It’s that time again! Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market’s Board of Directors election is rapidly approaching. Tidal Creek is a cooperative business that works to support high quality food standards, fair trade, and local and sustainable products. Anyone can become an owner of Tidal Creek by purchasing an equity share. Equity shares are an investment in the store, so being an owner helps the Co-op build capital. It also means that you are an owner of a cooperatively run local business and you can participate in the governance of the Co-op by voting, by becoming a member of the Board of Directors or by serving on a Board committee.

What is the Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors of Tidal Creek is a group of nine Co-op members elected by the general membership in annual elections. Each year three seats are open for election, two vacant seats are filled for three years, and one seat is filled for one year.

What are the functions of the Board?

1. Board represents Tidal Creek owners
2. Board establishes and works within cooperative policies
3. Board hires and oversees the General Managers
4. Board is responsible for acquisition and preservation of Co-op assets
5. Board preserves the cooperative character of the organization
6. Board assesses the Co-op’s performance
7. Board informs members

Who can run for a seat on the Board? Who can vote?
Any owner who has paid their equity share for the year by Saturday, August 27th can vote and run in the election. Candidate applications are due by Friday, August 12th.

How many votes per household?
Each household owner account is entitled to one vote regardless of how many people are in the household.

How many people can I vote for?
An owner can vote for between one and three people in each election cycle.

So, why should you vote in the election? Voting in the annual election is an exciting opportunity provided to owners of the Co-op. There are many good reasons to vote, including the following:

1. Casting a vote allows an individual to express a choice among candidates who wish to become leaders of the Co-op. It’s up to each voter to locate available information about each candidate and to make an informed decision about how to vote. A democratic voting process urges owners to get involved and to share viewpoints about who should lead. Most owners have opinions about the way things should go, and they should use the voting process to express their preferences.
2. Supporting the electoral process helps to reinforce your cooperative leadership. Showing that you care with your vote tells candidates that they must be accountable to the owners.
3. Finally, taking time to vote reflects pride in your Co-op. Let everyone know that you care enough about your Co-op and its leaders to have a say in the election’s outcome.
   If you would like more information or are interested in purchasing an equity share of Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market, stop in at any register to get started. Today there are more than 3,400 households that enjoy the benefits of ownership! That’s a lot of people working together to fulfill our vision of fostering and nourishing the health of the individual and our community through a thriving natural foods cooperative business.

Thank you for working with us, and for your vote!