Susan Costanzo

I believe that I could serve TCCP and members well, bringing 25 years of experience in both traditional business and non-profit leadership along with my experience as a fellow owner, community member and Wedge enthusiast. I am deeply connected to this community, living in the neighborhood for 18 years.  I believe whole-heartedly in the co-op model and would like to see more businesses structured as co-ops. In the coming years, I believe that the TCCP should focus on building community resilience and expanding access to the benefits of the TCCP more broadly as relevant and feasible while maintaining a financially healthy organization that reinvests in its operations, members and communities. 

I recently took a break from my corporate career to gain formal education in Sustainable Business. I have a special interest in the Zero Waste movement and in reducing plastic waste especially. I am an avid participant in my local Buy Nothing Group and I frequent the Wedge Lyndale where I often shop the bulk section and participate in the community compost program. 

I love the Wedge Co-op. For me, shopping there is not just shopping – it is a way to live my values and feel part of the local community.  Serving on the TCCP Board would allow me to deepen my service and commitment to those values while making my time, skills and experience useful in the service of the TCCP mission and to the community it serves. I humbly ask for your permission to do so.  

ismael popoca AGUILAR

It would be my honor and privilege to serve on the TCCP Board of Directors. I truly believe in the co-op model for the economic development of our communities.  

 I was born and raised in Mexico, where the economic landscape was characterized by small businesses and local food systems. I studied culinary arts and have 24 years of food industry experience. Specifically, I worked for ten years at the largest consumer-owned food cooperative in the country—PCC Community Markets in Seattle. I managed deli departments there for several years, including managing a 75-employee deli with 24-hour operations. I then moved to general store management, including serving as director of a store with $475,000 in weekly sales. I know what it takes to run a co-op on a daily basis.  

 My belief is that co-ops can be both sustainable and successful in their business model. Co-ops can truly serve as a link between farms, producers, and customers. A thriving co-op is key, and I would love to see TCCP have a stronger presence in the Minneapolis area.  

Currently, I serve as culinary leader at the Indigenous Food Lab, part of the nonprofit NATIFS (natifs.org), and would bring my familiarity with that arena to the Board. When we moved to Minnesota two years ago to be closer to family, we joined TCCP right away, and I would be thrilled to be involved in the co-op community as a Board member.  

joan stockinger

First off, I love co-ops and what they do: community, cooperation, healthy food, good jobs, local farmer opportunities. These create connections that are becoming harder to find, and such connections are key to our future. I want food co-ops to continue and prosper. 

I have been a member of Linden Hills/TCCP for 37 years. I joined my first food co-op – Seward – around 1976.  Relevant experience: My last job was 10 years with Co-op Development Services, where I provided business planning, training, financial analyses and start-up advice to all kinds of co-ops, with a focus on food co-ops, new distribution projects, and local farmers.    

Other relevant experience: 10 years with the Manitoba Federation of Labour (Winnipeg) setting up an investment fund to support local businesses and worker ownership.  We raised $60 million while I was there.  I was CFO and had marketing responsibility. My co-op career started at Freewheel Bike Co-op in 1976-1982.  I was a founding member of Park Co-op Apartments. Other work: Project/Market Manager for Honeywell (1985-1990). 

Education wise: MBA from the Yale School of Management (1984); BA from UMN (1973). I am now retired.  There is a complex balance of business issues, values and vision that happens in our co-ops, and the board plays a key role in keeping this balance positive and effective.  My past work has embodied this and I would be honored to be able to contribute as a board member of TCCP. 

donN kelly

I am honored to be considered for a board position at TCCP. As a member for over 15 years—both through my company, Flackers/Dr. In The Kitchen, and individually as part of the Linden Hills Co-op—I am passionate about supporting the co-op community. Co-ops are a community treasure, and Flackers’ launch through both the Wedge and Linden Hills was essential to our growth. 

With a lifetime in the food industry, from grocery bagging in high school to sales and marketing at General Mills and Pillsbury, I transitioned 16 years ago into food entrepreneurship, launching Flackers. Locally produced in New Hope, MN, I am deeply invested in the local food ecosystem, where co-ops play a vital role. I’m committed to bringing clean, healthy, sustainable food to the market and ensuring TCCP continues to deliver on this promise. 

Our national presence allows me to engage with natural and grocery retailers, particularly co-ops, across the country. This experience, along with my background as CEO of an organic and sustainable food business with shared values, gives me the skills and insight to strengthen TCCP’s mission and future. 

I hope to bring this perspective to the board, advocating for TCCP’s long-term success in the local food community and the fast-changing food ecosystem. I would be honored to serve. 

tammy nolen

I’ve been a member of the Wedge for over 15 years. Despite driving past the Wedge hundreds of times while growing up, I knew nothing about its purpose or the benefit of having access to locally grown food through a co-op. I didn’t understand co-ops and missed years of supporting local farming and eating good, healthy food — not because I didn’t want to but because I didn’t know I could. 

It wasn’t until my late twenties that I started to learn about healthy food, food systems and how supporting local farmers was critical to our regional food ecosystem. Unfortunately, I only began this journey because of illness and consequently wanting to know how our food is produced.  

 I want to be a board member because I believe my experience is not unlike many people of color in the Twin Cities — many know about co-ops in part but are hesitant to participate. I believe local, sustainable food systems are vital to healthy communities overall, and there is more to do to ensure more people know about and have access to local food sources.  

I’ve learned about the cooperative model over time and understand there is power in collective ownership. However, that power can be compromised when everyone is not represented. I have worked in the nonprofit sector since 2010 and currently work in communications at the Bush Foundation. I believe my personal and professional experiences give me perspectives that could help the TCCP grow in unexpected ways for good. 

DECEMBER CHANGE MATTERS ORGANIZATIONS

Co-op owners are invited to help choose our December 2024 Change Matters recipient! Our Change Matters program generates an average of $10,000 each month by shoppers rounding up their change at the register. These organizations were selected by an internal committee and TCCP leadership. The organization that receives the highest number of votes will be December’s sole partner and will be announced at the annual meeting.

Reuse Minnesota

Reuse Minnesota was founded in 2012 and is a member-based nonprofit that supports repair, resale, and rental businesses, bringing visibility to the reuse sector as a means to lower our state’s impact on the environment. They envision regenerative, reuse-centered communities that protect the environment and value the well-being of future generations.

YouthLink

YouthLink is a nonprofit in Minneapolis that helps young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For 45 years, they have connected young people with resources. Whether it’s basic needs like food and housing, or employment and education assistance, YouthLink’s programs help young people all at one location to break down time and transportation barriers.

Legal Rights Center

The Legal Rights Center of Minnesota is a law firm of and for the people. Their mission is to work within the community to seek justice and promote racial equity for those to whom it has been historically denied. They do this through criminal defense, restorative practices, advocacy, and community education.