Jeff Lachman
1. Please list 3-5 important reasons you are motivated to run for the PFC Board.
Community Involvement and Support for Local Food Systems: Serving on the PFC board provides an opportunity to actively contribute to the local community by supporting sustainable, locally sourced food systems.
Advancing Cooperative Principles and Democratic Decision-Making: Joining the board allows me to have a direct impact on the co-op’s direction, ensuring it reflects the needs and values of its members while fostering an inclusive and transparent decision-making process.
Service: I am motivated to serve on the board to help shape the PFC's mission and impact on the local community.
2. What are the five most relevant skills you offer to the PFC Board and ownership?
Planning: The ability to assess the PFC’s long-term goals, analyze market trends, and create actionable plans for growth and sustainability.
Financial Management: I have experience in budgeting and financial analysis, which is crucial for overseeing the co-op’s financial health, ensuring that it remains viable and able to serve its members effectively.
Leadership: I am familiar with leading teams within an organization. This will ensure the board operates efficiently and follows best practices in decision-making and accountability.
Community Engagement: I have skills in outreach and social media which can help grow the co-op’s membership base and build strong relationships with the local community.
Adaptability: I take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.
3. Please list any relevant board and employment experience.
12-year financial work background
Four-year board member of Congregational Preschool
Downtown Mainstreet Inc Advisory Committee Member
4. What are 3-5 significant challenges that PFC will face in the next few years?
Rising Food Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions: As global and local supply chains continue to face disruptions; our PFC will likely deal with fluctuating costs for sourcing local and organic products.
Increased Competition from Conventional Retailers: Large grocery chains and online retailers are increasingly offering organic, locally sourced, and sustainable products. The PFC will need to differentiate through community engagement, unique product offerings, and superior customer service.
Member and Community Engagement: As our PFC grows, maintaining active member participation can be difficult. Our PFC may also need to find innovative ways to attract and retain younger members.
5. What do you consider potential opportunities for the Co-op as it develops its long- term strategies?
One significant long-term opportunity for our PFC is developing and expanding local and sustainable food systems. As consumer demand for transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmentally sustainable practices continues to grow, food co-ops are uniquely positioned to strengthen relationships with local farmers and producers. By building a robust network of regional suppliers, the PFC can offer fresh, high-quality products while reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the local economy. Over time, this strengthens the co-op’s brand as a leader in sustainability, deepens community loyalty, and attracts members who prioritize ethical and eco-conscious food options.