By Holly Lamond
In the last 8 months, I have gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the way the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op Board of Directors operates. Observing our General Manager, Ahren Grunow, and his team strive for operational excellence in all they do has increased my confidence that our Co-Op is in good hands and will remain a vibrant part of our community.
When I joined Cargill in 2009, I was impressed that Cargill’s Leadership Expectations (CLE’s) were a living, breathing, critical part of the values-based leadership culture that drew me there in the first place.
The Co-op’s Ends Policy is treated with the same importance. As a new director and having served on two other non-profit boards, I know the importance of learning the board’s role and how it fulfills that role as well as observing what the board and organization values most. The former is Policy Governance and the latter is our Ends Policy. In fact, we begin each meeting reciting the Ends and we make decisions using both as guideposts. In case you need an Ends refresher….
As a result of all that the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op does, we will be:
- A successful grocery rooted in the Cooperative Principles;
- A trusted source for affordable, healthy, local and sustainable products and services for all;
- A leader in environmentally sustainable practices;
- A source of employment that provides meaningful work and fair compensation;
- A welcoming and friendly gathering place where the community has a sense of belonging.
As owners, I hope you see the Ends in practice as well. As always, we are open to your insights and feedback as we strive to fulfill our worthy Ends.
Email us at any point if you have questions.