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Donita Anderson
North Union Farmers Market

The Nominator: Nancy Seitz, North Union Farmers Market

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization?
Her organization is, by it`s very nature, sustainable business practice itself. She sought out farmers willing to change their business model to create and serve a new customer by selling fresh product directly at local farmers markets. She serves a growing customer base that values eating healthy, local food directly from the growers. In so doing she has rebuilt community in Cleveland neighborhoods by providing a reason for people to gather, visit and get to know each other.

What are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
incubating small businesses, promoting community interaction, educating farmers and consumers about the health, economic and ecological benefits of farmers markets.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Donita`s passion for the importance of farmers` markets has converted my from an occasional shopper to a true believer (my grocery store bills are dramatically reduced!)and a board member.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
Instituting and maintaining certified producer markets is not an easy task, but Donita`s methods are tested and effective and could be reproduced in other places through determination and passion. She is in demand across the country as a speaker, panelist and advocate for the local foods movement and shares her tales of challenges and successes willingly.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Collaboration with the Botanical Garden, the Green Corps youth program for urban farming and development for education programs for farmers and craftsmen as well as the collaboration involved in bringing markets to the communities of the Cleveland area (the most recently opened on the campus of the Cleveland Clinic) are what makes North Union Farmer`s market such a dramatic success story on all levels. Donita and her staff work directly with producers, consumers, civic organizations and state and national peers to keep channels of communication open and to seek out continuous growth and improvement.