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Donita Anderson
North Union Farmers` Market

The Nominator:  Leigh Fabens

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How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization and what are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
The North Union Farmers` Market is Donita`s brainchild - she started this long before "local food" was on top of the sustainability vocabulary list. Although it`s a small organization, its impact is disproportionately large - farmers, retail consumers, restaurants, communities have realized benefits. The NUFM operates markets in Cleveland and suburbs both east & west, and has a national reputation for well-run markets.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
I`m a volunteer, not a business owner. I serve on the NUFM board and several other local non-profit boards. So I can`t claim to have implemented "sustainable business practices," but I can assure you that Donita`s expertise, and her dedication, inspire everyone who comes in contact with her.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
The NUFM markets are a model of good management, driven by our Director`s inspiration.  The local food concept has moved beyond its original visionary stage to the mainstream, and Donita has moved the NUFM along with it. She was a pioneer, locally, and today there are many people who subscribe to the "buy fresh, buy local" habit - without giving it a second thought. That`s success!

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Donita is the Executive Director of an organization with a very small staff - she is  a "hands on" director and she has many, many contacts in the sustainability community.  She acts as a recruiter and a trainer for farmers who want to participate in the NUFM markets, and the farmers` success and enthusiasm is a testament to her leadership.