Candidates were asked to list their occupation and education, and to write a short essay in which they answer these questions:

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

In what areas should the Board be putting its attention in the next five years?

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

Brian Buffington

Occupation: Finance Manager at Honeywell International

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Northeastern State U, Tahlequah, OK, C.P.A.

I believe the Wedge Co-op has a great opportunity to increase the quality of life for both its current/future member base and its current/future vendor and supplier base. The quality of life I speak of comes from what I believe the Wedge should focus on over the next five years, which is outlined in the following three categories:

Training/Education to Current & New Members
Reaching new members through education awareness regarding the difference of the food that they are currently getting from "big box" stores vs. "real food" available at the Wedge.

Educating current members about the healing powers available from "real food."

Product Availability to Current & New Members
Price — making all products as low cost as possible
Location — making all products more easily available

Eco Friendly Sustainable Products
Local — supply members with locally grown/produced products when possible
Organic — good for the body, good for the earth

By focusing on these categories, I believe the Wedge can improve the overall quality of life for the entire community by educating, training and bringing affordable and sustainable "real food" that provides the human body with everything it needs to become the most productive version it can be.

Mike Dooley

Occupation: Owner/General Manager of The Craftsman Restaurant

Education: B.S. Business, Accounting, Carlson School of Management, U of MN, C.P.A.

As a board member, I would bring my extensive retail food industry experience and accounting/finance experience to help ensure The Wedge remains a strong, viable organization. I created, own and operate The Craftsman Restaurant and I have over 10 years experience as a Certified Public Accountant, with extensive experience in reading and preparing financial statements. I also understand that the bottom line is not purely numerical, and that business decisions must be community based. I have enjoyed an extensive involvement in serving on boards of neighborhood organizations, community development corporations, and non-profit corporations. I currently serve as board member of a large social service organization, and also as treasurer of a community dance troupe

I like the Wedge business focus that has evolved over the last several years with the addition of the Gardens of Eagan and the relationship with Co-op Partners. The Wedge should continue its measured exploration of business opportunities within the local food network. There will eventually be a retail threat to The Wedge in Uptown, this should be seen as an opportunity to focus on strengthening our relationship with our members and the community at large. The Wedge will emerge a stronger organization as a result.

Lisa Fittipaldi

Occupation: Independent strategy and marketing consultant, focused primarily on health and wellness

Education: B.A. Communications, Miami University of Ohio, J.D. Case Western Reserve University, M.B.A. Specializing in Marketing, Wharton

We receive so much from the Wedge, from the vast selection of organic food to the world class bakery, juice bar and deli. If you are like me, the Wedge is home—a place where you are taken care of and always welcome. As a single parent, I have focused on raising my family, letting the Wedge represent me on critical issues: sustainability, fair trade, support for the community. Now with older children, I can give back to the Wedge, its members and the community. I pledge to build on the Wedge's commitment to sustainability, fair trade, a clean environment and the community. I will advocate for an increase in locally grown food and fair trade products. I will be a voice for members and encourage you to contact me to represent your interests.

Helping the Wedge stay financially strong, however, is where I provide significant value. Having held executive positions within the food industry, including the organic sector, I can help the Wedge manage expenses, review capital expenditures, consider acquisitions and nurture employees. Enhanced profitability enables us to act on our social conscience and make an impact locally and globally. I would be honored to represent you.

Tina Frontera

Occupation: Senior Director for Consumer/Provider Integrated Initiatives and Patient Choice for Medica Health Plan

Education: B.S. Cleveland State University, M.A. in Health Administration, St. Mary's Graduate School, Mpls., MN, Licensed in Life and Health Insurance, MN

I have had 30 years of management experience including board membership, titles of Senior Vice President, Vice President and Director for a wide array of profit, non profit and member led organizations. These positions have included responsibility for strategic planning, marketing, people management, customer service, operations as well as profit/loss responsibility for business segments. Currently, I am a Senior Director at Medica Health Plans. With this vast and well rounded experience, I can add nimble value to the Wedge as we plan for our future. I consider my leadership style to be that of a creative realist.

Over the next five years, I believe the Wedge should continue to both strengthen the core and develop the new. This includes putting focused attention on strategies to meet evolving customer and community needs and trends, developing new complimentary market services, developing relationships, as well as continuing sound business and operational practices during these challenging economic times.

I have been a Wedge member since 1986 and have experienced our growth and transitions. It holds a special place in my heart, and I would be honored to serve the membership in the capacity of a board member.

Vina Kay

Occupation: Grant Writer for two homeless shelters in North Minneapolis, regular writer for Edible Twin Cities magazine.

Education: B.A. English and Women's Studies, Carleton College, J.D. University of MN Law School

I am a writer in Minneapolis, from grants for a homeless shelter in North Minneapolis, to articles for the magazine Edible Twin Cities, to my own creative writing. My experience includes work on several boards, including Lake Country School and the Multicultural Alumni Network at Carleton College. I have a B.A. from Carleton and a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.

The Wedge is an important part of my family's life. We shop weekly and I value knowing that the food our family shares has been raised and grown sustainably, with respect for people, animals, and the environment. I value the fact that the Wedge is both a business and a community — that it seeks the input of its members and that it reaches out to its neighbors.

I would like to the see the Wedge continue its commitment to good citizenship: treating its employees respectfully, fostering strong relationships with its suppliers, and helping to meet the needs of an urban community. I would like to see an even broader, more diverse community come through its doors — more people who view healthy food as accessible and an important part of their family budget.

Emily Williams

3-year incumbent seeking second term

Occupation: Project Manager, Center for the Victims of Torture

Education: B.A., University of California—Berkeley, Developmental Psychology; Master of Public Health, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, specialization in research and health policy

I seek re-election by Wedge members to represent their interests on the Board of Directors because of my keen interest in ensuring the welfare, innovation and continued success of the Wedge. In my tenure on the Board, I have gained considerable experience in "polishing the gem" of a cooperative natural foods retailer we have in the Wedge. I've summarized my decision to run for a second term on the board into two reasons: 1) my growing enthusiasm for the future leadership opportunities in the work of the Board, and 2) a desire to fully implement the experience I've gained to date toward the continued thriving of the Wedge.

As a person, I am committed to the concept of positive change in all circumstance. The potential for positive change is ever-present and I enjoy working tirelessly for it. As a community, locally and globally, we are experiencing times of unprecedented change and unprecedented opportunity.

In these times, it is important we maintain our focus on present and future opportunities for growth. There are many ways in which I hope to do this as a board member, including the creation and implementation of a dynamic and responsive strategic plan.