Frequently Asked Questions

What does the board do?
The French Broad Food Co-op Board of Directors is the body elected to represent the ownership, and hold ultimate legal responsibility for the operations and actions of the co-op. The board ensures sound management of the co-op, acts as trustees on behalf of the membership, and sets long-range goals and plans for the future. 

What does the board NOT do?
The board does not make operating decisions for the store, choose products, nor do they supervise staff other than the general manager.

When and where are the board meetings?
Board meetings are held monthly on the third Thursday upstairs from the store (in the Movement and Learning Center, MLC) from 5:30-8 pm. 

While all owners are encouraged to attend meetings, interested applicants are especially encouraged to attend. All board meetings are located at 90 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.

How long is one term?
One board term is three years.

What is the monthly time commitment for a board member?
The total monthly time commitment varies throughout the year depending upon committee assignments and intensity of board work. Generally, directors can anticipate putting in between 3-12 hours a month. Directors are expected to attend the annual meeting for owners and be present for at least nine monthly meetings per year, per term. They are also expected to spend 1-2 weekend days a year at the annual board retreat.

What are the committees of the board?
Currently, the committees are undergoing a revamp, therefore the only active committees are the Finance Committee and the Elections/Nominations Committee. Committees can be made up of owners-at-large, board members, and staff members. Each committee develops and recommends plans and policies that are passed to the board for approval.

How do the board and committees make decisions?
Guided by the French Broad Food Co-op bylaws and consensus decision making practices, the members work together to build consensus.

Will there be training for the newly elected board members?
Yes! All newly elected board members will receive training on consensus decision making, finance, organizational overview, and more.

Who is eligible to run for the board?
Board seats are open to all current owners (account must be current as of May 3, 2020) of the co-op who have accurate contact information on file and agree to meeting the board requirements.

Qualifications

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Be an owner in good standing as of May 3, 2020.

Requirements 

• Attend at least nine monthly board meetings per year (third Thursday of each month, 5:30-8 pm), board retreats (1-2 weekend days per year), the annual meeting for owners in late spring, as well as occasional co-op events and special meetings scheduled on short notice as needed (these are rare).
• Have frequent, reliable access to phone and e­mail to read and respond to emails between meetings. 
• Read and study co­-op bylaws, policies, articles of incorporation, industry articles, information on the board’s governance model, and other co-­op related material. 
• Serve on, and possibly chair, a board committee. 
• Commit to a term of three years. 
• Work cooperatively with other board members to monitor, evaluate, and consult with the general manager within the decision-making process of the board. 
• Uphold the duty of loyalty by disclosing potential conflicts of interest, not compete with the cooperative, and honor confidentiality. 

What if I face a challenge that prevents me from fulfilling the requirements or qualifications?
We want to hear from you. Please contact ashley.see@fbfcboard.org should you face any barriers to applying.

How do you run for the board?
Complete the application process by May 13, 2020. Fill out the application online. For further accommodations, please email ashley.see@fbfcboard.org.

What happens after you apply?
The board and staff will prepare the election materials for the June 3rd – July 5th elections. Candidates will be notified by mid-July, and voting results will be posted in-store and online. Those elected will begin serving in August 2020.

Will there be an opportunity to communicate to the ownership?
Yes! Each board applicant is invited to make a short speech to the membership at the 2020 Annual Meeting on Jun. 3 (video is available if you cannot be there in person). Answers to the questions in the application will be publicly available to the ownership.

Are board members compensated?
Board members receive a 20% discount on most store purchases.

Why should you consider becoming a board member?
Governing an organization effectively is a serious commitment, but if you care about the direction of the Co-op and want to get more involved, then becoming a board member may be for you!

Directors are expected to prepare for and actively participate in monthly board meetings, full-day cooperative board leadership training, and 1-2 half or full-day retreats (length and frequency depends on availability). While this may seem daunting, the board is a team, sharing responsibilities to make board work a manageable part of a director’s life. The monthly time commitment ranges from 3-12 hours. The board term is three years. Directors may not be elected to more than two consecutive terms.

In return, directors:

• Receive training in governance and cooperatives.
• Build skills in group-dynamics and group process.
• Enjoy dinner from FBFC at each board meeting and receive a 20% discount on all FBFC purchases throughout board service.
• All expenses of training and retreats, including food is covered.
• Have the opportunity to ensure the success of their community-owned cooperative in a highly-competitive market.
• Create and nourish a healthier environment, healthier people, and a healthier community!