Meeting our board: Joe Klinkhoff

Q: How and when did you become acquainted with the co-op? Did you get involved right away – and in what ways? Become a member-owner right away?

A: I remember seeing the flyers way way back when. i think it was at The Joint in Bethlehem. I was interested but it took me almost 2 years to get around to being involved. I saw a post in social media talking about how education was a huge part of the Co-op. I had been teaching foodie related classes at the time and attended a meeting. The rest is history. I have been involved for about 8 or 9 years at this point. Stiill teaching classes under our banner at NCC and a regular volunteer at our events.

Q: What prompted you to become a member-owner?

A: When I learned about the co-op and what the principles were, I wanted to join immediately. I think I joined after my first meeting (using the ever so convenient payment plan) and have been a member-owner ever since. I am number 210.

Q: Tell us about your decision to run for the board, and what did you hope to bring to the board?

A: I have always been about community. Since the co-op is at heart a community driven organization I wanted to do just more than be a regular volunteer. I also like to bring a fresh set of eyes and attitudes to the board. Being a regular volunteer I was out there most weekends talking to folk and getting a feel for how the community felt about our efforts.

Q: Tell us about your current involvement with the co-op – what responsibilities/roles do you have?

A: Currently I am the board liaison for the MOVE committee. The MOVE committee is responsible for the logistics of our outreach events, membership, educational offerings and coordinating our volunteer's efforts as well. I organize and run the monthly meetings right now. I am also the board liaison for the newly formed Launch committee as we enter this new exciting period of time before we open our store.

Q: What is gratifying to you as a board member? Why is it important to you to be on the board?

A: To watch the co-op move towards opening day. That point in time is much closer than it was when there were only 210 of us member-owners. Sometimes I sit and think about what we have accomplished this far in and am amazed.

Q: What's one thing about the board that member-owners and/or community don't know and why is it important they do?

We hold PUBLIC meetings every month. These meetings are a great place to learn where the co-op is and where we are headed. It is an opportunity to have questions answered or provide input to your board for the future of our co-op. There is no need to be in the dark about any of this. Come join us, you'll be glad you did. Maybe it will inspire you to want to be on the board!

Q: What would you tell someone who's considering running for our board?

A: A lot of the answers to these questions are great reasons to run for the board. help us move forward, be a volunteer and get out in the community to talk to people. Think about how your talents and skills might be a fit for where we are and where we are headed. Also, have capacity as we do spend some hours on "board stuff" outside of our meeting.

Q: What do you like to do outside of your board work – employment, hobbies, family – whatever you'd like to share?

A: It comes down to enjoying learning in general. I am always undertaking some new project or another. Over the years I have focused on food. I teach several classes in fermenting at NCC. Teach a sourdough class a few times a year and a few other culinary classes. My brother built me a brick oven in the back yard. Secondly I have focused on being a fabric dyer and quiltmaker. I teach some classes in both these areas as well at NCC and out in the community.