2026 Board Candidate
Lydell Larson
How many hours per month could you realistically commit to board work, including meetings and committee tasks?
8-10
Are there any times of year when your availability might be limited? If yes, please explain.
No response was provided.
How familiar are you with cooperative principles and the member-owned model? Please explain.
None.
Please share an example of supporting local food, sustainability, or community initiatives.
I like to see the local community thrive. Shop local when possible. I'm a positive person. I don't like people talk negative about the Co-op and don't take time to go to meetings. Go by 5-10 years ago and think things can't change.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing a grocery co-op, and how would you approach them?
I would be open to listening to the public but understand that not everything can or will happen as fast as people want and some may not be feasible to do at all.
If you joined the board, what would you hope to contribute to the co-op’s long-term vision?
Being in 2 businesses I feel that I'm a careful person financially and would try to help the store run efficiently.
Being retired I would love to be a hands on person.
I am a positive person and a people person. I don't need things to be run my way.
Have you worked with budgets, financial statements, audits, HR, legal, operations, or project management? If yes, please describe.
Self employed. Never had to deal much with a lot of budget, financial statements.
Being self employed I was instrumental in bidding jobs while my partner dealt with most of my financial stuff.
How do you approach decision-making when there is financial or operational risk?
Is it feasible and can we afford to do the project at the present time.
Do you have any experience in start ups, self-driving fundraising or organizing large fund raising efforts? If yes, please describe.
None.
Please share an example of disagreeing with a group decision and how you handled it.
I was a firefighter for 38 years and with a large group of people I realize that majority usually rules and I go with it.
This is also with my church family which I am dedicated to and am currently and have been many years of the physical needs of our church structure.
How do you balance advocating for your perspective with supporting collective decisions?
Hopefully with deep thought and respect for others and their ideas on the team.
How would you help attract new members or volunteers?
Be a good listener. Make myself available to talk to people when possible.
Do you have local networks or connections that could support the co-op’s growth?
Church members and lots of friends.
How do you approach learning new skills or responsibilities outside your expertise?
I'm a better listener than a reader. I like hands on.
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?
No response was provided.
What would you do if you suspected a board member or staff member was not acting in the co-op’s best interest?
If I felt comfortable I would go to that person in private and alone and if it was deemed best bring 1 other board member with for the discussion.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
I am a honest person. Hard working. I currently serve on the Frederic Housing Authority board which meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month. We sometimes have to deal with unhappy tenants but is usually smooth sailing.