Why Join? With Sheila McQuaid

The Co-op is looking for owners to join our Board of Directors! You may be wondering, though, "What is the Board of Directors, and why should I join?" Who better to answer that then someone who has already served on the BOD? Read on to learn more about the experience of Sheila McQuaid.

(And, as always, if you want to apply, visit our website!)

We caught up with former member of the Board of Directors Sheila McQuaid to learn a little bit about her experience serving on the Co-op’s BOD.

Why did you decide to join the BOD?

Sheila: “I’ve been a member of the Co-op for a long time and thought joining the Board would be a way to support the great work the CO-op does for our community. I thought getting experience ona Board would be interesting, and it was!”

What were some of your takeaways from participating in Board work?

Sheila: I learned a lot about the exceptional values of the Co-op and lots more about the National Co-op organization [National Cooperative Grocers, or NCG]. The work is challenging, but the snacks are awesome! I would do it again and highly recommend the experience to other Co-op members who have the time to spare. I miss working with the other Board members, they’re such an inspiring group!

If you want to learn more about joining the Co-op’s Board of Directors, or are ready to run, download an application from our website!

Why Join? with Michael Lee

The Co-op is looking for owners to join our Board of Directors! You may be wondering, though, "What is the Board of Directors, and why should I join?" Who better to answer that then someone who has already served on the BOD? Read on to learn more about the experience of Michael Lee, former Board Treasurer and President.

(And, as always, if you want to apply, visit our website!)

I ran for the CNFC Board of Directors in the 2019 election for two primary reasons. First, I wanted to better connect with our community and more fully understand the Co-op, its vendors and farmers, its place within the community, and our local food systems. I have lived in Chico since 1998 and have been very involved in our local community since moving here. My intent for running for the CNFC Board of Directors was a furthering of that community involvement. 

Second, as I have been a Co-op owner and shopper for many years and fully believe in the Co-op’s vision and place in our community, I wanted to join the leadership to add experience and perspective as well as be a part of and affect the future vision and growth of the Co-op. 

Participating in the CNFC Board of Directors was extremely rewarding. The involvement offered me the opportunity to contribute and positively affect the future of the Co-op through Board-led democratic leadership. The CNFC Board of Directors was a very welcoming environment, with resources available to those seeking to learn and contribute at whatever level they feel comfortable. This lent itself to inclusivity of all Directors, regardless of background or experience. And as a result of this welcoming environment of the CNFC Board of Directors, I had the opportunity to meet and work with a wide variety of wonderful people, all with diverse backgrounds and experience, yet all equally passionate about the Co-op.

Lastly, as my involvement on the CNFC Board of Directors included being a member of the Finance Committee, becoming Treasurer, and eventually becoming President, I would strongly recommend to those considering nomination to, if elected, consider further involvement by way of committee or Officer election. The Co-op’s success hinges on leadership passionate about its vendors, employees, owners, customers, and place within the community. Election to the CNFC Board of Directors is a wonderful way to be a part of that leadership. And further committee or Officer work is an even more effective and rewarding opportunity within that role.

-Michael Lee

Join the Board!

The Co-op Wants Your Leadership!

The Co-op is currently looking for interested owners to run for the Board of Directors. If you’ve been looking for a chance to have a bigger impact on your local food system, this is it!

The Board of Directors is the Democratically Elected Leadership of the Co-op.

Board members oversee the work of the General Manager, attend monthly meetings, and correspond with each other to keep updated on the status of the Co-op and to make long-term plans for the organization. A more full description of Director duties can be found here. Members of the Board of Directors receive a 15% discount on all purchases at the Co-op, excluding alcohol.

The Board Election Takes Place in April.

Applications are due by the end of March, and the election itself takes place in the second half of April.

Only Co-op Owners Can Run for the Board

Candidates must be CNFC member-owners for 6 months prior to the election and be in good standing. 
Board members should be able to make a commitment of 10 hours per month for Board service.

Learn more by contacting the Board: bod@chiconatural.org

BOD Election Winners!

The Co-op is pleased to announce the winners of our 2021 Board of Directors election! There are some familiar faces, and some folks who are brand new to the Board. Here are the three folks who will begin their 3-year terms on the Board with this evening’s BOD meeting!

Sarah Schlobohm

Danielle Baxter

Dale Rudesill

Run for the Board!

The Co-op Wants Your Leadership!

The Co-op is currently looking interested owners to run for the Board of Directors. If you’ve been looking for a chance to take a leadership role in the Chico Natural Foods Cooperative.

The Board of Directors is the Democratically Elected Leadership of the Co-op.

Board members oversee the work of the General Manager, attend monthly meetings, and correspond with each other to keep updated on the status of the Co-op and to make long-term plans for the organization. A more full description of Director duties can be found here. Members of the Board of Directors receive a 15% discount on all purchases at the Co-op, excluding alcohol.

The Board Election Takes Place in April.

Applications are due by the end of March, and the election itself takes place in the second half of April.

Only Co-op Owners Can Run for the Board

Candidates must be CNFC member-owners for 6 months prior to the election and be in good standing. 
Board members should be able to make a commitment of 10 hours per month for Board service.

Learn more by contacting the Board: bod@chiconaturalfoods.coop

2020 Annual Meeting

A Message from Board President, Michael Lee.

I’d like to thank everyone for attending our annual owner meeting on October 9, 2020. We appreciate you for taking the time on a Friday evening to be with us (virtually).

Our meeting consisted of reports from me (President), our General Manager, our Human Resources / Finance Director, and our Brand Manager. In addition to these reports were four employee videos, with delightful perspectives of their work at the Co-op.

The reports given included updates about:

·         The effects of COVID-19 and how the Co-op has adapted to keep employees, customers, and our community safe.

·         Equity and equality and the need to focus on supporting staff safety and well-being, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

·         The Co-op renovation, which included insight into our plan to pivot our previous remodel plan to a smaller, more focused store update.

·         The changing business environment and the Co-op’s financial outlook.

·         The Co-op’s work with and involvement in the Chico community.

Again, we thank you for attending our annual owner meeting and we hope that you continue to support our wonderful Co-op, as owners and as customers. And we, as a Board, are here for you and welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions to make the Co-op even better than it already is.

-Board President,
Michael Lee