Wanted: Board Candidates for the October 2008 Election

Want to help guide the Wedge's future? Do you care about membership, how we can compete in a changing business environment and how we can continue the Wedge's phenomenal success? The continued health of our co-op depends on a strong, knowledgeable board. Consider being a board candidate. Here's an outline of board responsibilities and candidate selection criteria.

Reasons to consider running for the Board

1. You want to make a contribution to your community.
2. You want to give something back to your favorite co-op.
3. You have talent and energy to share and are interested in professional development.
4. You want to be actively involved in a representative democracy.
5. You will be able to answer the question, "Just what does the Board DO?"

Responsibilities

1. Set long-range goals and ensure planning for the future.
2. Ensure sound management of the coop's resources.
3. Act as trustees on behalf of the members.

To fulfill these responsibilities, the Board of Directors must focus on four key areas:

1. Hiring, supervising and evaluating the co-op's general manager.
2. Planning for the co-op's future and approving management's plans.
3. Approving capital and operating budgets.
4. Recruiting new directors to ensure a well-qualified board.

The Board also makes decisions about the mechanics of the co-op's governance system, development of policies and guidelines, and related matters.

The Board does NOT make operating decisions for the store, choose products, nor supervise staff other than the general manager.

Expectations of Board Members

1. Understand and promote the mission of the Wedge Community Co-op.
2. Act in the interests of the whole membership, not a specific constituency.
3. Attend meetings faithfully and serve on committees effectively (4-10 hours/month time commitment, depending on committee assignments).
4. Assess their own performance as board members.
5. Act in accordance with the Code of Ethics.
6. Assure continuity of the highest quality in Board membership.

Criteria Considered by the Nominations Committee for Board Candidates

1. Active Wedge member in good standing.
2. Completed application and resume turned in on time.
3. Ability to perform the responsibilities and expectations of Board members (list above).
4. Commitment to the Code of Ethics and Confidentiality adopted by the Wedge board.
5. Good communication skills.
6. Leadership qualities (listed below).
7. Ability to readily understand financial issues, and read financial statements such as a balance sheet.
8. Previous board, committee or other group experience.

Desirable Candidate Leadership Qualities

The Wedge Board of Directors needs people with commitment to the entire membership of the co-op, not just specific issues. Although most people do not possess all of the following leadership characteristics, please consider applying if you have a number of them:

1. Able to share a vision, a purpose, an ideal.
2. Seek win/win solutions, not win/lose.
3. Empower others and delegate authority.
4. Are creative, imaginative, flexible.
5. Respect multiple elements of diversity and diversity of thought.
6. Display candor and have the courage to challenge respectfully.
7. Understand balance between bottom line and larger organizational purpose.
8. Follow 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 body above the interests of a few.
12. Able to think long term and see the big picture - not get bogged down in details.

Term:

3 years, beginning after the October 2008 annual meeting.

Compensation:

$5,000 per year, paid quarterly (more for officers).

To receive an application in person: Request an application at the Customer Service Desk.

To receive an application by email: Send your request with "Board Application Requested" on the subject line to bodadmin@wedge.coop.

Application deadline: Completed applications are due by 5 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2008. Interviews will take place during the last week of July and the first week of August. The Board of Directors will present the slate of candidates to the membership for its consideration. Ballots and candidate profiles will be mailed in September.