The Merc Board is comprised of seven co-op owners. We are elected by the general ownership and serve a three-year term. Any Merc owner can run for a board position and anyone interested is encouraged to get involved with our dynamic board.

Sacie Lambertson

Why did you run for the Board of Directors?
I wanted to become part of an important Lawrence community.

What is your favorite Merc Product?
I like no particular product but buy the fresh vegetables exclusively at the Merc because these are the best in town (other than farmer's market veggies or those you grow yourself).

What is one surprising fact or talent you possess?
Gosh, better ask others this one.  I’m a carpenter of sorts and can run electrical in a house.  I’m re-learning to play the piano but this is definitely not a talent.

Tell us about a memorable Merc moment?
When I talked to Bianca about riding across the country with two of our children and she spoke of walking across the country!  Huge difference.

What distinguishes The Merc from other businesses?
It is a co-op, a type of business owned by its shoppers, involved in social issues important to our community, particularly those concerned with food.

Eileen Horn

When did you start shopping at The Merc?
I first started shopping at the Merc in 2007 when I moved to Lawrence.

Why did you run for the Board of Directors?
I ran for the Board to volunteer for a cause that I care deeply about - food that is healthy for us and our environment.  I have loved learning about the vital role that coops like the Merc play in our community.

What is your favorite Merc Product?
Peanut Butter.   Really, any kind.

What is one surprising fact or talent you possess?
One of my legs is shorter than the other.  However, that is NOT why my parents named me Eileen.

Tell us about a memorable Merc moment?
My first Annual Owners’ Meeting in 2007 was such a great event - it really drew me into the fullness of being a Merc owner.  Hint: it’s about more than just good food!

What distinguishes The Merc from other businesses?
Although many businesses have mission statements, the Merc truly embodies its “Ends” in all of its decisions and operations.  The Merc has such integrity!

Dan Buonadonna

When did you start shopping at The Merc?
We started shopping at The Merc shortly after we arrived in Lawrence in May of 2008.
 
Why did you run for the Board of Directors?
I wanted to serve on the Board in order to learn more about, and then be able to educate others about the local food movement.  It was also to fulfill a personal commitment to community involvement and service, and to play a role in supporting and maintaining what I see as a valuable community asset.
 
What is your favorite Merc Product?
The fresh carrots!
 
What is one surprising fact or talent you possess?
I have been slowly trying to learn poi fire dancing.
 
Tell us about a memorable Merc moment?
The first time Carrie (my better half) found the little farm messages in the Bauman's eggs carton she was so excited that we ended up keeping the note on our refrigerator.  Now we're hooked, and look forward to the farm updates each week.
 
What distinguishes The Merc from other businesses?
The Merc is a co-op and is not driven by profit nor competition, but by cooperation.  Outside of our 4600+ owners, there is no authority or executive that the Merc is dedicated to.
 

Barbara Clark

When did you start shopping at The Merc?
I believe sometime in 1983 or 1984 shortly after my husband and I moved to Lawrence. It was a tiny little storefront then and the Amazing Grains Bakery was just next door.  

Why did you run for the Board of Directors? 
The Merc has always been important to me personally and to our greater community. I was hopeful that I could contribute something to the continuation of this great coop. 

What is your favorite Merc Product?
The sense of community you find at the Merc.

What is one surprising fact or talent you possess?
I'm prematurely gray!

Tell us about a memorable Merc moment?
Being able to help celebrate the Merc's recent 35th birthday by serving slices of a  delicious cake made by the Merc bakery.  It was estimated that within an hour a 30 pound birthday cake was enjoyed by numerous shoppers -  half a pound of cake was served every minute.   

What distinguishes The Merc from other businesses?
The Merc is responsive to its owners.  The Community Mercantile Coop is guided by seven "Ends Policies"  one of which states, "There will be a thriving cooperative grocery store that is responsive and beneficial to its owners."

Mark Sprague

When did you start shopping at The Merc?
I bought my first box of Red Zinger tea at the downtown location in 1974, and have been going ever since.

Why did you run for the Board of Directors?
We have shopped at the Merc even when we lived over an hour drive away. Because of the distance, we were unable to provide volunteer time which used to be required of members. Being able to buy whole food, especially bulk items has been very important to us.  I felt it was finally time to involve myself and help out.

What is your favorite Merc Product?
Almost everything in the bulk section.

What is one surprising fact or talent you possess?
I have been baking bread since I was in 8th grade.

Tell us about a memorable Merc moment? 
Chef Nancy Stark used my Habanero Pepper Sauce recipe in some of her cooking classes.

What distinguishes The Merc from other businesses? 
I am an owner, and have known so many of the people who have been involved with The Merc. Throughout it’s history, it has been the most responsible and reliable supplier of things we need.

Mary Sundal

When did you start shopping at The Merc??
When I moved back to Lawrence in 2009.??

Why did you run for the Board of Directors?? 
Running for the Board was an opportunity for me to get involved in a community issue that is important to me.   ??

What is your favorite Merc Product?
?I have two: The Bakery's Lemon-Ginger Scone and Izze grapefruit drink.??

What is one surprising fact or talent you possess??
People are often suprised to learn that I lived (for 10 months) in a rural (and armed) community in East Africa.

Tell us about a memorable Merc moment?
?I'm not sure I want to share this one, but... I had a soy sauce accident last year where I completely overfilled my reusable glass container. Overfill in an understatement.  I had soy sauce all over my clothes and all over the bulk aisle. Lucikly, a kind Merc employee rescued me during the clean-up.  ??

What distinguishes The Merc from other businesses?
As a co-op, The Merc helps connect owners with food producers, reinvests in the community, and offers more local products than any other store around!