2008 PCC Annual Election
April 29 – May 23
Candidates for PCC's Board of Trustees
The 2007-2008 nominating committee is presenting a slate of four candidates for your consideration in this year’s election. Learn more about them in three ways — watch the video interviews below, read the printed material (below on this Web page or in the Sound Consumer election insert) or meet them at one of four candidate forums during the election period.
Beginning Tuesday, April 29, you may vote for up to three of the candidates to fill three open seats on the board. The three candidates receiving the most votes will each serve a three-year term.
Each candidate has provided some biographical background as well their thoughts on three questions regarding PCC’s future. Those questions are repeated below for each of the candidate's statements.
Buzz Hofford (Incumbent) » video
My wife and I joined PCC shortly after our daughter was born 15 years ago. Like many parents, the co-op’s commitment to wholesome, natural foods became especially important once we had children.
Food has always been a big part of my life. I’ve always enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. That led me into the hospitality business at an early age; I’ve been managing restaurants for more than 20 years. For the past eight years, I’ve directed the Seattle University dining program, serving thousands of customers and employing hundreds of people. We’ve been nationally recognized for our commitment to sustainability and our outstanding food and customer service. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the years have helped make me an effective PCC trustee.
PCC is so much more than a member-owned natural foods grocery chain. We are a crucial link in a growing network of consumers, farmers, producers and suppliers, all bound together by a common desire for wholesome food and a healthy environment. Our mutual success serves as a model for others, demonstrating that a commitment to values and financial success are not mutually exclusive. It’s this belief that motivates me to continue serving on the PCC board.
Why do you want to serve on the board? What makes you passionate about PCC and its mission?
I’m a longtime member of PCC because I share the co-op’s values.
I’ve always spent time working for causes I believe in and there is no organization I believe in more strongly than PCC. Our recent decisions to eliminate plastic bags and high fructose corn syrup from our stores serve as excellent examples of our commitment to health and to the environment. Our establishment of the PCC Farmland Trust and our efforts in education and advocacy are examples of the influence we can have beyond our stores. As consumers, we really can make a difference in our world and impact positive change. It’s incredibly exciting to belong to an organization that so effectively demonstrates how that can be done.
What is your vision for PCC’s continued success in the increasingly competitive retail market?
PCC is successful because we do the important things right. Our staff is knowledgeable, professional and friendly. The quality of our products is consistently excellent. As consumers, we know that what we buy at PCC is good for our bodies and for the environment. We will remain successful if we hold true to these values. Our integrity is the key to our success.
One area where we can do better is keeping our prices as low as possible. Wholesome, natural food should not be a luxury and should be available to all. We must do our best to make our products affordable.
What unique skill or perspective will you bring to the board?
Our board is a group of diverse and talented individuals representing many different areas of expertise. Because of my experience managing multi-million dollar businesses, I understand the challenges we face in a competitive business environment. I’m also good at listening — to the concerns of members, to other trustees, to the perspectives of management, and to feedback from staff. I can apply these skills in ways that help keep our co-op strong, healthy and robust in the years to come.
I have always had an active interest in healthy food and local farm issues and my current position as chief executive officer of Pike Place Market allows me to work in a food and farming wonderland. The values and traditions we work to preserve at Pike Place Market are very much in alignment with those of PCC. Additionally, I am a CPA and much of my 30-year career in financial and organizational management has been with value-driven businesses. I would very much like to bring this experience to PCC.
I admire the governance and business models adopted by the PCC board and community and the impact these models have made in the farming and grocery businesses. As a trustee, I can bring strong financial and business experience to the decision-making process and help to sustain the success of PCC in the Puget Sound area.
Why do you want to serve on the board? What makes you passionate about PCC and its mission?
I love shopping at PCC in West Seattle. I believe in the co-op’s values of supporting good, healthy food as well as local farmers and agriculture. From my work at Pike Place Market, I am familiar with the issues of the local farmers in Washington state and know many of the farmers in this area. I admire PCC’s role as a leader in farmland preservation through the PCC Farmland Trust and in sustainability issues, such as eliminating the use of plastic bags. Balancing environmental and social issues with successful business growth is an important challenge. I would be proud to be involved in such efforts as a trustee of PCC.
What is your vision for PCC’s continued success in the increasingly competitive retail market?
PCC, like Pike Place Market, has a unique position in the local retail market. It is important to distinguish yourself in any competitive market. In order to do that, PCC must stay true to its values and its loyal customer base. Growing that customer base through education and commitment to its mission will be the key to continued success. More and more people are recognizing the importance of the values and issues promoted by PCC in their operating plans. Being a leader in food sustainability issues will help PCC retain and grow its customer base. Retail economic growth is expected to slow this year and a loyal customer base is an important element in sustaining success.
PCC appears to have a strategic approach to controlled expansion of new stores and renovation of existing stores. Careful and thoughtful growth is the key to successful growth and I believe I can help guide that vision.
What unique skill or perspective will you bring to the board?
I am a CPA and have 30 years experience in financial management of a variety of businesses and organizations. I understand profitability, margins and return on investment and also the necessity to stay true to your organizational culture and values. My experience at Pike Place Market has given me specific knowledge of the grocery business and the real estate and leasing businesses. Coupling this career track with my personal interest in local food, farm and sustainability issues makes me a particularly qualified candidate for the PCC Board of Trustees.
Julianne Lamsek » video
I began volunteering for PCC several years ago as a class assistant for the PCC Cooks Program. My initial motivation was to become a better cook; I found the experience to be so much more. Since then, I have spent considerable time educating myself about PCC’s business model and about issues facing PCC. I’ve attended member meetings, interacted with qualified staff, and learned from PCC’s Web site and publications. I have also regularly attended PCC board meetings to confirm that my skills and experience will add value to the board.
PCC exists in a competitive, dynamic retail environment. Computer-based information systems are critical components of successful retail operations. PCC can stay ahead by keeping up with changing technological standards and by applying appropriate technology to achieve business and operational goals. As technology director at KCTS 9 Public Television, I would gladly contribute my experience in information technology and business to help PCC achieve its goals. I am currently pursuing an executive-style MBA from UW Business School to broaden my business acumen (anticipated graduation: June 2008).
I was born and raised in Seattle; I have been a PCC shopper for most of my life. I enjoy cooking, gardening, climbing and cycling.
Why do you want to serve on the board? What makes you passionate about PCC and its mission?
When I shop at PCC, I don’t need to read labels to ensure the products I purchase are safe, healthy and sustainably produced. Every product PCC sells ties in with its model of balancing economic, social and environmental responsibilities. By staying true to its triple bottom line, PCC is a proven profitable, socially responsible business — a role model for others. We must educate the community about what makes PCC successful.
Technology enables us to inform and engage communities about sustainable food production, support for local producers and environmental responsibility. This can be accomplished by building online communities through community Web sites and social networks. My expertise in information technology could help educate the board about these and other important initiatives.
Candidate forums
All of our candidates will visit these four PCC stores.
Put at least one of these dates on your calendar for a chance to meet and interact with the candidates.
During each of these forums, the PCC deli and demo staff will offer some mouth-watering treats.
They'll also prepare some great dishes on the spot and will share the recipes.
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What is your vision for PCC's continuing success in the increasingly competitive retail market?
PCC’s commitment to serving our regional community has given the co-op a unique advantage; PCC is a respected local institution with a loyal following. To remain competitive, PCC must retain its loyal customer base and attract new business. Important success factors include: (1) retaining talented staff; (2) sourcing the best quality foods possible, focusing on local; (3) providing affordable products and value for members; (4) educating and engaging our community regarding sustainability, food and local agriculture; (5) partnering with businesses and organizations that will help us succeed with our triple bottom line, (6) staying informed of evolving technology and standards; and (7) growing sustainably — by adding stores in underserved areas, we can reach broader market segments and experience greater economies of scale.
What unique skill or perspective will you bring to the board?
Information technology is an area of expertise not currently represented on the PCC board. At KCTS 9, I oversee technical planning for the station’s information systems and Web sites. My expertise will benefit PCC in several areas – expanding communication and outreach capabilities, improving operational functions, such as inventory management, and ensuring due diligence for data security and integrity.
I was recently honored as a UW Business School MBA Program “Board Fellow.” I sat on the board of the YWCA of Seattle • King • Snohomish County; participated in board leadership training; and worked collaboratively with others on several committees. This experience taught me valuable skills for effective board governance.
Amy Pennington » video
I grew up in Long Island, New York, with goats, chickens and rabbits in my backyard. My love of food started young.
I have lived in Seattle for just over 10 years now and I’m happy to claim PCC as my local market. Locally, I have deep roots in the “food” community, from restaurants to farmland. I have a food marketing background and I’m currently freelancing in the food industry. I have a monthly food column in Seattle’s Conscious Choice, I produce a weekly food radio program each Saturday on 710 KIRO and I have a gardening business, where I focus on edibles and herbs.
PCC is my local food market.
Why do you want to serve on the board? What makes you passionate about PCC and its mission?
I love PCC and everything it stands for. I love walking in and seeing local produce on the shelves. I love that if I miss the farmers market, I can go to PCC at 7 p.m. and pick up some local kale from Rent’s Due Ranch. I love that PCC knows so much about the scope of local agricultural politics. I love that I can go in for a quick, healthy lunch when I’m being incredibly lazy and I don’t want to make my own carrot-curry soup at home. I love that I can fill up all my toiletries in bulk, so I’m using the same container over and over again and doing my part to minimize my personal waste. I just think it’s a fantastic place.
PCC has absolutely set the bar for what a local grocery can and should be. Everyone should be so fortunate to have a PCC close to home. Given the plethora of healthful, local and earth-conscious offerings, PCC takes the guesswork out of doing good.
What more could you ask for in a grocery store? I would like to sit on PCC’s board to continue furthering this mission. It’s important for me to make educated decisions about products I choose to spend my money on, and I’d like to support the same desire in others.
What is your vision for PCC's continuing success in the increasingly competitive retail market?
I would like to see PCC be the one-stop-shop for people dedicated to eating well and living well. My vision for PCC is to continue educating and influencing our members to live more consciously. I couldn’t have been more thrilled to read in my December Sound Consumer about the ban on high fructose corn syrup. I believe that PCC has a niche market stemming from their dedication to take a stance on such issues. Very few people, although they have the ability, use their dollars to vote. PCC does this and it’s my vision to continue shepherding such initiatives for the members.
What unique skill or perspective will you bring to the board?
In short, I have a food marketing background, a go get ‘em attitude, I’m an environmental advocate and I care about what we eat. Serving on PCC’s board is very much in line with my life interests.
I am very involved, on a local level, with our food producers and supply. I feel that, as a country, our food system is broken and PCC’s format is one big step in the direction to fixing that problem. My commitment to local and whole food is my biggest asset to the PCC board. I look forward to sharing that passion with the members. In essence, food truly is my life. I’m willing and able to work hard … with enthusiasm!
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