Weavers Way is seeking a few member-owners to join the Co-op Board of Directors in 2018. Next year will be a busy and exciting time to join the Board. The Philadelphia area grocery scene is changing quickly with Amazon taking over Whole Foods and opening a store in Spring House, close to our Ambler store. Aldi is reportedly planning a huge growth phase, and home grocery and prepared-meal delivery services are proliferating. Big-box stores such as Walmart and Target are now our competitors in the fresh and local food business. 

The Board, according to our bylaws, must have a minimum of nine and a maximum of 11 members. In most cases, Board members are elected for staggered three-year terms. This cycling system keeps the Board at capacity; turnover is staggered so that newly elected members serve with more experienced members. Elections are held every spring.

In 2018, members will elect five directors. Four Board members are finishing up their terms, so four candidates will be elected to regular three-year terms to take their places. Another Board member is leaving early, and one candidate will be elected for one year to fill out the term.

The active agenda of the Board includes evaluating the growth and development of our new Ambler store, increasing membership and addressing store prices while still continuing to pay staff fairly. The Board also addresses sales and profits and approves any rebate to members. Though our scheduled meetings are the first Tuesday of the month, additional meetings and phone conferences are called to address timely opportunities for Weavers Way. We require a generous time commitment from Board Directors, as most of our work is done in small groups that supplement the meetings. 

We are looking for candidates who will use their talents, interests and knowledge of our community to represent the members. Those who understand and respect group process serve the Board well. Education and training is provided to all Board members. 

If you are interested in serving, we require you to attend at least one regular Tuesday Board meeting prior to running. Opportunities to attend are Dec. 5, 2017, and Jan. 9 and Feb. 6, 2018. We suggest you look at minutes from our meetings (online under “My Co-op” in the Weavers Way Member Center, members.weaversway.coop) to become familiar with our operations. 

Informational sessions for candidates will be held Thursday, Jan. 18; Monday, Jan. 22; and Wednesday, Jan. 24. All sessions are at 7 p.m., with locations in each of our three communities to be announced. Candidates must submit a ballot application by Feb. 28, with a written statement and a photo, and take part in a video interview in early March. These photos and interviews will appear in The Shuttle and on the Weavers Way website. Voting starts April 1 and continues until the Spring 2018 General Membership Meeting, where the results will be announced.

There is no monetary compensation for Weavers Way Board services. But being on the Board is rewarding and greatly appreciated by the membership. 

More information is available at www.weaversway.coop/board.