Ballots are open to all active co-op members.
Staff Candidate
Matthew Lundberg
IT & Scan Specialist
Biography
I am committed to supporting the Co-op community, and especially the cooperators that keep the Co-op lively on a daily basis: the cooks, cashiers, stockers, buyers, bakers, bookkeepers, and support staff. I believe all the voting members should be empowered to ensure the Co-op remains a cooperative endeavor, and the cooperative staff members play a huge part. I love this community and will serve everyone with integrity, joy, and sincerity.
Born in Butte and educated in Bozeman (high school) and Missoula (college), I never thought I would leave Montana. And then I found a spouse and a new family in Indiana. After 19 years there, we made our way back home again to raise our family here. Seven years ago I found my place at the Co-op as an IT and Scan Specialist – “computer stuff” as I usually describe it. Since then the Co-op has enriched my life as it intertwines with my family, friends, food, and livelihood. Over 30 years ago my parents became member-owners of the Co-op and I am continually grateful for its ongoing success. Now as a parent myself, I hope to leave it even stronger for my own child and for future generations. I deeply enjoy helping the work go along smoothly so everyone can focus on their creative strengths and keep the smiles coming.
The Board of Directors isn’t something I have aspired to join until this year, but I feel compelled to do more for this co-op that I have grown to love. Over the years of doing “computer stuff” at both co-op locations, my work has connected me with almost every aspect of the business. We should carefully consider how new technology might enable us to better serve the needs of our members in sustainable and ethical ways. I hope that my understanding of how businesses use technology will benefit the Board as those decisions are made, while my years of contact with staff and community members will help make sure our democratic and cooperative ideals are respected.
Relevant skills and experience
Seven years employment at the Co-op as IT and Scan Specialist. Superficial understanding of many aspects of the operation that touch technology. This includes cashiering, pricing, yearly budgeting and capital expense planning, marketing, ordering and receiving, labor planning, sales data, and community engagement. Deep understanding of technology used at the Co-op. This includes point of sale hardware and software, co-op website, server infrastructure, PC workstations, mobile devices, all software, and network hardware. Studying new technologies such as electronic shelf labels, machine learning software (including LLM, generative AI, agentic AI), and evaluating the costs, risks, and benefits of new technology adoptions. Enthusiastic cooperation with other co-ops, especially NCG participants via web forums and at conferences. Cooperative Principle 6 is my favorite!
Issues of particular interest
Staff satisfaction, engagement, retention, and development. Guiding the Co-op to a bright future with authenticity and respect for the humans that participate in this essential endeavor for the betterment of our local and greater connected communities.
Important issues facing the Co-op
Remaining engaged with our community is vitally important as we see the co-ops across the country are maturing. Along the road from buyer’s clubs to multi-store operations, this journey could lead to being less cooperative and democratic. We need to engage the next generation of cooperators to make sure the reasons for the co-ops existence are based upon the needs of the community.
Strengths brought to the board
Being able to understand technology and communicating about it to all levels of expertise is my strength. I love supporting people where they are. We all have different skills and all too often the “tech people” engage in elitism regarding their skillset. The magic of technology should be applied carefully and ethically to best serve our society and humanity.
Interest in serving on the Board
Collaboration amongst the board members elected by the community is very important to the continued health of The Co-op. I am excited to learn from the other board members and hope that my perspective can provide some value to the collaboration.
