Michael Sersch

Please list 3-5 important reasons you are motivated to run for the PFC Board.

• I believe that healthy food is a part of a healthy life.

• The democratic model of ownership of co-ops is inspiring.

• I think the co-op can become a touchpoint for inspiring change in our community.

What are the five most relevant skills you offer to the PFC Board and ownership?

• Board experience

• Employee experience

• Union shop steward experience (from La Crosse PFC)

• Connection of mental health and healthy food

• Collaboration and consensus models of communication  

Please list any relevant board and employment experience.

• Independent Living Resources: Board of Directors/President

• La Crosse County Criminal Justice Management Council

• La Crosse School Board SRO Advisory Committee

• Board of Regents: St John's University in MN  

What are 3-5 significant challenges that PFC will face in the next few years?

• Competition

• Rising salary among other employers

• Maintaining local producer relations

• Employer-employee relations can always improve; what are ways we listen to staff and have employee-ownership?  

What do you consider potential opportunities for the Co-op as it develops its long- term strategies?

• I first got to know co-ops when running a food salvage program as a part of a homeless shelter and food pantry. I would love to see PFC innovate ways to give food that is still good but not easy to sell (such as short-dated milk) to folks in the community.

• We can move towards a more collaborative relationship between management and employees.

• Wise stewardship, including environmental impacts as connection to those in need in our community.