Liz Gleason

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1. Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Onion River Cooperative?

I’m excited about the chance to serve member-owners, participate in one of the city’s most important businesses, and to offer my perspective on how City Market can advance Vermont’s food system while promoting affordability and health.

The food system and farming are my passions. I started working on farms when I was 19, and for the past five years I’ve coordinated a program called Vermont Farm & Forest Viability. We provide business planning to farmers and food producers, from vegetable growers and dairy farmers to veggie burger producers, bacon-makers, and bread-bakers. We have helped 450 farmers improve their profitability, efficiency, or marketing to become more sustainable in the long-term. Through this work, I’ve developed a unique and overarching perspective on the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for Vermont’s food system.

I’m also excited to support City Market’s social mission by sustaining policies that advance local food, affordability, diversity, and the growth of vibrant downtown spaces.

My particular areas of interest in serving on the board are:
 

  • To strive to be a model for local food, affordability, and food access
  • To share the perspective of farmers and food producers
  • To support the cooperative’s social mission

·         To learn!

2. The work of the Board is not operational – that is, it does not deal with the daily operations of the store. Instead, the Board deals with the overall policies that identify and guide the mission of the Cooperative. How will you stay focused on the larger vision, without being distracted by the day-to-day operations of the store?

I won’t be distracted by the day-to-day operations of the store. I’m running for this board in order to support the policies and governance that keep City Market responsible to its members. I have experience working with a variety of boards that require different kinds of engagement. As a large, well-established and successful business, I understand that City Market has hundreds of employees who are experts at what they do, and it is not the board’s role to be involved in day-to-day operations. I plan to take the time to get to know the current policies and help guide and shift policies as necessary over time.

3. What strengths and skills would you bring to the work of the Cooperative’s Board?

I’d like to bring both my communication skills and my experience in the food sector to this board. I’m a creative problem solver, love to listen and learn from others, and enjoy working cooperatively. I value taking time to make informed decisions, and prefer to learn from others who are experts in an issue before coming to my own conclusions. I also have an in-depth understanding of the local food system and the financial and management challenges are with various kinds of food production.