Dear Oshkosh Food Co-op Members,

Official Notice

This is the official notice of openings for the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors!

• 4 seats up for election 
• New board members announced at our June 6, 2024 Annual Meeting
• Submit your 2024 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form now! (All self-nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. April 19, 2024.)

When the new board directors take office, the Co-op will be approaching its third anniversary as an operating store. That means you could be instrumental in helping grow and engrain the Co-op in our community and deliver on its vision to strengthen the local economy, promote health and build community.

All member-owners are welcome to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. Those with skills in finance, governance, retail operations, human resources and cultural inclusion are especially encouraged to throw their hats in the ring.

This year four seats will be up for election. The top three vote-getters will serve a three-year term. The 4th place vote-getter will serve a one-year term.

Here's how it works:

1. Candidates for the Board of Directors election are self-nominated. Check out the Candidate Information Packet for details about the process of running for the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board, including the timeline for the election and general expectations of board members.
2. Interested candidates submit the 2024 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form before midnight on April 19, 2024.
3. The Board of Directors shares the statements of all candidates with our member-owners.
4. Member-owners receive an online ballot.
5. The outcome of the election is announced at your Co-op's Annual Meeting.
6. New board members are seated about six weeks later, following new board member orientation.

Candidate Information Sessions

Want to get a better understanding of the process and what it's like to serve on the OFC Board? 

Interested candidates are welcome to attend a one-hour in person or virtual info session:

• April 1, 2024 6pm| In-person Session | Register Here
• April 13, 2024 | Virtual Session| Register Here and Get Meeting Link

An email with a link to these forums will also be sent to all member-owners via email.

Potential candidates are also encouraged to attend a board meeting as a member-owner guest to observe what the meetings are typically like and what issues the Board discusses. Check out the upcoming meeting times on the events page here.

Questions?

Email Governance Chair Tracy Luchetta if you're interested in scheduling a one-on-one meeting to get your questions answered. 

Next Steps

If you are interested in running for the board, please:

• Review the Candidate Information Packet.
• Complete the 2024 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form. 
• Submit it by 11:59 pm on April 19. 
• If you prefer to fill out a Word version of this Self Nomination and Verification Form, please email the Board of Directors. 

Email the Board of Directors with any questions!

Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember

• March 25: Self-nomination and candidate packet materials posted to the Oshkosh Food Co-op website (Don't worry, we'll also send the info out in future member-owner emails!)
• April 1: Candidacy Information Session (In person - Oshkosh Food Co-op Community Room, 6:00 p.m.) Register Here
• April 13: Candidacy Information Session (Online, 10 a.m.) Register Here
• April 19: Deadline to submit self-nominations (by 11:59 pm)
• April 29: Slate of candidates announced and online election begins
• May 31: Online election closes
• June 6: Annual Membership Meeting and announcement of member-owners elected to serve on the Board of Directors
• First board meeting in July: New board members are seated.

Still not sure?

Email Governance Chair Tracy Luchetta if you have any questions or would like to learn more about running for or serving on the board.

Dear Oshkosh Food Co-op Members,

Official Notice

This is the official notice of openings for the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors!

• 4 seats up for election 
• New board members announced at our June 5, 2024, Annual Meeting
• Submit your 2024 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form now! (All self-nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. April 19, 2024.)

When the new board directors take office, the Co-op will be approaching its third anniversary as an operating store. That means you could be instrumental in helping grow and engrain the Co-op in our community and deliver on its vision to strengthen the local economy, promote health and build community.

All member-owners are welcome to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. Those with skills in finance, governance, retail operations, human resources and cultural inclusion are especially encouraged to throw their hats in the ring.

This year four seats will be up for election. The top three vote-getters will serve a three-year term. The 4th place vote-getter will serve a one-year term.

Here's how it works:

1. Candidates for the Board of Directors election are self-nominated. Check out the Candidate Information Packet for details about the process of running for the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board, including the timeline for the election and general expectations of board members.
2. Interested candidate submit the 2024 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form before midnight on April 19, 2024
3. The Board of Directors shares the statements of all candidates with our member-owners.
4. Member-owners receive an online ballot.
5. The outcome of the election is announced at your Co-op's Annual Meeting.
6. New board members are seated about six weeks later, following new board member orientation.

Candidate Information Sessions

Want to get a better understanding of the process and what it's like to serve on the OFC Board? 

Interested candidates are welcome to attend a one-hour in person or virtual info session:

• April 1, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.| In-person and virtual Session |Register for In-Person or Virtual Session 1  

• April 13, 11:30 - 12:30 | In-person and Virtual Session| Register for In-Person or Virtual Session 2

An email with a link to these forums will also be sent to all member-owners via email.

Potential candidates are also encouraged to attend a board meeting as a member-owner guest to observe what the meetings are typically like and what issues the Board discusses. Check out the upcoming meeting times on the events page here.

Questions?

Email Governance Chair Tracy Luchetta if you're interested in scheduling a one-on-one meeting to get your questions answered. 

Next Steps

If you are interested in running for the board, please:

• Review the Candidate Information Packet.
• Complete the 2024 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form. 
• Submit it by 11:59 pm on April 19, 2024. 
• If you prefer to fill out a Word version of this Self Nomination and Verification Form, please email the Board of Directors. 

Email the Board of Directors with any questions!

Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember

• March 23: Self-nomination and candidate packet materials posted to the Oshkosh Food Co-op website (Don't worry, we'll also send the info out in future member-owner emails!)
• April 1: Candidacy Information Session (In person and online - Oshkosh Food Co-op Community Room, 6:00 p.m.) Register Here
• April 13: Candidacy Information Session (In person and online, 11:30 - 12:30 p.m.) Register Here
• April 19: Deadline to submit self-nominations (by 11:59 pm)
• April 29: Slate of candidates announced and online election begins.
• May 31: Online election closes
• June 5: Annual Membership Meeting and announcement of member-owners elected to serve on the Board of Directors
• First board meeting in July: New board members are seated.

Still not sure?

Email Governance Chair Tracy Luchetta if you have any questions or would like to learn more about running for or serving on the board.

Meet the 2023 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board Candidates

Each year, three board positions are open for election. Generally, board members hold positions for three-year terms unless shortened due to vacancies. In the event of a vacancy, additional seats may be available for election.

Elections are held in the first half of every year. There are four seats to be filled through this election. As an Oshkosh Food Co-op member-owner, you may vote for up to four candidates. The top three vote-getters will serve a three-year term, while the candidate with the fourth highest number of votes will serve a one-year term.

We are very excited to announce this year's Oshkosh Food Co-op slate of candidates!

Each year, three board positions are open for election. Additional seats may be available for election because of vacancies in the previous year.  Generally, board members hold positions for three-year terms unless shortened due to vacancies., and elections are held in the first half of every year. This year there are four seats available, therefore OFC members may vote for up to four candidates. The top three vote-getters will serve a three year term and the candidate with the fourth highest number of votes will serve a one year term.

2022 Board of Directors Candidate Slate

Please click the links below to read the nomination statement that each of the outstanding candidates has prepared as you consider your vote!

As a reminder, members will have the opportunity to vote for up to four candidates.

• Chris Corbin
• Jessica King
• Belynda Pinkston
• Ashley Reider
• Heather Seraphine
• Andrew C. Smith

Who is eligible to vote: Every primary member (each member household gets one vote) that became a member on or before Aprll 23, 2022 is eligible to vote in the Board of Directors election.

How to cast your vote: 

• All voting is online this year!  An email was sent to each eligible primary member through Election Runner at 12:05 am, April 23, 2022. Voting reminders have also subsequently gone out.
• If you did not receive an online ballot and are a member of the co-op, please check your spam, promotions or trash for anything from Election Runner and if you don't find a link to your ballot, please email us with updated contact information and we will confirm your membership and send you a ballot. Please note, each membership receives one ballot; voting instructions are sent to to the primary member's email address.
• Online elections will close at midnight on May 23, 2022. Additional instructions are included in the email. 

When will winners of the Board of Directors election be announced?

The outcome of the election will be announced at our Annual Meeting on May 25.  The meeting in person and in our store this year! Sign up here to attend the OFC Annual Meeting!

 If you have any questions, you can contact us by email at [email protected]. 

 Thanks in advance for using your voice in this very important Co-op process.

Dear Oshkosh Food Co-op Members,

This is the official notice of openings for the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors!

• 4 seats up for election 
• New board members announced at our May 25, 2022 Annual Meeting
• Submit your 2022 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form now! (All self nominations must be submitted by 11:59 pm on April 8, 2022.)

We're at a very exciting time in the Oshkosh Food Co-op's evolution. This is our first election as an operating store! That means our board has an increased level of responsibility in overseeing its success. That also means that you could be instrumental in helping grow and engrain the Co-op in our community and deliver on its vision to strengthen the local economy, promote health and build community.

All member-owners are welcome to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. Those with skills in finance, governance, retail operations, human resources and cultural inclusion are especially encouraged to throw their hats in the ring.

This year four seats will be up for election. The top three vote-getters will serve a three-year term. The 4th place vote-getter will serve a one-year term.

Here's how it works:

1. Candidates for the Board of Directors election are self-nominated. Check out the Candidate Information Packet for details about the process of running for the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board, including the timeline for the election and general expectations of board members.
2. Interested candidate submit the 2022 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form before midnight on April 8, 2022.
3. The Board of Directors shares the statements of all candidates with our member-owners.
4. Member-owners receive an online ballot.
5. The outcome of the election is announced at our Annual Meeting.
6. New board members are seated about six weeks later, following new board member orientation.

Want to get a better understanding of the process and what it's like to serve on the OFC Board? 

Interested candidates are welcome to attend a virtual info session:

• Wednesday March 9th from 7-8 pm: Register Here
• Saturday, April 2nd from 9-10 am: Register Here

Potential candidates are also encouraged to attend a board meeting as a member-owner guest to observe what the meetings are typically like and what issues the Board discusses. Check out the upcoming meeting times here.

Please send Board Secretary Molly Smiltneek an email if you're interested in attending or would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting to get your questions answered. An email with a link to these forums will also be sent to all member-owners via email.

If you are interested in running for the board, please:

• Review the Candidate Information Packet.
• Complete the 2022 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form and submit it by 11:59 pm on April 8. If you prefer to fill out a Word version of this Self Nomination and Verification Form, please email us at [email protected]. 

Questions can be directed to [email protected]

Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember

• February 16: Self-nomination and candidate packet materials posted to the Oshkosh Food Co-op website (Don't worry, we'll also send the info out in future member-owner emails!)
• March 9: Candidacy Information Session (Online, 7:00-8:00 pm) Register Here
• April 2: Candidacy Information Session (Online, 9:00-10:00 am) Register Here
• April 8: Deadline to submit self-nominations (by 11:59 pm)
• April 23: Slate of candidates announced and online election begins
• May 23: Online election closes
• May 25: Annual Membership Meeting and announcement of member-owners elected to serve on the Board of Directors
• First board meeting in July: New board members are seated

Email [email protected] or contact Molly Smiltneek (Board Secretary) if you have any questions or would like to learn more about running for or serving on the board.

(Oshkosh, Wis.) – The Oshkosh Food Co-op has named Ryan Rasmussen Acting General Manager. 

Rasmussen is an Oshkosh native who first became involved with the Oshkosh Food Co-op as an adjunct board member through the Leadership Oshkosh program. Before the store opened, Rasmussen served on the Hiring, Membership Recruitment & Communications and Site Teams, bringing a wealth of leadership skills and knowledge in Food & Beverage sales and management gained while working with EAA and Levy Restaurants at Lambeau Field.

The Oshkosh Food Co-op has been approved to accept Federal EBT and SNAP after submitting their application prior to store opening. “We’ve had many customers waiting for this approval, and we are pleased to now be able to offer this important option for our community,” said General Manager Jeffrey Thouron. The application, submitted by the Board of Directors last spring, was reviewed by the U.S Department of Agriculture.  Once the store was opened, an inspection needed to take place for final approval to be granted.  That inspection took place in early September and the formal approval was granted. "Serving central city neighborhood residents has been a priority since the beginning of this project. The ability to accept SNAP/EBT creates one more way for us to do that. While we have more work to do, this represents an important step in that direction,” remarked Board Chair Brenda Haines. 

SNAP/EBT benefits can be used to purchase fresh produce, local products, and grocery items.

(Oshkosh, Wis.) – The Oshkosh Food Co-op, a community-owned grocery store under construction in Oshkosh, plans a week of free, family-friendly activities for member-owners and neighborhood residents to mark its eighth birthday. Two neighborhood rides and a birthday bash are planned.

Neighborhood Ride #1: Saturday, June 5, - 1:00 p.m. | Led by Sean Lynch
Starts/ends at the Brio Building, 155 Jackson Street, Oshkosh
Middle Village, Historic Fourth Ward, Midtown, Menominee North and Menominee South (7 miles)

Neighborhood Ride #2: Thursday, June 10 – 6:00 p.m. | Led by Misty McPhee, Darren Van Dreel
Starts/ends at Brio Building, 155 Jackson Street, Oshkosh
River East, Stevens Park (3 miles)

Neighborhood Birthday Bash: Saturday, June 12 – 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Aurora Health Center – Jackson Street Clinic, 135 Jackson Street, Oshkosh

(Oshkosh, Wis.) – The Oshkosh Food Co-op, a community-owned grocery store slated to open late summer/early fall 2021, will host hiring events May 26 and June 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; also Saturday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The hiring events will be held at the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 120 Jackson Street, Oshkosh – which is located across the street from the food co-op store being constructed on the first floor of the Brio Building.

(Oshkosh, Wis.) – Food Co-op Initiative (FCI) awarded Oshkosh Food Co-op the coveted national Best of the Best Award at its annual “Up and Coming” Food Co-op Conference. The award was presented as part of the 5-day learning event, held virtually this year due to the pandemic. The award recognizes exceptional use of an existing co-op development best practice by a startup food co-op during the development process. It honors startup food co-ops that use best practices and illuminate the way forward to help peer co-ops reach new levels of success.