2024 Annual Owners Meeting & Board Election Information
This year's AOM will feature:
• music from Peace & Love Ukestra
• in-house pastry foods
• herbal tea blends
• games and prizes
• a fun and informative shopping experience
• information about the operations and finances of the co-op
• vote on bylaw amendment changes
• meet the board and the new candidates running in this year's election
This is a free event for our Owners. We ask that you RSVP at the Eventbrite below so we know how much food and drink to prepare. There is a donation ticket option if you are able and would like to donate to help with the costs.
This year's board candidates and proposed Bylaws amendments are listed below. Voting will be available in the store and online following the Annual Owners Meeting. More information on how to vote will be coming soon on this page and in your weekly eNewsletter.
Meet the Candidates
Candidates are listed alphabetically by first name
Debra Clark Smith
As a dedicated cooperative owner at Deep Roots Market since 2018, Debra has personally experienced the benefits of healthy, organic foods on her well-being. Through her role as Treasurer at the House of Re-Awakening Minds, she has gained valuable financial experience in preparing reports and ensuring organizational stability. She strongly believes in Deep Roots Market's mission to promote community well-being and collaboration among its owners.
With a background in accounting and a passion for supporting small businesses through her ownership of Smith Tax And Business Center, She is excited to bring a customer-focused and detail-oriented approach to the Deep Roots Market Board of Directors to drive operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.
Drew Dix
Drew is an experienced board member and Director of Sales Development at The FruitGuys, with a strong commitment to community engagement and promoting local, sustainable food sources. He was elected as Board Vice President of Deep Root Market in June 2022, leading the Owner Engagement Committee to enhance the annual Owners' Meeting experience.
With a background in the alternative newspaper industry and not-for-profit theater, He brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the board, with a focus on simplifying operations and fostering growth. He's committed to expanding Deep Root Market's reach and influence in the Triad area through sourcing more local products, promoting food education events, and addressing challenges of scale in the market.
Khaila Daye
Khaila, a passionate and dedicated marketing specialist with a background in agricultural and environmental systems, has a strong connection to Deep Roots Market. Having worked as a cashier at the Co+op while pursuing her graduate studies at A&T, and currently employed at the NC Department of Agriculture, she has experienced firsthand the impact of cooperative values on community well-being. Deep Roots serves as a beacon of inclusivity and support, providing a safe space for all individuals to come as they are.
As a member of the Alumni Association board and a supporter of local nonprofits, Khaila understands the importance of giving back and valuing people over profits. Deep Roots has not only changed her life, but it inspired her to advocate for cooperative principles and community engagement.
Meredith Davis
With a strong commitment as a member of Deep Roots Market for the past year, Meredith prioritizes purchasing produce and discovering new healthy items during weekly grocery trips. Living in the downtown community provides convenient access to the Co+op, where she enjoys exploring and choosing new products with her husband. With a background as a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, her expertise in providing nutrition education and connecting individuals to programs like the LIMe program at Deep Roots highlights her commitment to promoting access to nutritious foods.
Meredith's vision for Deep Roots includes expanding its influence in the community through additional storefronts, mobile produce initiatives, and educational programming to raise awareness about co-ops and sustainable nutrition. Driven by a passion for ensuring access to healthy foods for all, she is eager to contribute their skills and dedication to Deep Roots' ongoing success and community impact.
Mollie Blafer
As a dedicated member of the Deep Roots Board of Directors since May 2023, Mollie has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cooperative community. From volunteering during the height of the pandemic, shopping for those in need, to serving as Lead Volunteer and supporting staff and processes, Mollie has been an integral part of Deep Roots. With a background in academia, local nonprofits, and disability advocacy, Mollie brings a wealth of experience in program management, data analysis, and policy implementation to her role on the board.
Deep Roots Market, plays a crucial role in fostering healthy relationships in the community and promoting sustainable practices in local economic development. As an advocate for cooperative values and community well-being, Mollie is deeply invested in the ongoing success and growth of Deep Roots and is committed to serving the board to ensure its continued prosperity.
Proposed Bylaws Amendments
Bylaws amendments require approval by the Owners. The Board is proposing the following amendments for the Owners to vote on at this year's Annual Owners Meeting.
Section 5.2 - Notice
Regular meetings shall require no notice other than the resolution of the Board, it being the responsibility of absent directors to inquire as to the time of further scheduled meetings. Special meetings shall require written or oral notice to all directors. Written notice shall be delivered at least seven days before the date of the meeting and oral notices shall be given in person, by telephone or by email at least three days before the date of the meeting.Notice shall be delivered at least three days before the date of the meeting, whether in writing, in person, by telephone, or by e-mail. Notices of meetings of the Board shall also be posted in a timely manner and in a conspicuous place at all places of business of the Cooperative and, when practicable, on the website or in the newsletter of the Cooperative or by any other usual means of communication.
Note: This amendment is to simplify the directions since there seems to be no practical or legal reason for requiring a longer notice when in writing.
Section 5.6 - Action without a meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if a written consent to the action, including a consent by e-mail, is signedapproved by all directors and filed with the minutes of meetings.
Note: This amendment is to align the Bylaws wording with actual practice.
Section 5.4 - Decision making
The Board shall strive to make decisions by consensus, attempting to reconcile differing concerns based upon the best interests of the Cooperative. However, a motion is approved upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds ofsix or more directors present.
Note: This amendment is to meet concerns raised at last year's Annual Owners Meeting that, as currently worded, as few as four directors could make substantial changes to the Co-op’s rules and/or operations. The proposed change raises the threshold for passing a motion, requiring more directors to be in agreement.