All Aboard!

It has been a wild and wonderful ride serving on the Board of Directors of this great little store.  They say that at first serving on a Board of a natural foods co-op is like stepping aboard a moving train.  It doesn’t really stop for you. Luckily there are always some people who have been on the train for a while and know the ropes. 

I am just beginning to settle into the grounding effect and tremendous support of our governance system. As I start to GET what it is all about and our board responsibilities, I can relax and look around at my fellow board members and begin to enjoy them and the co-creating we can do.  

We need new directors now, so come to a Board meeting as a guest. See who we are and what we do and how we do it. Our elections for directors will be upon us soon. To become a director, you must have been a Co-op owner for 6 months.  We need diverse voices representing our whole community.  

Bring yours!

-Kathy Faith,
Board of Directors

Fond Farewell To Laurie Niles!

All of us here at the Co-op are wishing a proud, fond farewell to Laurie Niles, who is leaving our Board of Directors after seven years of service. In that time, Laurie has been an absolute superstar. She's held just about every Board office--including president! Laurie's leadership and dedication wasn't limited to BOD meetings: she was always ready to volunteer for a project, to help lead Owner Meetings, to show up in the store to promote the Co-op, Board Activities, the Capital Campaign, and whatever else she was needed for.

Laurie helped guide the Co-op through many transitions and changes during her long tenure on the BOD. She was a rock-solid supporter to countless new Directors over the years and was a reliable source of institutional knowledge about the governance of the business. She helped lead CNFC through years of great growth and of challenging sales, of the Capital Campaign and COVID, of owner drives and customer surveys. Through it all, everyone in the community knew that Laurie had a deep knowledge and an infectious energy for everything Co-op.

Laurie's dedication to improving Chico goes beyond her role at the Co-op. She brings her resolute determination, genuine joy, and glowing enthusiasm to all her endeavors, from promoting cycling in Chico to running several garden programs at local schools. Anyone who has worked with Laurie on a project (and that's a lot of folks!) can vouch that she brings so much to the table. The Co-op has been blessed to have her on the Board for so many years, and we will continue to work hard in all aspects of the store to live up to the high standards she has set for us.

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