The Co-op Difference
Basics is governed by an elected volunteer board made up of 5 Basics Co-op Owners. They started as Basics shoppers, just like you! Learn more below.
The Basics Board establishes policies to advance the Co-op's mission and goals. Responsibilities include long-term financial planning, approval of major plans, structural changes, and legal commitments, and providing vision and direction for the Ownership and the General Manager. Daily staffing and operational decisions are delegated to the General Manager and management team. Our cooperative governance style is based on the Policy Governance model, with modifications that support our co-op’s individual needs.
Our volunteer board meets for approximately 2 hours every other month, virtually and in person, to carry out these duties. An additional 1-2 hours per month participation is encouraged for email discussions and committee projects.
An election is held each May, and board members are elected to serve rotating 2-year terms. Any active Co-op Owner can run for election, and all active Co-op Owners are encouraged to vote! In addition to the satisfaction of helping our co-op grow and thrive, board members receive a 5+15% daily discount on most regular-priced items.
2026-2027 Basics Board of Directors
Jim Hutchinson, Board President
Jim Hutchinson has been a Basics supporter since the 1970’s and has served on the Basics Board since 2005. He is a lifetime organic gardener, practices a “heal thyself” approach to wellness and believes the community in which we live is intricately tied to our eating habits and health. As a Basics Board member, Jim enjoys the opportunity to use his experience to strengthen and keep our store a vibrant, nourishing organization for the body and soul. Jim has worked for and served on boards of nonprofit organizations for over 30 years. He currently provides accounting, management and administrative services for nonprofits.
Andrew Timm
Andrew believes in researching and understanding what goes into our food, and supporting local food systems. He has experience working with small farms as an electrical engineer and appreciates the in-person learning that happens in the aisles at the Co-op.
Carol Kauscher
Carol’s lifetime goal has been to reduce the use of toxic chemicals. As the longtime President and owner of the D’Bug Lady Pest Management Co. she enjoys growing and promoting businesses that serve the public. She also enjoys studying, learning, and sharing how to maintain a healthy mind and body.
Eli Lengjak
As a social services worker, Eli brings to the Board his experiences drafting and applying policy, navigating ethical decisions with accountability to the community, and collaborating to achieve long-term outcomes, sometimes with limited resources. His goal is to help the co-op remain financially sustainable while staying true to its mission. He has a strong personal interest in ingredient quality, food sourcing, and continued learning about nutrition and wellness.
Justin Madru
Justin was a recent Basics employee, for 6 years! During that time, he worked almost every position there is to work on the sales floor. His years of management experience at Basics, combined with roughly 10 years of management experience elsewhere, brings a wealth of firsthand retail management experiences to the Basics Board.
Contact the Board
Written communications remain sealed until the next scheduled meeting. Watch for Coffee with the Board sessions to speak with board members in person during select in-store events.
Mail to:
Basics Board of Directors
c/o Basics Cooperative
1711 Lodge Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
Email:
basicscoopboard@gmail.com
Interested in running for Basics Board of Directors?
All active Basics Co-op Owners are eligible, excluding staff. Watch for annual election announcements in The Scoop.
