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Isabelle Daellenbach (Incumbent)
Why are you interested in serving on the board of Bloomington Cooperative Services (BCS)?
I love Bloomingfoods and have greatly enjoyed my service on the Board. I want to continue to give my time and passion for local foods and sustainability to help Bloomingfoods thrive for many years to come.
What experience or involvement have you had with Bloomingfoods or other cooperatives?
I've had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors for the past three years. During that time, I worked on the Education and OMCC committees, helped write a grant to double SNAP benefits in stores, spent one year as Vice President, and currently serve as President. What has been your experience working cooperatively with small groups of people?
I first learned to work in groups as a lifelong athlete, most recently as a rower. Those years showed me the importance of enthusiasm, communication, and grounding the group in a common goal. Aside from Bloomingfoods, I currently serve as Treasurer of the Bloomington Food and Farm Council. 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 my undergraduate degree in Environmental Management and am currently entering my final year of law school, where I am studying environmental law. While on the Board, I built my cooperative and governance skills by completing courses on Financial Training, Policy Governance, and General Manager Evaluation and Compensation.
How do your values and lifestyle align with the values and mission of the co-op? Personally, I'm passionate about protecting the environment for all to enjoy. Most weekends, I'm hanging around Lake Monroe. Professionally, I strive to strengthen the rights of those the law does not adequately protect, including our planet and natural resources. For example, I've previously worked with migrant farmworkers and local tenants. Given the stated Ends of BCS, what do you see as the primary role of BCS in the community?
BCS is a store for intentional shoppers who are mindful of health, sustainability, and our local economy. More than a store, it's a place and group of people that is personal, creative, inclusive, and community-driven, where others learn about their food and the power of their purchases. What are opportunities and challenges you see for BCS in the future expression of these Ends?
Expanding access. The East side developments are an opportunity to introduce new neighbors to Bloomingfoods' values. I also see opportunities to partner with others doing great work with Bloomington's food system so we all can support more growers, keep more dollars local, and get more quality food to more people. Please share any other brief statement that you feel is important regarding your potential service as a member of our board. One of my favorite parts of Board services is connecting with Owner-Members to discuss their thoughts on the co-op - through tabling events, emails, and one-on-one meetings. I hope to keep building these connections; Bloomingfoods is special because it's supported by a group of people who deeply care.
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