reach you by phone: _______________________________________________


I. Candidate Leadership Qualities: The St. Peter Food Co-op Board of Directors needs people with
commitment to the entire membership of the co-op, not just specific issues. We realize that most
people do not possess all of the characteristics of leadership that are listed below. Put a check mark
before those characteristics which best describe you.

   ___1. Able to share a vision, a purpose, an ideal
   ___2. Seeks win/win solutions
   ___3. Empowers others and delegates authority
   ___4. Is creative, imaginative, flexible
   ___5. Respects multiple elements of diversity and diversity of thought
   ___6. Displays candor and has the courage to challenge respectfully
   ___7. Understands balance between bottom line and larger organizational purpose
   ___8. Follows through on commitments
   ___9. Able to maintain confidentiality when required
   ___10. Able to work on a team
   ___11. Able to put the interests of the whole above interests of a few
   ___12. Able to think long term and see the big picture -- not get bogged down in details




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II. Candidate Background Information: Please provide information of all items below.
(Candidates are encourage to submit a resume or CV)

A. Current Occupation:


B. Education (include institution, specialization, and any degrees earned):


C. Special Interests:


D. Skills and experience -- please rate your skills and/or experience in the following areas, using
the scale of 10 = extensive, 5 = moderate, 1 = slight. (If you are filling this out on your computer,
replace the number with an upper case X.)

Understanding co-op philosophy and movement                 10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Financial analysis expertise                                10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Managing business or organizational growth                  10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Communications skills, written and oral                     10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Grocery and/or natural food industry                        10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Community groups                                            10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
General management                                          10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Member/public relations                                     10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Board-level decision-making experience                      10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Management oversight and compensation                       10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Strategic planning                                          10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Agricultural and food policy                                10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
Leadership, facilitation, and meeting management skills     10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1

E. Business and/or organizational experience: List and briefly describe any business and/or
volunteer positions (including community groups) you have held. (A resume or CV may substitute
for response to this question.)




III. Why are you interested in serving on the St. Peter Food Co-op Board of Directors?




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IV. Board and Organizational Dynamics:

A. If you could not agree with the majority on a decision, how would you conduct
yourself?




B. What is your understanding of the St. Peter Food Co-op as a cooperative?




C. Describe how you are qualified to perform duties for monitoring:
      1. Financial statements?


      2. Management of the store?


      3. Communication between the co-op and its members?




V. Statement to the Members
Nominated candidates are given the opportunity to address the Member-Owners in the form of a
short paragraph. This will be presented in a special election bulletin published by the St. Peter
Food Co-op. You have a maximum of 200 words to answer the questions below:

      1. Why do you believe members should choose you to represent them?




      2. What areas should the Board focus on in the next five years?




      3. What else, if anything, would you like to share with the membership?




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