Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

Interested to get involved in something that will benefit the community

Employment: Please tell us about your past or present employment

From 1978 to 1992 I was employed by Osco drug, a division of Jewel at that time.  I ran their corporate record retention center, then supervised their print shop. In 1980 I joined Osco's management training program.  I served in various locations as a mgmt. trainee, assistant manager and assistant general manager in free standing Osco drug stores and in Jewel Osco combination stores. In 1992, my position was eliminated and I was laid off during  a corporate reshuffling.  In 1994 I was hired by the USPS as a mail carrier and in 2015 I became a VOMA ( vehicle maintenance specialist).  I retired in 2017, to care for my ailing wife.  During my time with the Postal service, I was active in the NALC (the mail carriers union).  I served as vice president and president of local NALC branch.  Our branch merged with a larger NALC branch, where I served as a shop Steward and a member of Branch 825's executive board.  I also served on several committees and became a route adjustment specialist at one point.  As a hobby I am a writer and have published 42 books in several different languages, all of which are listed on Amazon.

Volunteer: Membership/Affiliation/Leadership Past and Present:

 In 1994 I was hired by the USPS as a mail carrier and in 2015 I became a VOMA ( vehicle maintenance specialist).  I retired in 2017, to care for my ailing wife.  During my time with the Postal service, I was active in the NALC (the mail carriers union).  I served as vice president and president of a local NALC branch.  Our branch merged with a larger NALC branch, where I served as a shop Steward and a member of Branch 825 executive board.  I also served on several committees and became a route adjustment specialist.  As a hobby I am a writer, I have had several articles published in regional sporting magazines and have published 42 books in several different languages, all of which are listed on Amazon.

Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

Management, Fundraising, Marketing/Public Relations, Event Planning, Finance, Communications, Agriculture

What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director?

I have a BS in Agriculture and Communication from the University of Illinois and a minor in Advertising and Marketing.  I have extensive experience running a large retail store, and I have been a resident of Lombard for 39 years and counting.  I have run large meetings and have Hired and trained people.  I have above average communication skills, I have chaired and participated a while varieties of committees.

What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

Help direct and help grow a Food co-op that will help my community

What experience (if any) have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

In college I belonged to a food co-op Strawberry Fields and my grandson attends a pre-school co-op in Lombard.