Susan Myers

What inspires you to serve on the board of Bloomington Cooperative Services?

I am a devoted Bloomingfoods member and employee on and off since 1988.  I worked at Bloomingfoods for five years while I earned my bachelor's degree.  I feel that this is a good time for me to get more involved in the co-op.

What experience or involvement have you had with Bloomingfoods and/or other cooperatives?

I have been a member/employee of Bloomingfoods on and off for 36 years. I have also been a member/employee at the Briarpatch in Grass Valley, CA, Kokua Market in Honolulu, and Twin Pines Co-op in Cincinnati.

What has been your experience working cooperatively with small groups of people?

I currently serve on the Bloomingfoods BEER Fund Committee, a group that works together to consider nominations for disbursements from the BEER Fund to Bloomingfoods employees in need.  My experience working cooperatively in small groups has mostly been in the context of board committees or employment situations.

Please share any professional, volunteer, or life experience you have had that will provide insight when serving on the BCS Board of Directors. Include knowledge, skills, formal training, and education that will contribute to the mission of our co-op.

I have decades of experience working at several co-ops and board service at two co-ops.  My total work experience at Bloomingfoods is 15 years. I have a B.A. in Journalism from Indiana University.  That education and related work experience gave me strong written and verbal communication skills.

How do your values and lifestyle align with the values and mission of the co-op?

I was attracted to co-ops in my 20s because co-ops promoted values I identify with; democratic governance, cooperation, supporting organics, supporting local businesses and sustainability.  I like the democratic structure of cooperatives in that no one owner/member has any more power than any other owner/member.  

Given the stated Ends of BCS, what do you see as the primary role of BCS in the community?

I see Bloomingfoods’ role as continuing to lead the way as a reliable source of local, fair trade, and healthful products for everyone in the Bloomington community. Continued support for and expansion of our support of the local food economy.

What are opportunities and challenges you see for BCS in the future expression of these Ends?

Challenges include corporate competition and inflation.  These factors are impacting our sales growth and margins.  Our opportunities include continuing efforts to get the word out in the community about the co-op difference and why they should become owner/members. 

Please share any other brief statement that you feel is important regarding your potential service as a member of our board.

Co-ops have been an important part of my life for more than 40 years.  My involvement with co-ops has been a personal source of fulfillment.  Having an opportunity to serve on the Bloomingfoods board of directors would be a meaningful way for me to continue my support of co-ops.

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