Notice of Annual Meeting & Election
Mark your calendars to join us at our first General Ownership Meeting with our new CEO, Michael Walter! Mingle with fellow co-op owners and friends and catch up on the latest co-op news — along with a brief business meeting, year-in-review, and Board election results.
All Grain Train co-op owners are encouraged to help shape the future of the co-op by voting in the annual election that will begin at 5 pm on Monday, April 7, and end on Sunday, April 27 at the GOM. The Grain Train relies on its member/owners to be a part of the decision-making process and to elect representatives to the Board.
By voting, you practice the Second Co-operative Principle: Democratic Member Control.
Election
Three seats on the Board are open for election; you may vote for up to three candidates. Please review the candidate information, cast your vote, and submit your ballot. Voting runs through the first hour of the General Ownership Meeting (GOM) on Sunday, April 27.
Owners will receive the 2024 Year in Review and election results at the GOM as well as electronically the following week.
READY TO VOTE?
(Click the button below)
All you need is your ownership number.
If we have a current email address, you should receive an email from Simply Voting that has your ownership number when voting goes live.
If you do not receive an email from Simply Voting, you can find your number on your ownership card or on the bottom of a store receipt.
If you can’t find it, email ownership@graintrain.coop and we’ll get it for you!
You can read about the candidates below or on the ballot.
Voting begins Monday, April 7 at 5 pm
Candidate Statements (in alphabetical order)
LINDSAY HALL
EDUCATION: BA Northern Michigan University
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Directors of Grain Train Co-op?
This would be my third term (or start of my seventh year) serving on the Board of Directors for the Grain Train and I would be grateful to be elected again. I’m very excited about the direction we’re moving with our new CEO, Michael Walter, and look forward to continue working with him and my fellow board members. The future of the Grain Train holds a lot of positive potential.
What are you passionate about? How could we see that passion in action in your day-to-day life?
I’m passionate about our community and the people who make it special. In my work at Little Traverse Conservancy, I get to support conservation efforts that directly impact the health and well-being of our region. That same commitment shows up in my everyday life, whether it’s shopping locally, building connections, or simply enjoying the beauty of living in northern Michigan.
Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team?
How did you compromise for the team’s benefit?
In my work with the Board and nonprofit teams, I’ve found that I bring strong listening skills and a sense of organization to every project. I help keep things on track while making sure I can hear and understand different ideas. When the team needs something different than what I initially envisioned, I’m willing to adjust and take on whatever role supports the group’s success.
Do you have other experiences that you see as being related to the work of the Board?
Coming from the non-profit field, I bring experience in fundraising, event planning, and organizational support, all of which align closely with the work of the Board. These roles have given me a strong foundation in collaboration, community engagement, and strategic thinking. I’m comfortable juggling details while keeping big-picture goals in mind, and I’m excited to continue those skills in support of the Grain Train’s mission.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Thank you for being an owner of the Grain Train! Your support matters.
EDUCATION: Educational Doctorate (EdD;) Eastern Michigan University, 2001; Masters and Bachelor’s degrees, University of Michigan, 1974, 1972.
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Directors of Grain Train Co-op?
I was initially elected to serve in 2012; at that time, I felt strongly about preserving and strengthening the Grain Train as a downtown Petoskey business. Since then, my appreciation has grown for the unique qualities of retail cooperative groceries! Having the Grain Train in the Petoskey and Boyne City communities provide our residents an opportunity to not only own a piece of a community-based business but also access to a welcoming, neighborhood source of healthy food. I feel that my longevity on this Board helps me be a better advocate for the Owners.
What are you passionate about? How could we see that passion in action in your day-to-day life?
Living in northern Michigan has given me a life where I could enjoy the things that matter to me: “the arts” as well as spending time outdoors. I enjoy participating in arts functions and try to spend time outdoors – kayaking, hiking, skiing – as much as possible. I am also enthused about helping people, and organizations, to fulfill their potentials. Having retired from a 42+ year career as a counselor at North Central Michigan College, I find my work, on the Grain Train Board, is a way to express my need to work toward bettering our community.
Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team?
How did you compromise for the team’s benefit?
This past fall, my husband and I joined 8 other Petoskey-based individuals on a humanitarian aide trip to Cuba. We were organized by the Petoskey First Presbyterian Church, along with Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Each of us brought into Cuba the equivalent of 100 pounds of over-the-counter medications, rice, dry beans, and clothing. As a team we were tasked to sort the 1000 + pounds of items into categories (children’s medications, first aid supplies, etc.) into 3 groups that we distributed to 3 different Cuban church communities. As a member of this cooperative team, I offered work and commitment as we all labored under difficult physical and international/political conditions to help this impoverished population obtain much-needed supplies. The compromise was to go with the team’s schedule and direction rather than make my own decisions about how and where to spend my days in Cuba.
Do you have other experiences that you see as being related to the work of the Board?
I have spent my entire adult life working and raising a family in northern Michigan. I have lived in both Charlevoix and Emmet counties, inside the city limits as well as in the townships. I have seen many changes since the 1970’s, including changes in our population demographics, the look and feel of our downtowns, and the development taking place on our lakeshores and countryside. This life experience serves me well in helping to keep the Grain Train a preferred place to shop and to work.
EDUCATION: MD
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Directors of Grain Train Co-op?
As a Grain Train board member for many years, I have developed an understanding of how we have been successful and how we can grow into the future. I am excited to help guide the co-op during its transition to our new leadership, CEO Michael Walter.
What are you passionate about? How could we see that passion in action in your day-to-day life?
I have been involved in promoting access and availability to local food through my involvement in the Local Food Alliance, bringing The Groundwork organization and its food programs to our area, and initiating the involvement of the Grain Train in Crosshatch’s Microloan program to our local farmers. Our co-op plays an important role in all these endeavors to strengthen our local food movement.
Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team?
How did you compromise for the team’s benefit?
As the chair of the co-op’s Leadership Succession Committee, I worked closely with the board and our consultants in hiring our new CEO. Through mutual education and shared discussion, we were able to identify and attract the best qualified candidate to join us in Petoskey.
Do you have other experiences that you see as being related to the work of the Board?
During my many terms on the Board, I have developed a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities for the Grain Train. I will contribute my experience to help the board as we move into the future.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I would be honored to continue my service to the Grain Train and our community by being elected for another term on the Board of Directors.