Board Candidates

All candidates were asked to write a brief statement to answer the question "What are your top three priorities for the Wedge Co-op?"

Fred Grieco, Incumbent

Since 1997, I have been a steady and passionate voice on the Board highlighting the importance of member input.

1. I feel that due to my persistence, there is a growing momentum to rekindle the cooperative spirit that inspired co-ops in their beginning.

2. A project that I helped start and continue to refine is WedgeShare, our philanthropic outreach into the community.

3. I will also continue to establish best practices of co-op governance, to ensure a strong organization into the future. My work here is not done, and I want the chance to implement more new ideas to continue the Wedge's excellence.

Current Occupation: Business Manager for Mary Hayes Grieco -- counselor, teacher, writer, and public speaker; Full-Time Dad of 9-year-old--most rewarding and challenging job ever

Education: B.S., M.A. in Education, minor in Psychology, Queens College, CUNY; Certificate from the Reflective Leadership Program, Humphrey Institute.

Bob Kleiber

1. As it was during my previous stint on the Wedge Board, understanding what the membership wants and needs is my top priority.

2. Achieving #1 in a fiscally responsible manner is my second priority. (We have to be in business to serve our members.)

3. Continuing to have the Wedge be a good community citizen is my third priority. During my previous term, we started the WedgeShare program, and I am really proud of how that program has grown and matured over time.

Current Occupation: Financial Consultant -- currently working at Buca, Inc., parent company of Buca di Beppo restaurants

Education: M.B.A. Northwestern University, Finance and Marketing; B.S. Michigan State University, Business

Special Interests: Financial markets, golf.

Sarah Wovcha

1. Increase membership. A growing, committed constituency will support the Co-op's continued success in providing quality, healthy food and products.

2. Enhance educational and other programs available to members. These programs not only inform members and customers but provide a venue for social and community connection.

3. Foster a strong relationship with the Wedge neighborhood through programs that benefit residents and members alike. The Wedge neighborhood is unique among urban enclaves for the residential and business diversity it embraces. Fostering relationships can bridge the socioeconomic spectrum and provide healthy ways of living to those who may not otherwise experience them.

Current Occupation: Executive Director -- Children's Dental Services, a non-profit providing dental care to lowincome children in the Twin Cities.

Education: M.P.H. Harvard School of Public Health, focus on law and public health; J.D. University of Minnesota Law School, focus on public interest and environmental law; B.A. Macalester College, International Studies (Spanish), minor in Political Science.

Special Interests: Canoeing in the BWCA, cooking/baking/kitchen endeavors, my garden at the California Building in Northeast Minneapolis, and (mostly) spending time with my twoyear-old son, Eli.