2026 Board Candidate
Kris Surbaugh
How many hours per month could you realistically commit to board work, including meetings and committee tasks?
I think I can easily work 2-3 hours a month for regular board meetings. That being said, I understand that initially it might require more attendance. Also, I understand that hours required might fluctuate depending on the time of year or what type of problem has cropped up. I also realize that there may be a need for ad hoc committee work. I am wiling to put in the time it will take to get this co-op established and moving forward. So whatever it takes- l'm committed to showing up.
Are there any times of year when your availability might be limited? If yes, please explain.
I do occasionally travel to visit family and friends. Since I am retired I don't have specific times for this - I'm usually able to organize my schedule with my commitments in mind.
How familiar are you with cooperative principles and the member-owned model? Please explain.
When the Natural Alternative (food co-operative in Luck) first was formed, I was a volunteer in the fledgling co-op while it was still in Frederic. I both worked to help physically, but was also a volunteer coordinator and initiated the process to manage that.
Many years later, I had an opportunity to serve on the Board, and I feel I helped with the initiative to improve and expand the interior of the building where the co-op is currently located.
Having been a member for several decades, I have watched that co-op grow and change to meet the needs of members and customers. It has been an education in itself.
I have also watched the ripple effects of having a food cooperative focused on health and wellness. I'm thrilled to see the next generation using sustainable methods to bring to us healthier food and provide an exceptional lifestyle to those involved. I think having another food co-operative in the area will help support the growing group of young farmers who are rejecting corporate models and embracing a healthier alternative that our entire community can profit from.
Please share an example of supporting local food, sustainability, or community initiatives.
The biggest challenge for any small town grocery store is to offer a variety of choices at a reasonable price. I think that encouraging local products can help with that. I also believe that having a cooperative means that local folks have a vested interest in seeing the grocery store thrive. That is important because the more consistent the foot traffic-the easier it is to bring in fresh foods that need to be sold in a timely manner.
Back in the '80s, folks were determined to drive 90 miles to save 3 cents on a can of mushroom soup. My family determined early that we'd rather pay a few pennies more for the convenience and reliability of having a local store. I have always supported local, and I think with making the grocery store a cooperative, we have a good chance of convincing the community that local is far better than driving extra miles that in the long run will cost us all more.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing a grocery co-op, and how would you approach them?
I think one of the biggest challenges will be building enough community support and membership to make the store financially sustainable. Frederic and the surrounding communities are small and many families are careful with their grocery budgets.
If you joined the board, what would you hope to contribute to the co-op’s long-term vision?
I hope to contribute the perspective of my experience with both the community and my role in it. I believe that we have a wonderful opportunity to not only keep a local grocery store, but also to create a market for local producers, and opportunities for internships and learning experiences for our local youth. The grocery store is dependent on other businesses in town, and the other businesses are dependent on having a healthy and viable grocery store.
We are much more likely to get folks to stop and spend some time in town when there are several opportunities for them to get what they need. We are lucky to have a clinic and pharmacy in town. We have hardware stores, hair salons, antiques, thrift, flowers, a blue-ribbon meat market, a wonderful library, and more. But we need a grocery store to make it complete. I would hate to see the 'dollar store' - or gas stations as the only access to necessary food items.
Therefore, I believe that supporting al the 'mom & pop' enterprises in Frederic would ultimately support our grocery store. We all do better when we al do better. I think that is the ultimate vision of this endeavor.
Have you worked with budgets, financial statements, audits, HR, legal, operations, or project management? If yes, please describe.
I have worked with budgets both as a teacher and a library director; as a school board member part of my duties is to oversee the finances of the district. That being said, I admit to having a limited amount of knowledge of the intricacies of bookkeeping.
As a library director I worked with managing staff-which included a HR component so to speak.
I've led several initiatives within my roles as a teacher, director and volunteer in the League of Women Voters.
How do you approach decision-making when there is financial or operational risk?
I consult the experts. Reaching out to the members of the team and determining what is the most feasible, practical, and substantial use of limited funds.
Do you have any experience in start ups, self-driving fundraising or organizing large fund raising efforts? If yes, please describe.
I have only been a 'helper' in these endeavors-not an organizer. On the other hand, my husband and I built a grass-fed beef herd from the ground up. I know how to keep the big picture in mind while still working in the mud.
Please share an example of disagreeing with a group decision and how you handled it.
I have been lucky to work on a number of boards, and teams, that have worked well together. The best way or a board to work is to keep the mission in mind. When members disagree, we need to determine fi we are al trying to reach the same goal, but simply have different ways of getting there. So, it is a win-win if we can converge our expectations, strategies, and achieve the basic goal we al agree on. Granted, this is not easy, but rather than forcing people to compromise-which leaves folks disenchanted with the process- if we can converge our ideas into a working proposition-it is more sustainable. The more 'buy in' we have on the board, the better the outcome.
How do you balance advocating for your perspective with supporting collective decisions?
It is easy for me to believe that my way is the best way, but I have learned in life that that is not necessarily so.
When I remind myself to be open to learning something new-to listen to others willingly and without prejudice I can accept that things may go differently than what I had planned. I remind myself to keep my eye on the prize and do the work it takes to get there.
Grant you, this is a work in progress.
How would you help attract new members or volunteers?
To attract new members we have to be very clear about our mission. If we achieve a vibrant, efficient, working store, folks will be more willing to trust. I want people to invest in something they can believe in-because it can be a long road before we achieve any substantial pay-off. The payoff for investors has to be in the process first-while we achieve stability and eventual reward.
To have volunteers, we must have clearly defined roles, and I think it doesn't hurt to have high expectations. It is a privilege to work in this environment! Think of Tom Sawyer and painting the fence.
Do you have local networks or connections that could support the co-op’s growth?
Well, I do talk to a variety of people-and I would encourage them to invest.
How do you approach learning new skills or responsibilities outside your expertise?
I love learning. I have had a lifelong goal of learning something new every day.
Are you comfortable asking for guidance when needed?
Yes.
Have you faced an ethical dilemma in a volunteer or professional role?
If so, how did you resolve it?
I have always relied on my internal compass to point me in the right direction. And I know if I do something that compromises that, I cannot happily live with myself. So despite the awkwardness of admitting I am wrong, or apologizing, or something equally humbling-I prefer to humble myself rather than live with my own conscience.
Sadly, I worked for two years under a boss who had the internal compass of a weather vane. It led to me retiring from teaching. Therefore, if I felt this was occurring on my watch, I wouldn't hesitate to address it.
What would you do if you suspected a board member or staff member was not acting in the co-op’s best interest?
Consulting the bylaws is a good first step.
If I felt that the problem was 'minor', I would talk to the person directly. It could be a case of misunderstanding or lack of information for me or for that individual.
If I thought the problem was severe, the first thing I would do is to consult with a trusted individual to see if my perspective is correct. I have many people who I believe are smart, caring, and wise-I would talk to the one I thought would have the best insight to the problem in question. Once I’ve bounced my concerns of of that third party-and I felt I needed to take it to the board-I would begin with conferring with a board member whom I respect and trust. Then we would proceed according to the bylaws as best we can.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
I am very excited about this movement to both retain the Frederic Grocery Store and to form a co-operative. Co-operatives are a long standing tradition nin this area. When this part of Polk and Burnett counties were first being farmed, the co-operative was a viable tool to help rural people create creameries, power companies, feed stores, and grocery outlets.
I am also happy to help in any way that I can to support this community building project whether or not I am on the board.
I applaud the individuals who have put in the hard work of getting this project of the ground. You are doing good work for our community-and you can be proud of your efforts. I salute you.