Ethan Hurley
Why would you like to serve on the City Market Board? What excites you about becoming a Board member?
I am passionate about the role that City Market plays in our community and am thrilled for the opening of the new store in the South End. I believe that the City Market is one of the gems that make Burlington so special and so uniquely ‘Vermonty’. Being a Board Member is an opportunity to be a steward for one of our community’s greatest resources, and it would be an honor to be elected to serve. I am excited to see City Market grow in a sustainable way, and I want to help this resource thrive so it is here in our community for my daughter to enjoy.
Please describe any professional skills you have that will help you to be an effective Board Member. How would you help the Board to balance the business needs of a $42 million business with the need to meet our Global Ends as a community-owned cooperative?
As a stay-at-home parent, I have obtained the skills to be effective with ‘anything’ that life can throw at me. In my office work before then, I often acted as liaison between Financial staff and staff who delivered social programs, learning to speak both languages, and act as a bridge to understanding for both staff.
My ability to dance between two spheres will be helpful as the Board seeks to balance the need for the City Market to remain a healthy ongoing business, while not losing sight of the values and priorities that have made the Onion River Co-op such a vital part of our community for so many years.
Describe your prior involvement with community organizations and/or cooperatives. What did you learn from these experiences?
I have been involved with nonprofits in the role of volunteer, Board Member, Funding Agent, as well as providing Governmental Oversight. I have learned that while our passion for these organizations can provide the energy to fuel their missions and efforts, they can also be the fuel on the fires that can destroy organizations. I’ve learned how to balance pragmatism and optimism. I stand prepared to balance the realities of an expanding food source in our community with the ideals and Global Ends of our beloved Co-op. I’ve also learned to bring levity and light to difficult subjects, while maintaining respect and thoughtfulness for all participants.
What opportunities and challenges do you see in the future of City Market?
As City Market expands into the South End, there are tremendous opportunities to serve our community in a more accessible manner. Interest continues to grow in local food that’s ethically farmed, sourced, and created, and City Market can continue to provide the most transparent, comprehensible, and community-based access to that food.
There are also many challenges. City Market is SO popular, it has become crowded to the point where many are choosing to stay away until the expansion is completed. Growing into two stores will be a learning process, and the Board will need to more adroitly shift their policy governance in the next few years to respond to the challenge of maintaining focus on our Global Ends while continuing to sustain growing operations.
Click here to view Ethan's resume!