Mel Grant
Why would you like to serve on the City Market Board? What excites you about becoming a Board Member?
My wife and I have been a member of City Market for over twenty years. A lot has changed over that time. I'd like to help and be part of making City Market competitive and economically viable for todays conditions and environment. I feel I have the background and experiences to keep the soul of City Market true to it's roots. It excites me to work with like minded individuals to make City Market a leader, competitive and successful into the future.
The Board seeks candidates who are dedicated, cooperative, committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and willing to participate in group discussions ranging from financial oversight to support of management, staff and Members. Please describe the skills and experiences you have that will help you be an effective Board Member in these regards. How would you use your skills and experiences to help the Board understand and use data as part of the decision-making process of our community-owned cooperative?
I have over 40 years of experience working with people and staff to aid those in need of assistance and help with hearing issues. This has allowed me to work with many government, local, nonprofit and help assist families in need. My position was as a Audiologist, Director and CEO with over-site and management of employees in multiple locations. Marketing, strategic planning, budget and business planning were part of my duties. I have been on the board of several condo associations, Old Spokes Home and UVM school of Allied Medical Health and Nursing. These experiences and exposures give me the insight to work across many boundaries and work with community need in mind.
Describe your prior involvement with community organizations and/or cooperatives. What did you learn from these experiences?
I have been involved for 10+ years with Old Spokes Home a non-profit as a board member and treasurer, 10+ year Board member of UVM school of Allied health and Nursing, as well as a 5+ year board member of a condo association. I've learned how to interact with a diverse group of individuals to effectively achieve common goals. Ran a Hearing testing service for the Community Health Center on Riverside Ave for 3 years.
The Board collaborates with the General Manager to support inclusion, diversity, equity, access and social justice (IDEAS) at City Market. How would you ensure that the Board's work is grounded in these principles? How would you help point City Market in the right direction when it comes to IDEAS? Please describe any prior involvement in IDEAS work either personally or professionally?
My professional career has brought me in contact with a diverse group of people and organization across many segments of the community. I have always viewed all with equal respect and an emphasis of harmony and working together to real common goals.
What opportunities and challenges do you see in the future of City Market?
Competitive pricing and marketing.
Bring in new members.
Learning from the existing board how to move forward.