Notice of Annual Meeting & Election

Election

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Candidate Statements (in alphabetical order)

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GREG FULLER

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Education Degree from Spring Arbor University

Why do you want to serve on the Board of Directors of the Grain Train Natural Food Co-op?

I have always believed in the importance of healthy food access to all people. Serving the board would be a great opportunity for me to share my skills with an organization that puts this value into action, in a way that clearly benefits the community. I have experience in sales and working with a team that would make me an asset to The Board of Directors.

What are you passionate about? How could we see that passion in action in your day-to-day life?

I am a cyclist, a foodie, and a humanist who believes in the power of habits to transform lives. I ride my bike for fun throughout the year on our great local mountain bike trails, and I ride for transportation in the Petoskey area. As homeowners in Petoskey, my wife Mary Bea and I grow a backyard garden and share our harvest with friends and neighbors whenever possible.

Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team? How did you compromise for the team's benefit?

I managed a sales team at Latitude 45 Bicycles and Fitness in Petoskey. I have a customer-focused mindset and set out to support the employees and customers of the bike shop in any way that I could find. I always found that keeping the mission statement of the business in the front of mind was the best way to serve the team, so that they could serve the customers.

Do you have other experiences that you see as being related to the work of the Board?

I have worked for several years as the director of an art business with my wife, Mary Bea McWatters. The teamwork, openness, and vision that

entrepreneurship requires are important strengths that I would bring to the board.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this board and this wonderful community!

JOE GRAHAM - Board President

Why do you want to serve on the Board of Directors of the Grain Train Natural Food Co-op?

The Grain Train is a place my family goes for healthy food and connection; by serving I get to be part of ensuring that it continues to thrive. I joined the Grain Train Board in 2020 and have greatly enjoyed the last three years. The Grain Train is poised for exciting changes and improvements in the next five years and I would like to be part of that process. Additionally, serving on the Board connects me with a great group of passionate people.

What are you passionate about? How could we see that passion in action in your day-to-day life?

Sustainability, community, and wellness are the passions that most strongly apply to my interest in serving on the Grain Train Board. My wife and I have created a large garden where we attempt to grow some of our food (some seasons are more bountiful than others). I am a frequent bike commuter in the warm months and sometimes the not so warm ones. In my role for the Little Traverse Conservancy I get to be a part of preserving this amazing place we call home, and the natural spaces that support our high quality of life. Serving on the Board has become another of the core ways I lean into my passions.

Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team? How did you compromise for the team's benefit?

My favorite team experiences have been as part of teaching teams on outdoor expeditions. For several years I led bikepacking trips for kids. On these trips the teaching team had to make frequent decisions about lessons, routes, meals, and more. Working as co-equal members we would often quickly evaluate several options and how they fit into student safety and our desired educational goals.

My strongest skill is to bring forward ideas from the group and turn them into actionable items. I also believe in developing agreed upon criteria for success so that decisions can be made objectively. This makes the discussion less about individual feelings and more about what will meet the goals. I have found this is very compatible with Grain Train’s Policy Governance.

Do you have other experiences that you see as being related to the work of the Board?

My degree in business administration and 10+ years of experience in various marketing roles serves me well on the board. I have also worked in several sales and service positions. That experience has taught me what factors lead to satisfied customers and a quality work environment. I currently work for the Little Traverse Conservancy, and my experience as a staff member in a board led, non-profit organization provides me with excellent perspective for my work on the Grain Train Board. 

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

Thank you for your consideration, I hope I can continue to serve our owners for another term.

ERIK HAGSTROM - Board Treasurer

EDUCATION: University of San Diego | San Diego, California | 2007

Why do you want to serve on the Board of Directors of the Grain Train Natural Food Co-op?

Having an opportunity to serve on the board of directors has provided me with the honor, challenge, and responsibility of understanding how everything needs to work together for our co-op to succeed and continue to grow. I would love to continue to be a part of that process as we continue to see the fruits of our labor.

What are you passionate about? How could we see that passion in action in your day-to-day life?

As members of a health food co-op I think that across the board our entire ownership base tends to place a high value on our overall health and wellbeing, and I would say that is a passion I take seriously myself. My family and I take an active approach to our health by consistently eating a clean diet, while also placing a high priority on staying physically active.

Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team? How did you compromise for the team's benefit?

I have always enjoyed working in a team environment, and over the years I have learned to approach team settings with a listen and comprehend approach. This has become especially useful as I run my business and meet with clients to understand their needs, and offer practical solutions to fit their budgets and timelines. Specifically, I was recently a part of a web development team creating a product for a new business, but I wasn't in my usual role as the primary developer, I was involved in a support and long term roadmap capacity. I quickly learned that I could play a valuable role in pushing the project forward by understanding the needs of the primary developer and the client, and translating those into tangible goals each party could easily understand and meet.

Do you have other experiences that you see as being related to the work of the Board?

Yes, I would say that I do. I am currently serving my township as the Chairman of the Board for the Planning Commission and also am the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals. I have been serving my township in this capacity for over 6 years and the lessons I have learned about guiding our township and our constituents are a valuable resource that I offer the Grain Train and it's other board members.

GEORGE ROBSON

EDUCATION: Masters Degree in Health and Physical Education from MSU in 1985

Why do you want to serve on the Board of Directors of the Grain Train Natural Food Co-op?

I would like to become more involved in what I see as integral part of our community. I have a career in health and fitness which offers me perspective on what I feel is important to our community and the role that the grain Train can play in it.

What are you passionate about? How could we see that passion in action in your day-to-day life?

Health and Fitness and the role that it plays in the quality of our life and the surroundings.

Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team? How did you compromise for the team's benefit?

I worked on a sales team for years where where you balance your priorities with those of the team to effect greater change. It's all about balance.

Do you have other experiences that you see as being related to the work of the Board?

I was a professional driver for a years and saw how important it is to treat all employees with a professional and respectful demeanor. A respected and valued employee makes a productive one.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

I look forward to the opportunity to participate as a member of the board as it works to make the Grain Train a valuable part of our community and a great place to work.

To see the full bylaws as currently written, click here.

Want to know more about our current Board of Directors?