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Donita Anderson
North Union Farmers Markets

The Nominator: Barbara Sue Peay

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?
Donita conceived and founded The North Union Farmers Market over a decade ago.  It has grown from one market located at Shaker Square in cleveland Ohio to 7 markets throughout greater Cleveland.  She  insists that all NUFM farmers be organically certified and that their product be grown on their own farms.  NUFM has recently partnered with two inner city organizations to bring markets to those in most need of fresh local produce.  NUfM sponsors an annual seminar for all our farmers, free of charge, to train them in marketing, product development,etc..  The NUFM is the result of Donita`s ideas and efforts.  All the people who live in Northeast Ohio have an opportunity to eat fresh and local product.  All the farmers use organic and sustainable growing methods which hep our planet in every way - less spent in transporting, replenishing the soil without chemical fertilizers etc..  And NUFM is creating dozens of new small businesses in our region annually ie. the farmers, bakers, etc..

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
I have had an organic vegetable garden for 35 years.  Composting, recycling etc.. have been my way of life for many years.  Since my business was consulting for non-profits, I have tried to engage my clients in trying local and organic food products and in recycling their trash.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
In my many years working with inspired leaders of non-profits, I have never known a more creative, hard working, and dedicated person.  She is a non-profit entrepreneur in the very best sense of the word.  Her ideas, drive, implementation and  success make her an excellent role model.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
I have explained our organization with Donita as its inspiration and leader.  Her work has become so well known that she speaks all over the US on farmers markets, sustainable farming etc..  As mentioned we are collaborating with the Cleveland Clinic and CSU on inner city markets, Donita is a board member of the Cuyahoga Farm Bureau.  She was elected national market manager of the year in 2001 by North American Direct Marketing Assoc..