Jody M Landon
Why would you like to serve on the City Market Board? What excites you about becoming a Board Member?
I have been a member of the Co-op since 1976. I moved to Burlington 18 months ago from Essex and find my commitment to the Co-op ever more important in my day to day life. I considered running for the Board in June for the special election, but my own life was in transition and the the time did not seem right. I saw the picture of the current Board, whom I know do a terrific job, but I couldn't find anyone who looked like me.......a senior. Where were the array of colors, languages and and individuals that make the market so vibrant. I decided to run. I want to address the rich diversity of our members from the perspective of a long term member......an older member.
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 $50 million business with the need to meet our Global Ends as a community-owned cooperative?
I began my work career in Vermont in the Refugee Resettlement Program. I have worked for 33 years for an educational and cultural exchange company, leading a training team for their signature program, Au Pair in America. We have brought 110,000 young women and men to this country for childcare with a cultural component. I am committed to the global experience for us all.
For the last 9 years I have served on the Board of The Converse Home, one of only two non-profit memory care and assisted living facilities in Chittenden County. I am currently Board Chair and very committed to the concept of sustaining a high level of life experience throughout our lives. My work with 18 to 26 year olds entering the US, my voluntary work with the direction of Converse for the families and residents we serve, and my own aging process, make me think I might have something to contribute.
While my work experience is in training, my Board experience includes fiduciary responsibilities to the the 125 year old Converse Home. I feel I could bring this knowledge to the Co-op Board.
Describe your prior involvement with community organizations and/or cooperatives. What did you learn from these experiences?
My work in Chittenden County included the Retired Senior Volunteer Program as a program coordinator.
I volunteered in my home community, Essex, for the 30 years I lived there. I was Cemetery Commissioner for many years, serving as Board Chair until my move to Burlington.
I have been a Co-op member since 1976, originally a member of a buying group in Essex. That meant 100 pound bags of flour and boxes of dates from Archibald Street. I had moved with my family to VT from Texas where food shopping was a trip to Safeway. I learned the value of cooperation with a group, made new friends and received 14 different recipes for zucchini bread. It was a new world for a young woman from a big city and one I embraced.
What opportunities and challenges do you see in the future of City Market?
I know that if the Co-op is not financially viable, we cease to exist. The challenge must be to serve our whole community while maintaining the stability of the business. As the demographic of our community broadens, the Co-op has increasing responsibility and potential to serve those who support us and those who need us.