The Board of the Oneota Community Food Co-op is excited to announce the slate of candidates for the 2019 Board election. This year, there are three positions open to fill as Brita Nelson, Flannery Cerbin-Bohach, and Dennis Pottratz complete their terms. As member/owners of the Oneota Co-op, the Board asks that you join us in exercising your responsibility to vote for candidates to fill these terms.
Board candidates for the 2019 election include:
- Michelle Barness
- Bill Iverson
- Andy Sassaman
Candidate statements can be viewed below and are also included in the electronic voting system online. If you wish to view candidate statements in paper form, they will be available at the Co-op Customer Service Desk and posted on the bulletin board in the Oneota Co-op foyer.
You are invited to join us to get to know these candidates at an informal reception on March 7th at the Co-op from 5:30- 6:30 pm. Please get to know these candidates and be sure to thank them for their willingness to serve on the OCC Board of Directors.
In order to be as efficient as possible for voting members, staff, and Board volunteers, voting will once again be through an electronic voting system called SimplyVoting. Additionally, paper ballots will remain available upon request at the Co-op for those who do not wish to vote electronically.
All members in good standing as of February 22, 2019 were mailed a detailed letter containing election details, announcement of the Annual Meeting of the Membership, and a personal ID and password unique to each member/owner. This ID & Password will be used by the member/owner to vote electronically in the 2019 election. If the Co-op has record of a valid email address for any member/owner in good standing as of February 22, 2019 they will also receive an election email from SimplyVoting. If any member in good standing receives a letter containing their electronic voting materials and wishes to instead submit a paper ballot, there will be paper ballots available for pick-up at the store during business hours. If a paper ballot needs to be mailed, we will be happy to do so by request.
Any member/owner who becomes a member in good standing after February 22, 2019 but before March 1, 2019 will be mailed a letter announcing the election details and date of the upcoming Annual Meeting of the Membership, 2019 Candidate Statements, and a paper version of the 2019 ballot for returning to the Co-op. Any member/owner who becomes a member in good standing after March 1, 2019, but before the end of business on April 1, 2019 will be given a letter announcing the election details and date of the upcoming Annual Meeting of the Membership, 2019 Candidate Statements, and a paper version of the 2019 ballot for returning to the Co-op. If you do not receive election materials and believe that you should, please call the Co-op at 563-382-4666 to verify your address and membership status. Completed paper and electronic ballots, must be received at the Co-op no later than 8:30 pm on Monday, April 1, 2019.
The Annual Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at 7:00 pm and will be held at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company, 207 College Drive, Decorah. All member/owners of the Co-op are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting. The meeting will include a presentation by Oneota Co-op General Manager, David Lester, recapping the previous year, the current remodel project, and plans for the year ahead. The Board of Directors hopes to see you there!
Meet the Candidates!
Michelle Barness
3-year term candidate
How long have you been a member/owner of the Co-op and why are you interested in serving on the Board?
I have been a member/owner since 2016. I am interested in serving because it is a way of giving back. The Co-op is more than a grocery store, it is a community building tool. The relationships and experiences I’ve gained from my involvement with the Co-op help make Decorah home for me. I am happy to dedicate a little of my time to the Co-op in return.
What do you enjoy most about the Co-op and what is your vision for its future?
I enjoy the Co-ops products. I learn about new foods, like the quality of what is available, and feel good about what I’m buying – it’s good for my family and the Earth. Also, I love the people. I always feel welcomed at the Co-op (even with two rowdy kids), and know that sooner or later I will run into someone I know. In the future, I see the Co-op continuing to help support local, sustainable agriculture and business, as much as feasible. We live in an area with a rich agricultural heritage, and the work the Co-op has already done in supporting small, diverse farming ventures is wonderful. Also, I see the Co-op continuing to serve as a mobilizer around local, sustainable, organic products and resilient local economies. This through education, community engagement, and support of other cooperative and local efforts.
What kind of leadership or other experiences could you bring to the Co-op as a Board member?
I worked at the Co-op for a few years, back around 2003-2004 I believe. This experience gives me some basis for my understanding the working of the Co-op. Also my current work may provide me with knowledge that could be useful on the board. I am a Regional Planner with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission where I assist cities and counties in our region with long-term strategic planning, including addressing issues such as economic development, protection of agricultural and natural resources and other topics relevant to community resilience.
What experience do you have in working with a group process?
As a Regional Planner I regularly facilitate group meetings with diverse stakeholders. I regularly sit through official government meetings and am often responsible for organizing public meetings. These experiences bring me some understanding of meeting process and practice.
What other interests do you have outside the Co-op?
Gardening and spending time with my family – my husband Brent and our two children, Emmet (5), and Norah (3).
Bill Iverson 
3-year term candidate
How long have you been a member/owner of the Co-op and why are you interested in serving on the Board?
Been a Co-op member about 40 years. I have done a lot of hands-on construction over the years but I have never taken part in the governance.
What do you enjoy most about the Co-op and what is your vision for its future?
The staff, new and old members, and the food. For the future, I believe the Co-op needs to become a destination for everyone in the community.
What kind of leadership or other experiences could you bring to the Co-op as a Board member?
I have been treasurer and president of the Sunflower Daycare board and Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity. I also headed the Iowa Association of Fiscal Officers for 10 years.
What experience do you have in working with a group process?
I have served on conference committees and numerous boards through my former employment.
What other interests do you have outside the Co-op?
Biking, kayaking, camping, hiking, reading, woodworking
Andy Sassaman
3-year term candidate
How long have you been a member/owner of the Co-op and why are you interested in serving on the Board?
I have been a member of the Co-op since we moved here in 2013. It was one of the first things we did when we joined this community. I am interested in serving on the Board because I see the Co-op as a vital part of our community, it serves more needs than just a grocery store. It provides a place of gathering and nourishing both the body and mind. I am excited about the future of the Co-op and would like to lend whatever small experience I have to helping it grow.
What do you enjoy most about the Co-op and what is your vision for its future?
Truthfully, I love going to the Co-op for lunch/dinner and seeing friends and sharing a meal with good fellowship. I love that the people there are always kind and helpful.
What kind of leadership or other experiences could you bring to the Co-op as a Board member?
I am currently a member of 1st Lutheran Church Council. I have been on the Winneshiek Farmers Market Board, and I have been a small business owner in the past. I think my perspective as a previous small business owner would help with future economic and development issues as they arise.
What experience do you have in working with a group process?
My work experience is a complete background in group processes. Working at Gundersen, we understand that it takes the effort and coordination of the entire team to do a job correctly.
What other interests do you have outside the Co-op?
I like gaming, of the board and video types. I am also active in the local rugby club. Having an 11 year old keeps me busy most nights and weekends.
LINK TO ONLINE VOTING – username and password required, see your email or letter
Learn more about Board elections at the Co-op here!