Ian Peters
Why do you want to serve on the Eastside Food Co-op Board of Directors?
I never want to take Eastside for granted, and I want to put in the effort to make sure this community is here for generations to come. While I may still feel anxious about the state of the country, I know that contributing to my corner of Minneapolis will have the greatest effect on my friends, family, and the strangers around me. Working for the neighborhood by serving on the Board of Directors would be an honor.
Share any skills, interests, and experience you would bring to the board. Examples may be drawn from any personal, educational, professional, or volunteer experiences.
My education and career in environmental science have led me to do community outreach on behalf of the State of Minnesota, discussing environmental protection with those who may not understand it. I pride myself on bridging gaps between groups that don't see eye to eye while making sure my point gets across: whatever I do, I prioritize the good of the community and the good of the planet.
Eastside is founded on the 7 Cooperative Principles (https://www.eastsidefood.coop/about-co-ops). Choose one of the principles and describe how you think the board can encourage and foster this in our cooperative.
Concern for Community: I think the Board needs to make themselves more familiar with the average Co-op customer. To my knowledge, I've never met a Board member outside of a Board meeting, yet I know I have things in common with them. We're stronger together, and I want to make sure the customer knows the Board is on their side with further outreach and communication on the Board's part.
One of the board’s main responsibilities is to plan for the cooperative’s future. Please describe any experience with long-term strategic planning and/or collaborative decision making.
As a manager at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, I work with a small team to help private parties, primarily land developers, navigate Minnesota laws surrounding environmental protection. I have to take input from geologists, politicians, construction firms, and banks to find common ground. Land development projects can last from a few months to several years, and I am in tune with all parties every step of the way.
Eastside Food Co-op is “Here for Good.” What does that mean to you?
Eastside should be a fixture in the community, steadfast in mission and presence but able to evolve over time. The public events are uplifting and well-run, the employees are professional and welcoming, and the customers (and owners!) are friendly and familiar, all because the community members know each other. As an owner, I look forward to my grocery run in a way I never have before, because Eastside is a comforting constant in my life.