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The Provender Journal November-December, 2007 Provender Elects New Board of Directors Provender Elects New Board of Directors The Provender Alliance Board of Directors election was held at the General Membership Meeting that took place on Thursday, October 4th in Vancouver, Washington. The election takes place at the Annual Educational Conference. Ballots were mailed prior to the conference and members also had the opportunity to vote at the conference. We are pleased to announce that this year’s slate of four candidates was approved unanimously. The slate included two incumbents with four positions open. One of our new board members is Brad Averill, co-owner of Wildtime Foods, based in Eugene, Oregon. Brad has been the owner of Wildtime Foods for a number of years now and has been so inspired by his experience with Provender that he wanted to serve on the board as a way to give back to the community that supports his business. The other new board member is Mel Minton, from Community Market in Santa Rosa, California. Mel serves as the General Manager of the store and has previously served on the Provender Board of Directors. She is excited about returning to serve. Brad and Mel join Vicki Reich of Sagle, Idaho, and Ellen Markham of Spectrum Organic Products, based in Petaluma, California. The newly elected board members will all serve a two-year term. Please welcome these new and returning board members as they prepare for another Provender year with Ron Leppert of Sundance Natural Foods, Jove Rousseau of Toby’s Family Foods and Renee Kempka of Sundance Natural Foods. During the first meeting of the newly elected board, Vicki was elected to serve as Board President, a new position for her. Ellen was elected to serve as Vice President and Renee was reelected to serve as Treasurer. Contact information for all board members can be found on page 25 of this Journal. Provender Conference Breaks Record The 31st Annual Provender Alliance Educational Conference was held in Vancouver, Washington. The conference broke all previous registration records by drawing over 280 attendees from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Canada and California as well as Wisconsin and North Carolina. The conference theme, “Growing With Integrity,” was well represented by workshops and speakers alike. There was a pre-conference function on Wednesday specifically designed for produce workers. Led by David Lively of Organically Grown Company (OGC), Jeff Fairchild from New Season Market and Barry Haynes from Ashland Food Co-op, this all-day event drew nearly 50 attendees. They spent the morning touring stores and the Clackamas OGC facility, ate lunch, then returned to the hotel and spent the afternoon working on the OGC Produce manual and working with each other to help improve their understanding of their department. Wednesday evening, early registrants were invited to a no host gathering at nearby Salmon Creek Brewery for suds and comestibles. Thursday morning started early with yoga, led by Provender member Wendy Ashley, owner of Innescents. Breakfast followed and a captivating presentation by Jeffrey Smith followed. Jeffrey presented a most compelling and convincing argument for avoiding genetically altered foods. Following the keynote address, attendees were faced with choosing one of six different sessions to attend. Jeffrey Smith and Michael Funk hosted an open discussion about a program for retailers and manufacturers to ensure the elimination of GMOs in their products and stores. Kenna Eaton, general manager of Moscow Food Co-op, facilitated a panel discussion with Jonah Alves, president of Toby’s Family Foods, and Greg Wilson, director of distribution sales for GloryBee Foods, on the challenges of growing a business and how each of these three companies dealt with the challenges they each faced. Vicky Hastings, from Maxwell PR conducted a session on how to market your niche and build a brand for yourself and Roxanne Winship, Demo Coordinator for PCC Natural Markets led a workshop about how retailers with any sized budget can hold demos successfully and with integrity. Laurie Bock put a fabulous panel together that included a broker representative from several of the brokerage firms in the Northwest as well as a representative from UNFI to discuss the broker’s role and how best to utilize their skills and services. Santa Rosa Community Market’s front end manager presented a session on how everyone can provide excellent customer service. The afternoon workshop options were equally as diverse and stimulating. Craig Winters, executive director of The Campaign, Jim Feldmann, activist with Northwest Resistance Against Genetic Engineering and Rick North, project director for Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibilty’s Campaign for Safe Food conducted a lively session on grassroots activism. Conference favorite Carolee Colter facilitated a workshop about personnel policy procedures and why they are so critical to the success of a business. Provender was honored to welcome Michael Sligh to the conference this year as he spoke about the importance of regional food systems. Michael’s position as past chair of the National Organic Standards Board and current position as director of Just Foods for Rural Advancement Foundation International gives him a wealth of experience to draw from. One of the many challenges facing retailers and manufacturers alike is the continued shrinking of options when considering distribution. Kenna Eaton facilitated a panel discussion that included Michael Funk of UNFI, Bob Pearson, co-founder of R & K Foods, and Charlie Tilt, co-owner of Hummingbird Wholesale to discuss the many different ways distributors of all sizes can help solve those challenges. A common misconception is that manufacturers have a lot of resources to distribute. Jan Tobin, owner of Salmonberry Naturals, facilitated a panel that included Sue Kastensen of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Sue Kesey from Springfield Creamery, and Glenn Ward of BumbleBar to help shed some light on this concept. Mary Shaw, Culinary Education Specialist from Ashland Food Co-op led a workshop about how retailers can help educate their customers in making healthy food choices. The Member Munch & Mingle proved quite popular again this year and the weather cooperated quite nicely as well, allowing attendees to spill out onto the deck of the hotel overlooking the river. Friday morning’s breakfast was followed by an informative keynote presentation from the fascinating and humorous wheat breeder, Stephen Jones, from Washington State University. His discussion was enlightening and informative about the challenges facing wheat farmers, both organic and conventional. Workshop sessions continued in the morning with an update on domestic fair trade from Cecil Wright from Organic Valley and Jason Freeman from Farmer Direct Cooperative. Another returnee from last year was Cliff Jones from Technical Assistance for Community Services (TACS) leading a two-part track on time management. This session was so popular last year that we asked him to return. Jen Scott from Maxwell PR discussed how to develop and deepen realtionships with consumers and Dave DeCou, executive director of Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) gave a thoughful and thought-provoking presentation on improving our ideas about organic agriculture and standards. Usha Honeyman, chiropractic physician, provided current information regarding diabetes—one of the largest epidemics in the country. Natalie Reitman-White from the Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Initiative, along with David Lively from Organically Grown Company and Prudence Ferreira from Amy’s Kitchen facilitated an interactive session discussing benchmarks in sustainable business practices. Friday afternoon came all too soon with Michael Sligh discussing what’s been going on with organic policies including the Farm Bill and the National Organic Program. Annie Hoy, outreach coordinator for Ashland Food Co-op shared her insights into building and maintaining your brand. Carolee Colter facilittaed a well attended session on workplace team building. We hosted Emerita’s vice president Lisa Dolezal and R & D manager Brad Buchanan who led a session on bodycare ingredients and fair trade was addressed at a different level with Tom Hanlon-Wilde of Equal Exchange, Brad Lerch of Royal Blue Organics and Edouard Rollet of Alter Eco as a panel discussing international fair trade successes. With minds full of ideas and connections, attendees had a Thai-themed dinner followed by our annual award presentation. The raffle drew a fabulous assortment of prizes and winners were enthusistically cheered on. Inner Limits provided a funk and groove rythym for dancers well into the night. The conference continues to respond to members’ needs and interests and we look forward to providing more excellence next year. Plan now to attend the conference next Octtober. We return to Hood River in the heart of the beautiful Columbia Gorge. The conference will be held Thursday and Friday, October 2 and 3. 2008 will see the 32nd Annual Provender Alliance Educational Conference and we promise to make it another interesting and stimulating and fun event. Frances Moore Lappé is one of our confirmed keynote speakers and she is not to be missed. Contact us with your ideas for workshop topics and/or presenters. You can reach the office by phone at 888.352.7431 or 503.859.3600 or by e-mail at info@provender.org. You may also want to contact one of your representatives, listed on page 25 of this Journal. Be sure to check the Provender web site, www.provender.org, for details as they develop. Don’t miss it. Provender Alliance held its 16th Annual Award Ceremony in Vancouver, Washington on Friday, October 5th during the 2007 Annual Educational Conference. The ceremony took place during a delicious and delightful buffet dinner at the Red Lion at the Quay. Provender Alliance takes this opportunity each year to celebrate outstanding or unique contributions to Provender and our industry and community. This year’s awardees included the following: Bruce Peterson was presented The Keep on Truckin’ Award for resolute diligence over mountain pass and ribbons of highway for the betterment and enrichment of our industry and our communities and for bein’ the “sole” of natural foods. Jack Lee received The Unbrokered Heart Award for the faithful promotion of natural foods to the benefit of countless multitudes while maintaining dignity, integrity, and unwavering commitment. Food Front Cooperative Grocery was presented The Front Lines of Sustainability Award for over 35 years of setting an example by confirming the principles of forward thinking and developing a holistic vision for a better community. The Voice of an Angel Award was bestowed upon Annie Hoy “for broadcasting goodwill and positive influence and ushering dreamlife to fruition. We honor you for being a multifaceted community leader and a generous, cheerful inspiration to us all.” After the presentation of these awards, the Board of Directors recognized Executive Director, Susan Schechter, for mental synapses of steel, organizational abilities that approach genetic complexity, and superior reflexes to unexpected stimuli. The award recipients are chosen by the Provender Alliance Board of Directors, with recommendations from the membership. The award recipients are kept in strictest confidence until the actual presentation so it’s a great surprise to everyone. We welcome your suggestions for future award recipients. Please feel free to contact the office at 888.352.7431 or 503.859.3600, or contact one of your representatives. You can find their contact information on page 25 of this Journal. EMG Partners with provender Alliance —from Eliot Management Group, www.e-mg.com Eliot Management Group, a direct processor for Visa, MasterCard and now American Express, has partnered with Provender Alliance to provide credit card processing for annual dues, advertising and conference purchases. EMG provides credit card processing, equipment sales, repair, and installation, check protection services, and gift card solutions. Eliot Management Group is rapidly growing with sales and service centers in cities throughout the nation. Each office expansion is part of our continuing “on-market” service goal for EMG personnel to provide direct local customer care, great rates, and big savings for dynamic credit card processing. We have enjoyed helping Provender Alliance and look forward to helping your business keep its bottom line as low as possible. To learn more, please call Eric P. Milne, District Sales Manager at 503.363.3900 or by e-mail at emilne@e-mg.com. Editor’s Note: Laughing Water, former Provender board member and current owner of Real Food Market & Deli in Helena, Montana, had heart surgery on October 5. This was an e-mail he sent shortly after returning home from the hospital. I’m back from my valve job in Missoula. I appreciate all the loving thoughts, and of course I was most deeply touched by my Missoula friends at the Good Food Store. My business partner India Supera shopped there to provide me with organic strawberries, Straus yogurt, sandwiches and salads. I got a beautiful basket of flowers from the store. And I had a most wonderful visit from my long-time sister-business friends Cheryl Loberg and Pam Clevenger. First Alternative Challenges Shoppers —from First Alternative Co-op, www.firstalt.coop For the month of October First Alternative Co-op in Corvallis, Oregon challenged its customers to purchase more local products and awarded the 3 people that purchased the highest number with a gift basket of local products. It was part of our Buy Local Campaign which focuses on “Local 6” products— a term we developed to label products that are grown, made or processed by a business owned and operated in the six counties including and surrounding Benton county, where the Co-op is located. I’m doing amazingly well 8 days after having my heart and lungs shut down for 4 hours. I have to watch out for my mending sternum and not to overtax myself, but I feel great, especially now that I’ve had a couple of days home. Corinne, thanks for the card. It’s a good welcome back to my puttering at the store. If anyone would like more details, please see my blog at http://web.mac.com/lwater. I’ll keep it updated. But if you hear nothing else, know that I’m well and happy and filled with gratitude (and napping whenever I feel like it). Love, —from Oregon PSR Campaign for Safe Food, www.oregonpsr.org and The Right Livelihood Award, www.rightlivelihood.org Percy and Louise Schmeiser, the Saskatchewan, Canada canola farmers whose crops were contaminated by Roundup Ready canola and then sued by Monsanto for copyright infringement, were awarded the Right Livelihood Award along with three other recipients. The Schmeisers will split the $310,000 prize money with the other award winners. The jury honored the Schmeisers “for their courage in defending biodiversity and farmers’ rights, and challenging the environmental and moral perversity of current interpretations of patent laws.” Percy and Louise Schmeiser have given the world a wake-up call about the dangers to farmers and biodiversity everywhere from the growing dominance and market aggression of companies engaged in the genetic engineering of crops. The Right Livelihood Award Foundation is a Swedish charitable foundation that has so far presented Awards to 123 Recipients from 56 countries. The presentation takes place in the Swedish Parliament, with the support of Members of Parliament from all political parties. Jakob von Uexkull “to honor and support those offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today” founded the Awards in 1980. Since then, individual donors have supported the Award. The total prize money is SEK 2 million (USD 310,000/EUR 220,000). The Right Livelihood Awards are often referred to as “Alternative Nobel Prizes”. For more information about the Schmeisers, visit www.percyschmeiser.com. For more information about The Right Livelihood Award, visit www.rightlivelihood.org. Ecotrust to Lead Farm to School Programs —from Western Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, www.westernsawg.org Ecotrust Food & Farms Program has been selected to serve as the Regional Lead Agency (RLA) for the National Farm to School Network. As RLA, Ecotrust is charged with overseeing efforts to change the face of school food to reflect local foodsheds and promote health in the Western United States. Ecotrust was chosen from a field of non-profit organizations based on its proven track record in developing and implementing programs in the farm to school arena, as well as its successful history of collaborating with organizations and individuals on a local and national level. As the Regional Lead Agency, Ecotrust will serve as a hub for farm to school activities in the Western region, which encompasses Hawaii, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. In addition, it will support the National Network in areas of policy, information, media and marketing, and create networking opportunities as well as provide training and technical assistance for individuals working on farm to school issues. The National Farm to School Network seeks to build community-based food systems, strengthen family farms and improve student health by reducing childhood obesity. Working in conjunction with the Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College and the Community Food Security Coalition, the network plans to create a viable and sustainable network to coordinate, promote and expand the farm to school movement at the state, regional and national levels. The development of regional lead agencies helps further the implementation of the farm to school movement across the country. Ecotrust’s new Farm to School Manager, Michelle Ratcliffe, PhD, steps into the role of Regional Coordinator, fulfilling a requirement of the RLA designation. Ratcliffe will work closely with National Farm to School Network coordinators from partner organizations, regional network members, and RLAs from around the country to monitor progress of projects in the region, provide inputs for project evaluation and reporting, and set goals for working toward self-sustainability of regional farm to school efforts. For more information about Ecotrust, visit www.ecotrust.org. Touch the Soil Begins Syndicated Column —from Touch the Soil, www.touchthesoil.com Touch the Soil has launched a syndicated column – a free service for nonprofits within the local and sustainable food movement. The column helps publications (print, electronic newsletters and web postings) meet the growing demand for information on Local Food First, Sustainable Agriculture, Responsible Organics, and Food Security. Touch the Soil magazine editors are constantly receiving and researching information on - Local Food First, Sustainable Agriculture, Responsible Organics and Food Security. The column (an original work – not a reprint) adds diversity to your publication or web site postings and provides additional value for your members. Here is how it works: 1) We send out the column each month in PDF format. This column is copyright free and may be distributed electronically or posted to your web site in that form. 2) To publish the column in print, or if you need higher resolution photos for electronic publications or just the text, reply to our email and simply request the text, pictures and captions. This service is free. You may request to receive everything automatically each month. 3) Our only requirements are the inclusion of author’s name and the sentence: “For more information visit Touch the Soil magazine at www.touchthesoil.com”. We look forward to being of service. —from Tilth Producers, www.tilthproducers.org Jeff Fairhall, one of Seattle’s organic foods pioneers, died Wednesday, September 5, from a brain tumor. Jeff was the founder of Essential Foods and the Essential Baking Company, and was a long-time supporter of the organic farming movement. Jeff was a board member of Tilth Producers of Washington and served as Chair of the Washington Organic Advisory Board. In 1988 he was one of the founding sponsors of the Tilth Organic Harvest Fair, and he sponsored Wendell Berry’s keynote address to Tilth’s 20th Anniversary Conference in 1994. Jeff was very active on the Organic Advisory Board from 1997-2002. He was very active in responding to USDA’s first NOP proposal in 1997. His contributions helped develop both the WSDA Organic Program and the USDA National Organic Standards especially for issues regarding labeling, minor ingredients and processing aids used in processed organic foods. The University of Washington Arboretum was one of Jeff’s favorite places. A memorial was held at the Arboretum’s Graham Visitor’s Center on Sunday, September 23. Donations in Jeff’s name can be made to Seattle Tilth or the PCC Farmland Trust. —from Tilth Producers, www.tilthproducers.org The Tilth Producers annual conference will take place November 9 through 11, 2007 at the Yakima Convention Center. The conference theme is Cultivating the Family Farm. Events begin Friday with a daylong symposium, Organics in a Changing Marketplace, for growers, retailers, processors and distributors on issues facing the rapidly changing organic industry. Celebrate the harvest at a welcome reception Friday evening, followed by dinner, then highlights from Tilth’s Farm Walks, the 2007 Farm Bill, and Washington State University and University of Idaho’s Cultivating Success Program. Saturday morning, Lynn Miller of Small Farmer’s Journal will offer a keynote address, Cultivating the Family Farm. Saturday continues with either an excellent series of workshop sessions or a Spanish language Latino Farmers Forum. Saturday night brings celebration — an organic wine tasting, trade show, and dancing to the beautiful music of Los Emocionantes. Sunday morning, Tilth Producers will hold its annual membership meeting and board elections. Nominations for board positions will be accepted throughout the conference and from the floor of the annual meeting. After two more rounds of workshops, the conference will close at 3:15 PM Sunday. For more information, visit www.tilthproducers.org.
Provender Alliance
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