Relocation of a Board Member

One week before Common Ground moved to its new location in Lincoln Square, there was another, much smaller-scale relocation: I—(Katrina Bromann, your Board secretary)—moved three hours to the north, back to my hometown of Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Lots of doors have opened for me, and I can’t be happier. I finished my MS in Library and Information Science this past December, and I’m doing student teaching right now in a middle school library. In eight weeks I’ll move on to another school and get my feet wet with the elementary set. Slowly but surely, I’m getting used to having students call me Miss Bromann.

I’m having a harder time getting used to not being in Urbana anymore. I miss my walking routes, my neighbors, my favorite hang-out places; I miss going to the co-op every day. Ok, maybe every other day… but I was there a lot, for Board business or just to grab a snack. Common Ground was like a home base for me, and I’m sure it’s that way for a lot of people.

Moving away means more than having to find a new place to shop. It means saying goodbye to my role on the Board of Directors. There couldn’t be a more exciting time to be on the Board, and I know I’m going to miss being a part of that team. Being on the Board meant being conscious about food decisions and taking an active role in educating the community about food issues. It meant crafting policies that would guide the future of Common Ground. It meant privileged time spent working with fellow co-op leaders, who I admire greatly for their dedication to Common Ground. It meant monthly meetings that doubled as potlucks with delicious food. It meant keeping a finger on the pulse of the community and being connected. It meant trying my best to lead and grow Common Ground in new and positive directions.

I was able to visit last weekend and see Common Ground at Lincoln Square—I was overwhelmed with emotion when I walked in the front doors and saw how fresh and vibrant the store looks. I plan on coming to visit a bunch more times, but I won’t be able to continue on the Board. I challenge you to pick up where I left off—join the Board, and assume leadership for our beautiful new store. We’re at a fantastic place right now, and it can only get better.

I won’t say goodbye, since who knows where the future goes. See you around!

In Cooperation,
Katrina