Now Accepting Co-op Board Applications
Run for Basics Co-op Board of Directors
All active Basics Co-op Owners are eligible*
Volunteer elected board meets 6 times per year (includes Zoom option)
3 of 5 seats in this year’s election
Applications due Friday, April 10, 2026
Co-op Owners vote May 1 – May 7, 2026
Basics is governed by an elected volunteer board made up of 5 Basics Co-op Owners. 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. Board responsibilities do not include daily staffing and operational decisions, which are delegated to the general manager and management team.
The Board meets for approximately 1 hour every other month, with an additional 1–2 hours of monthly participation encouraged for reading and contributing to emails and committee projects.
3 seats are up for election to 2-year terms beginning this June. In addition to the satisfaction of helping our co-op grow and thrive, board members receive an additional 15% daily discount on most regular-priced products.
Ballots will be collected in-store and online. Results will be announced in June.
* Active = fully vested or up to date on installments. Per the co-op’s bylaws, staff are not eligible to serve on the Board.
Application Information:
Email to basics4lynnette@gmail.com, or mail to Lynnette Wirth, General Manager, Basics Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Drive, Janesville, WI 53545.
Include your full name and Basics Co-op Owner number. Include a digital photo, or call Amber in Marketing at (608)754-3925 to arrange to have your photo taken at the store.
Answer the following questions for your candidate profile, which will accompany the ballot.
1. Why do you shop at Basics?
2. Describe what skills and experience you have that will help you be an effective board member. For example, any skills obtained from working with cooperatives, a non-profit or for-profit business, management experience, positions of leadership in finance, community involvement, other boards, etc.
3. Why would you like to serve on the co-op board?
Additional Resources
