Brian Michael Raetz
Candidate Statement
Have you noticed the timber framing in Oryana’s 10th street cafe? It’s excellent. Natural. Rugged. Old-World. Sturdy. Consistent. The people who placed it there cared. Focus on any other inch of the place and you’ll find more of the same. Whether it’s in Tracy remembering your name or in the little tags that announce “Local”. This co-op is unlike any other. To keep it that way or even to improve it would be a real achievement.
I didn’t mean to become obsessed with Oryana. Probably like you, it just kind of happened. I began shopping here in Highschool when there were enough samples to become full in three rounds. But mostly, I just loved knowing that whatever I looked for could be found. And that whatever it was, it would be organic, local, natural, and good for me.
Fourteen years later and I still get excited when I walk through the doors. I wish I could tell you that’s hyperbole but it’s not. I’m a straight up Oryana nerd. I feel like that’s why I’d be a good fit for the board. Because I’m a super fan and a super user of this great place. Admitting this would be more embarrassing if I didn’t have reason to believe that you kind of are too.
Oryana’s ends seem to articulate an invisible need. Whatever that need is – it’s the reason the timber frame in the cafe exists. Because I don’t think anyone could say with full confidence that they keep coming back just for the food. It’s for the community, the care, and the overall vibe of well being that permeates the place. If I could contribute even a sliver of that goodness back to this great hall, I’d consider my time well spent.
Colleen Valko
Candidate Statement
Over the past eight years on the board, including four as treasurer and three as president, I’ve worked alongside incredible employees and board directors, gaining a deep understanding of Oryana’s inner workings. This experience has helped me recognize both the challenges and the opportunities we face. I’m excited to continue building on the progress we’ve made, with a focus on strengthening Oryana’s foundation for the future and keeping the board grounded in good governance.
A key priority for me has been improving how the board functions, whether by refining processes, deepening board education, or ensuring we have clear priorities in place. As board president, I chair the Executive Committee, work closely with our General Manager, and support my fellow directors in continuously strengthening our governance. I look forward to continuing this work and exploring new ways to make our board even more effective.
As we continue to refine our governance, I believe it’s time to take a fresh look at our Ends to ensure we’re setting Oryana up for long-term success and reflecting what matters most to our owners. The board’s work moves slowly by nature, and while consistency is key to staying on track, continuity helps us accomplish more. As new directors join each year, building on institutional knowledge and maintaining a steady focus on long-term goals becomes even more important.
Beyond my board service, I’ve spent my career in the natural and organic food industry, focusing on business analysis and strategic planning. That experience, combined with my time on the board, has given me valuable insight into both the operational and governance sides of a grocery cooperative. It’s been an honor to serve on this board, and I’d love the opportunity to continue contributing to Oryana’s success!
Andrew Dodson
Candidate Statement
After living in Traverse City for over four years, I wanted to become more involved in the community. Like many local families, we spend a significant portion of our budget on groceries, making Oryana a frequent stop for us. Serving on the board feels like a natural way to contribute to an organization that plays such an important role in our lives.
Oryana makes healthy eating accessible — which is no small task. My wife and I are dedicated budgeters, and we understand the challenge of balancing cost and nutrition. I know many in our community share this challenge, and I want to help ensure Oryana remains a resource for high-quality, local food that fits a variety of budgets.
My background in journalism and marketing has provided me with a strong foundation in research, analysis, and strategic thinking. I’m adept at identifying key issues, evaluating different options, and developing effective plans. I’d like to use these skills to help more people understand the benefits of co-op ownership and how supporting Oryana strengthens our local economy. This might involve exploring new ways to engage members, promoting Oryana’s unique offerings, or analyzing market trends to ensure the co-op’s long-term sustainability.
A positive shopping experience starts with a positive workplace. I appreciate Oryana’s strong culture and would like to contribute to its continued success. As an engaged community member, I want to help Oryana thrive.
I’m honored to be considered for the board and would bring my experience and enthusiasm to this role. Thank you for taking the time to read my response and voting for our next board of directors.
Tricia Phelps
Candidate Statement
Oryana has long been a beloved asset to my life here in Traverse City. Over the last decade, I’ve come to value it even more for the impact it has on the community. Whether you resonate with the economic influence it has on our region, including: purchasing from local farms, and donating to a variety of local non-profits. Or if the cooperative model itself strikes a cord; you’ll find Oryana supporting other co-op developments from Eighth Street to Detroit and the Keweenaw. The values that Oryana exudes in policy are values it puts into action and I find this work not only compelling to support but important to participate in, to ensure it continues.
As a current board member, seeking reelection, I hope to continue supporting the board with my leadership skills, values-based business experience, and commitment to ongoing learning and development. I’ve spent my career serving local farms and food businesses through a variety of farmers markets and as the CEO of Taste the Local Difference. In addition, the important work of developing a strong, connective workplace culture in a fully remote team has been a challenge that I take very seriously as a leader and this experience has shaped how I approach group work and accountability. I identify strongly with Oryana’s values of localism, economy,
community and building a model workplace in both my personal and professional life.
My contributions to the board during the last 3 years have included committee service and stepping into a board leadership role, while building my family at home and remaining focused on my own career. As Oryana navigates an evolving retail landscape and Traverse City’s own trajectory of growth and change, I’m committed to making board work a priority and helping to develop a strong foundation for board member education, strategic direction, and amplifying the impact of our community co-op.
Paul Bohlman
Candidate Statement
Coming to Traverse City has been my delight for over 20 years and as of 3 years ago, we decided to sell our house and stay permanently.
After asking some locals about where we could get good quality, organic foods, locally sourced – the response was Oryana. Based on first visit we became members and joined the community at the co-op. The experience has been exceptional. Upon entering the 10th Street store – I was taken back to the late 90’s when Whole Foods opened their Troy MI store. The layout and feel was almost identical.
As for my background of over 35 years in IT Services with global roles. Having held roles in accounting, marketing, services engineering, operations, leadership and development, and corporate strategy – the experience produced a well-rounded executive.
The people and staffs at Oryana define the owner/members experience on a daily basis. As board members, its important to help bridge between the owners and staff needs to drive the best outcome for the business.
Natural health has always been important to me and have seeked it out wherever I lived. Currently I am a Massage Therapist providing service the Traverse City Community.
It would be my honor to serve on the board of directors and utilize my background to help the Co-op continue to thrive into the future.
