Fall Elections Are Here! Your Co-op Needs You!

As we head into the October election, remember that one of your most important rights as a member-owner is to select individuals for the Board of Directors, who act on your behalf in ensuring the continued success of the Wedge. Members have a real voice in governance and in the direction of their co-op. I hope that all of you will take the time to participate in the process by completing the ballot attached to this issue of the newsletter.

We have two positions to fill this year from a slate of three highly qualified, experienced, interesting candidates. Newly elected Board members must be able to fully participate in the work of the Board, which includes financial oversight of the co-op, as well as planning for the future by setting policies and establishing long-range goals. The Board is also responsible for hiring and evaluating the General Manager. The Nominations Committee has found that people with the following general characteristics are usually best suited to perform the work of the Board:

• Understand co-op principles and board duties on behalf of the member-owners.
• Exposure to business principles, practices and understanding financial information and processes.
• Committee, ad hoc group, or board experience/involvement in a professional organization.
• Allocation of sufficient time and energy to perform the required functions in a thorough and conscientious manner.

Please read each candidate's statement and carefully consider his or her qualifications. Participation in the voting process is a tangible reminder that the Wedge is more than just a great place to shop. With your support and continued participation in your Co-op as a voting member-owner, we can continue the original cooperative mission of collective efforts, healthy living and food for people, not for profit.

In addition to electing directors, the ballot this year includes amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws. The explanation for the amendments is given in the following pages, and a clean copy of the proposed new articles is enclosed in the newsletter. It is important that we keep these foundational documents current with law, the state of the business and the prevailing understanding of best practices in the co-op world.

The election results will be announced at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. Thank you for your participation.