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"Natural foods industry professional with 25 years of experience in retail & sales. My journey began at a natural food co-op which sprouted my love of local & organic. Hoping to share this with PFC."
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Owner Number 1613
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Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?
I love Natural Food Co-ops! My first job in the natural food industry was stocking vitamins at The Outpost co-op in Milwaukee nearly 25 year ago. Supporting a thriving community market would be a wonderful way to give back to the community and to future generations of healthy eaters.
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Employment: Please tell us about your past or present employment *
I currently work for Impact NS Sales, a natural food brokerage as a business manager. Prior to that I was a founding member of Fresh Thyme Markets and served as the Senior Category Manager over the Vitamin, Body Care and General Merchandise department.
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Volunteer: Membership/Affiliation/Leadership Past and Present:
Outside of my day to day career and raising my kids I have not had the opportunity to volunteer. Now that my children are older I now have the time to serve my community.
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Which of the following areas do you have expertise?
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What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director?
I have held many different positions in my career with a focus on retail from merchandising, procurement, assisting in over 130 new store set ups, day to day operational management, as well as contract and promotional negotiations. I have also worked for UNFI and currently work closely with KeHE and understand distributor agreements and relationships.
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What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?
I want Prairie Food Co-op to be the best grocery store for local, organic, regenerative, non-GMO, and natural products in DuPage County! I am excited to see it closer to being funded and for opening day to become a reality.
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What experience (if any) have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?
I had been an employee and member of the Outpost Co-op in Milwaukee from 1997-1999. When living in Honolulu we often shopped at Kokua Market, the sole co-op on Oahu at the time.
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