PCC Board of Trustees Report

2018 PCC Annual Election

Voting will be open to all eligible members on April 27, 2018. Beginning this year, we are offering members the option of casting their vote online. You’ll receive your unique online voting ballot via email. To ensure we have your most up-to-date email, please update your member information at pccmarkets.com/addresschange. Additional information about the election and the candidates will be provided in the May issue of the Sound Consumer.

PCC Annual Election Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible to vote?

A: You are eligible to vote if your signature is on the original member application for your household and you were an active member of PCC Community Markets (PCC) on February 1, 2018, the eligibility date set by the Board of Trustees. No one else may vote on behalf of you or your household.

Q: How do I know if I’m an “Active Member”?

A: You are an active member of PCC if you have a valid membership and you have used your membership at PCC between February 1, 2017 and February 1, 2018. If you have questions, contact the PCC Co-op office at 206-547-1222 or email membership@pccmarkets.com.

Q: How can I vote?

A: In 2018 you can vote online or by paper ballot. Eligible members who have given PCC a valid email address by April 1, 2018 will receive an email on April 27 directing them to their unique online ballot that, once completed and submitted, will generate a confirmation that you have voted. Kiosks also will be available in stores for online voting. In addition, paper ballots will be available in stores or by request from Election Services Corporation by calling toll-free (1-866-720-4357), or by emailing pcchelp@electionservicescorp.com. Paper ballots must be received by May 30 and may be submitted in store or mailed to PCC Community Markets Election Processing, c/o Election Services Corporation, PO Box 9020, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779-9822. You may also vote in person at the Annual Members’ Meeting on June 6.

Q: Who can apply to be considered as a nominee for election to the Board of Trustees?

A: Any active PCC member can apply to be considered as a candidate for the Board if the member is at least 21 years old and meets the eligibility requirements set out in Section 3.3 of PCC’s Bylaws and as established by the PCC Board of Trustees.

The Nominating Committee recommends nominees for the Board from the applicants based on criteria including experience in business or community leadership, business acumen, familiarity with the cooperative business model, prior board service, and a demonstrated commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Each year the Board and PCC’s management team may also advise the Nominating Committee of other specific skills, competencies or experience for Board trustees they feel would most benefit PCC at that particular time. The goal is to compose a highly qualified, diverse board that can effectively guide our growing and complex cooperative business.

Q: Who chooses the slate of Board candidates?

A: The Nominating Committee evaluates received applications, chooses applicants for formal interviews with the Nominating Committee, and then recommends a final slate of candidates to the PCC Board of Trustees for approval. Once a slate is approved, it is presented to PCC members for a vote. The Nominating Committee is made up of one appointed trustee from the Board and up to four members elected by PCC membership.

Q: Does my vote count when there are the same number of candidates as there are open seats?

A: Yes! The slate of nominees may include a greater number of candidates than open seats when there are more qualified applicants than seats, but that is not always the case. Even when the number of candidates and the number of open Board seats are the same, members still have the opportunity to vote for or against each candidate. A candidate will not be elected if the votes cast against that person’s election exceed the votes cast for that person’s election, so your vote counts. If a seat is not filled at an Annual Members’ Meeting, the Board may appoint someone to fill that vacancy until the next Annual Members’ Meeting, at which time the appointee must stand for election and be elected in order to continue serving on the Board.

The process of governing PCC, including electing qualified trustees each year, ultimately rests in the hands of the membership. Your board and Nominating Committee, and the Co-op’s dedicated staff, work on behalf of all members toward PCC’s continued success. Thank you for participating in our cooperative’s governance with your vote.

Here’s a link to PCC’s Articles & Bylaws: pccmarkets.com/bylaws.