1. Please explain your primary motivation for running for the Board.
My main motivation would be to help support the ability to provide healthy, sustainable, and affordable food to the community. I also think it's important to make sure the community has strong, local food options. Not only being a local business, but supporting other local businesses by having local products in the store is something that I value to help support the local economy.
2. What key competencies can you contribute to the Board?
The main competency that I could contribute would be on the financial aspect. That is what I have the most experience in from looking at financial statements frequently with my job. I work with a lot of small businesses which has helped me have a glimpse into how different businesses operate. It has also helped me see that every business is a little different, so there is not a one size fits all plan/business model.
3. Please list relevant board and employment experience.
CCF Bank: 2.5 years as a Relationship Banker
New Horizons: Board member for 2+ years, member of the financial committee
4. What do you see as PFC’s significant challenges to be addressed near term?
The biggest challenges I would anticipate in the near future would be consumers price sensitivity. Prices on everything have continued to rise, and consumers may look for things to cut spending on more than ever. I think this is going to always be a challenge, but finding a way to combat larger chains prices is what I see as a significant challenge. I also think it is important to continue to keep all of this in mind while still being able to provide local food sources.
5. What do you envision as potential long-term opportunities?
The potential long-term opportunity that comes to my mind is the growing demand for healthy/organic food options. People are growingly aware of what is in the food they are eating. Knowing the food was produced locally can be a big advantage as well as having clean/simple ingredients. People continuing to be increasingly aware of their health and wellness will be a long-term opportunity in my eyes and I think will also help combat some of the consumer price sensitivity.