Everyone can shop, anyone can own!
Board of Directors
January 29
February 26
March 25
April 29
May [TBD]
June 24
July 29
August 26
September 30
October 28
November 25
December 30
Board Meetings are held at the First National Bank Community Room (104 Each Locust Street, River Falls, WI 54022) and start at 6pm. Members are always welcome to attend!
Board of Directors Overview:
The Whole Earth Market Board of Directors is a 9 person governing body consisting of co-op members that are elected on a rolling basis at the annual meeting in March each year. Board members have a fiduciary duty to the success of WE Market Co-op and they have a responsibility to represent the members and their interests in our co-op.
The Board of Directors has adopted a Policy Governance business model to guide their actions. The model allows the board to stay focused on three main areas:
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Setting long term goals and organizational limits
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Supporting and holding the General Manager accountable for organizational performance
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Creating an open and active dialog with member regarding the strategic direction of the co-op
The Policy Governance model maintains operational decisions in the hands of the General Manager. The Board of Directors defines the policies and the General Manager reports back to the board monthly on their compliance of the applicable policy.
Meet the Board!
Karen Gjelhaug -President
Why do you love the Coop?
I love that there's a place in River Falls that always has local food options and lots of organic choices.
Favorite items:
Local produce, bulk products, and in-house soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Why are you on the WE board?
I love the WE co-op and the community that supports it and want to take a more active role in my involvement.
What is your background?
I worked in organic certification as a certifier/inspector for the last 5.5 years and am currently a full-time student pursuing an MBA.
Goals for the future?
I would love to see the co-op be able to expand and truly become a one-stop grocery shop that meets all community member needs!
Erin Mahnke -Vice President
Why do you love the Coop?
I love the convenience of local foods I can pick up at the last minute and the selection of pre-made sandwiches and salads for a quick meal.
Favorite items:
Curry chicken wrap, coffee, farm-fresh eggs & produce.
Why are you on the WE board?
I’ve enjoyed The Co-op for many years and decided to be a part of The Co-op Board as a way to give back.
What is your background?
I’ve been a naturalist for several organizations, a science teacher for 20 years and am currently an Assistant Principal at Dakota County Area Learning School. I’ve lived in River Falls for 21 years.
Goals for the future?
To be a part of the growth of The Co-op!
Alexa Hancock
Why do you love the Coop?
I love The Co-op because it is where we can find products from our local farmers and support our local food system. It's also a place where folks get to work in a collaborative environment and contribute their ideas and talents to our community
Favorite Items:
Oxheart yogurt and milk, WGM Chips, Salsa Lisa salsa.
Why are you on the WE board?
To help the co-op grow and expand to continue to provide a market for local producers and farmers. And to help reach folks in the River Falls community join as members and enjoy the amazing products at WE!
What is your background?
I recently moved here from South Minneapolis where I worked at Seward Community Co-op for 8 years. I believe in the cooperative model and am excited to contribute to the Whole Earth Co-op here in River Falls.
Goals for the future:
Helping WE Co-op expand into a new store and get folks in River Falls excited about shopping at The Co-op!
David Van Eeckhout -Treasurer
Phaedra Johnson
Why do you love the Coop?
I love being able to get locally sourced items as well as a range of organic products. The Co-op is well-stocked and organized, and the people that work there are amazing, which adds up to a great shopping experience. I always leave happy!
Favorite Products:
Local radishes, microgreens, and other salad makings, bulk honey, Organic Valley dairy products, baking supplies, and all the snacks!
Why are you on the WE board?
I’m thankful to live in River Falls and want to support the WE Market Co-op and our local producers. I’ve been a member of other co-ops (Menomonie Market, Lakewinds Food Co-Op) and believe that they are essential to building healthy communities. I’m excited about the future of our Co-op and want to contribute, in any way that I can.
What is your background?
I’m a health services researcher by training and my professional background includes over 20 years of experience working in global healthcare and life sciences research organizations. I’m currently the Director of Research for the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (ARC), a non-profit research and patient organization for a rare disease.
Goals for the future:
To help sustain this great Co-op, which has kept going and growing thanks to the efforts of past members and Board Members.