Board Elections 2019: The Candidates

All candidates have provided written answers to a series of questions, which can be read by clicking on the names below. Responses were limited to 250 words. The candidates have also recorded video statements, which are also embedded below. When you're ready, don't forget to visit the online ballot to vote! (Login required.)

Hilary Baum

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

Weavers Way offers an economic and social pathway for collaboration that is especially appealing to folks looking for connection and community. It is of particular importance to me, new to Philadelphia, because it is a socially responsible food co-op that fosters the local economy and nurtures relationships between patrons, staff, volunteers, and producers.

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

I have worked in different aspects of the food business (food and beverage production, marketing, farmers market and CSA management and governance, restaurant purchasing), participated in building the regional food systems movement as an organizer, educator and advocate, and have much board experience.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

Continuous efforts to strengthen connections and build loyalties between our members, our stores and the larger community will always be our challenge; studying our shoppers and our competition an on-going task. Short term we can provide more information on our in-house labels, add energy to the Ambler store with some redesign, and communicate how to navigate parking challenges while we find long term solutions.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

I have been a board member of the Hawthorne Valley Association, which oversees a biodynamic farm, its dairy, bakery and fermented foods production, educational programs, and retail operations; chair, Purple Circle Parent Cooperative Day Care Center; Food Systems Network NYC founding director; president, Public Market Partners/Baum Forum; American Sustainable Business Council, program manager; Grow NYC/Greenmarket governance committee.

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

Being an active Co-op member is the key to effective representation: serving on committees, working shifts, participating in co-op and greater community events, and actively soliciting opinions from fellow members.

Roy Eisenhandler

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

Weavers Way is dedicated to improving and building community. When shopping at the Co-op my purchases help sustain the community and support vendors that are vetted for their ethical business practices and quality products.

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

Having worked in public health, industry, environmental consulting, and pharma I have a unique perspective. I’ve learned “There’s more to it than meets the eye,” when approaching problems or working with people. A patient, measured, mindful approach is best when making decisions or running a business.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

Immediate challenges involve meeting the needs of the Co-op members and the community at large. Dedicated staff and membership are needed to keep the Co-op viable. Ongoing efforts to reinforce that Weavers Way is a community rather than just a store is what is needed to keep it vital. A long term plan will take into consideration, climate change, demographics, and government legislation. A good strategy would be to plan but remain flexible. The long term will present challenges and opportunities. We should partner with Co-ops across the country to share experiences and know how.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

  • Analytical chemist, Medical Writer, Merck & Co
  • Merck Institute for Science Education Coordinating Board
  • Oreland Swim Club Board Secretary
  • Citizens Partnership for Springfield TWP Board
  • Youth Softball, Wrestling, Soccer, Lacrosse and Baseball Coach

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

Spending time at the Co-op and participating in the life of the Co-op. Meeting with and talking with the member community.

Whitney Lingle

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

I’ve been a member of Weavers Way for one year and the way it creates community among members, residents, and organizations strengthens our bonds. Every food system is complex and inherently intersectional, and the benefits of the cooperative model, especially autonomy and independence, are a positive facet of a functional food system.

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

I am a nonprofit executive director at an organization that works to promote positive aging, including improving food access. I work with a board of directors every day to guide my organization and reach strategic goals.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

The greatest short-term challenge is actual and perceived equitable access. It’s critical that everyone be able to procure and prepare healthy food. Reviewing current food assistance programs and communication with members and the larger community are both important to address issues of access. Long-term, the greatest challenge is the ecological and economic sustainability of the food system. I would address that issue by continuing the review process the current Weavers Way staff and board have established and reviewing stakeholder feedback to correct issues within Weavers Way so that we have a positive effect on the community food system.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

My entire career has been devoted to improving food access at the community level. I have taught nutrition classes with The Food Trust, instructed undergraduate food management students, and improved food security for seniors at Montco SAAC for nearly 5 years.

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

The board should be as diverse as the population it serves and clear communication should be a priority.

De’Janiera B. Little

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

A cooperative brings the community together. There is a sense of ownership and inclusion when its members are invested in its success. Weavers Way connects its membership in more ways than ownership. It connects the community’s present economy and future growth.

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

I currently do not have prior cooperative experience. As a member of the Board, I plan to bring fresh new ideas as a team player. I hold an MBA and an MA in Organizational Development and Leadership. As a business owner, I would use my business and organizational skill set to continue to drive an already successful organization.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

Short term, I understand that the Ambler location is new and we need to create ideas on how to increase and retain membership. Long term, we need new ways to consistently retain and involve current membership despite thriving competition. Maintaining a successful cooperative is an “all hands on deck” effort.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I have chaired several committees and community events. I have served as a community organizer for the last presidential campaign. I am also a member of the Montgomery Association of Realtors and the Pennsylvania and National Association of Realtors.

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

Grassroots involvement. As Board members we should encourage membership by monthly meetings, focus groups, meet the Board meetings at the co-ops and so much more. Being a cooperative Board member is so much more than a monthly meeting. We have to get out there and mingle!

Chris Mallam

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

Cooperative businesses are important as they provide unity and stabilization within the community because they are community-based business anchors. Weavers Way is especially important to me because it is my community Co-op.

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

My many years of experience in the food service and natural product industry gives me an inside perspective of how the industry operates, how the Co-op functions and what the future may bring. It is these skills I have used to design and create success with our Weavers Way Next Door Store and why I feel I can help the whole Co-op grow even more successful.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

Our main challenge ahead will be competing with the nearby stores to achieve our future customers’ dedication which we will do by focusing on our strengths, strong employee presence, a strong customer experience, a strong and growing membership, and a focus on our unique and local products. Our other challenge is our commitment to the Weavers Way Global Ends E6. The local environment will be protected and restored, something we are currently addressing.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

I have not yet had the chance to serve on another board. I have volunteered in the past with my local youth group to rebuild homes in West Virginia, and I would volunteer at The Visitation Home (Yardville, NJ), which is a home for people with disabilities, to teaching basic cooking skills.

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

By listening and learning. It is so important that our members’ concerns are taken into consideration because we are here to serve the community as a whole.

Tadashi Matsuura

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

The Co-op supports the local community and helps achieve healthier living not just by supporting 200-plus local vendors, but the people in the community. The Co-op helps support local business, provides people with healthy food and offers a local gathering place for the community.

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

My work as an air freight loader encouraged me to be creative in maximizing space on aircraft. I would use this skill to partner with vendors to cut down on packaging where we can to help the environment. As an A/V engineer, I’m excellent at multitasking and troubleshooting in any situation.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

A short-term challenge is bringing new shoppers in the door. A long-term challenge is how to keep those people shopping mainly at the Co-op. I would like to address this by trying new ideas like a food truck that would serve breakfast and continuing to listen to what members need.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

I strongly believe in community outreach. In the last 15 years, I have held the principal trombone position with Music at Abington. There is nothing better than being part of a group which gets the community under one roof for peace and good times. My family and I were involved with the Ambler Co-op before it became Weavers Way. Can you spot me in the photo at the Ambler store?

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

Board members should take every opinion seriously. Although the board makes a number of decisions, the Co-op belongs to the members and the community.

Sarah Mitteldorf

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

I grew up in Weavers Way. It was the first place that I was allowed to walk to by myself, to spend my allowance on fruit leathers. It was full of neighbors and my classmates’ parents, all reaching around one another to grab onions and potatoes.

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

The Co-op taught me that it is possible to build community around food in a concrete, lived way. It taught me about organic food and organic business models, and to have pride in the word “local.” With maturity, I came to realize how much its very existence constitutes a direction for social change.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

Through our communities, we make the world that we want to live in. This includes our diverse members and the mission that brings us together. It also must include the employees, whose labor bears the burden of bringing that mission to fruition.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

I became an artist, which defined my relationship with social justice and mission-driven work. I ran a theatre ensemble and facilitated deep conversations about race, religion, gender, socioeconomics, environmentalism, and how they influence our relationships to each other and the world. I served on grant panels where our job was to understand the unique circumstances, strategic and fiscal goals of different non-profits, and how they reflected (or not) the organizations’ missions.

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

If I’m elected, I see my mission as helping to facilitate communication among members, staff, and the Co-op’s management, to balance the needs, visions and goals of all our constituents, to build a strong, responsive future.

Patricia Quigley

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

My wife and I have been members of Weaver’s Way since 2004. I have seen firsthand how important this Co-op is to the community: Along with brining fresh, local foods to neighborhoods at reasonable prices, they foster community by engaging members in decision-making, working together, and creating forums for members to connect, share services and create opportunities.

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

I believe my experiences as the owner of a real estate appraisal firm and the manager of a funeral home will help me bring value to the Board. I know what it takes to run a successful business. I am a strong collaborator and practical thinker.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

Challenges for the Co-op include competition from corporate chains, building and sustaining membership, and staying true to the mission while remaining fiscally strong. I believe the Co-op must do a better job than the competition: addressing the needs of membership; offering education on health and sustainability; and being a robust community focal point.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

I have volunteer experience that will serve me well on this board. I am currently serving as an elected committee person for the 9th Ward (1st Division) and as its treasurer. In my synagogue I have held various leadership positions, including board membership and treasurer. I’m also a member of the interfaith building group and have travelled to New Orleans and will soon travel to Puerto Rico on rebuilding missions.

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

A diverse Board who is visible in the community, listens well and takes action, can better represent its members.

Bob Simon

1. Why are cooperatives in general and Weavers Way in particular important to you?

I’ve had the privilege of memberships in various co-ops for over 40 years. I’ve always appreciated their supportive, “members first” ethic. Weavers Way in particular has always made me feel cared for — that my interest matters!

2. How will your experience, skills, and unique perspectives strengthen the Co-op Board?

I’ve had a long business and financial management career in various organizations. While I’ve always wanted these organizations to prosper, I’ve been just as concerned about their ethical and sustainable behavior. Integrity, fair treatment, abiding by the law, caring for the environment — these things matter both to me, and happily to the Weavers Way Board and the Membership.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way and how would you address them?

Short term challenges: competitive pricing for the Membership, while achieving a more “living wage” for employees. Longer term challenges: to develop a process to analyze, quantify and control various discount programs, with Membership understanding and endorsement.

4. What volunteer experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations?

My history of co-op membership has included REI, Ecology Food Co-op, the Philadelphia Co-op Federation and Weavers Way Co-op. I’ve been both an employee and a member. I currently do financial management and bookkeeping for several restaurants, so I am very familiar with food distribution and vendor management. I have also been a board member of the Friends of the Cresheim Trail.

5. How can Board members better represent the opinions of the membership?

Weavers Way Board members need to listen, interview and engage the Membership in a continuous fashion — both formally and informally — to represent the best interests of the Membership.