Thank you for your interest in serving on the board of Canada’s largest independent consumer-owned retail food co-operative!
From our humble beginnings in the 1970s as small buying club, the Kootenay Co-op has grown over the past four decades into a thriving social enterprise with more than 11,000 active members and annual sales in excess of $25M.
Serving as our Co-op’s Board President during these challenging times has been a special privilege. I’m beyond proud of how our staff, management and board have risen to meet this moment, keeping our community fed, our finances impeccable, and our sights on better days ahead.
director roles + benefits
Directors contribute by:
- Participating in strategic planning and risk management.
- Hiring and evaluating the General Manager, who is responsible for managing all operational matters, including store policies, hiring, maintaining the facilities, marketing and communications.
- Acting as trustees on behalf of our Co-op’s members.
- Having fiduciary obligations for our Co-op, including sound management of our Co-op’s resources.
- Attending monthly board meetings and participate in two board committees, all currently virtual.
- Committing to at least one three-year term.
Directors benefit by:
- Making a difference in our community by helping strengthen our local food system.
- Developing professional skills in leadership, teamwork and management.
- Building professional and personal relationships.
- Having access to training opportunities offered by our Co-op and its affiliates.
- Receiving monthly honorarium in store credit and store discount.
Are you a good fit for our board? Is our board a good fit for you?
Our board welcomes those with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience. All members may nominate themselves to stand for election, and our board seeks nominees with any of the following:
- Experience in retail, or wholesale grocery business, natural foods and nutrition, organic food production.
- A background in business law, finance/accounting, marketing, digital media, human resources real estate/property management.
- Previous experience on a board of directors.
- The ability to read and comprehend financial statements.
- An understanding of the cooperative principles.
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