The Mountain Equipment Co-op is at a crossroads. It has no doubt, grown beyond what any of the 6 original members thought when the idea germinated in 1970. When I first became a member, it was mail order or bust for a prairie boy. In fact, I had never walked into a store until I had been a member for over 10 years. Now, stores are appearing in every corner of Canada. I was especially impressed with the staff at the Winnipeg store on opening day. They had worked all night to get everything ready and still managed to be pleasant and helpful with the crowd that day. Kudos goes out to all of them.

The overshadowing question now is “What happens when an organization grows past it’s original vision?” Our stores are huge and full of customers. MEC has become a brand as recognizable and powerful as “Tommy” or “The Gap”, but we are not them. Our situation is different, if for no other reason, that the pursuit of profit is not our goal.

What I will bring to the Board is a wealth of knowledge in children’s camps. I have worked as a canoe trip leader, an outdoor education instructor, the manager of canoeing/kayaking programs and I have also worked one-on-one integrating children with disabilities into camping. It was through my own camp counselor that I discovered MEC. As a youth leader I continue my commitment to the teen population.

I also bring my experience in the business world managing technology projects for newspapers all across Canada. As an Integrator, I have an excellent understanding in technology and publishing, two areas that Remote Sales depend on.

My family has chosen to be residents of the Wolseley area of Winnipeg, and share it’s values and commitment to community, local business, the environment and activism.