by Abigail Harris For those of us in the Pacific Northwest natural foods industry – the biggest news of this holiday season is the announcement that New Seasons Market of Portland, OR, has sold to Emart of South Korea. This sale to a global retailer is the main topic of conversation in many break rooms of Provender member businesses. New Seasons was originally revered as a local business that “made good” in a competitive market place crowded with Whole Foods [Read More]
by Mark DiMaggio – board member, Provender Alliance We have another successful Conference in the books! Thank you to all members that participated and send staff to the Conference. Being at the Conference provides tremendous energy and inspiration to first-timers and those that have been for 40 years. Yet, I encourage all members and staff to realize what it means to be a part of the Provender community outside of the Conference. Being a Provender member means more than attending [Read More]
Every year after the conference, once the excitement has dissipated some, there’s often a bit of sadness for many of us Provenderians. The reality sets in that we have to wait a WHOLE YEAR before we’ll all get to convene again. We, your board, also feel that pain. But, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also say that this is an exhilarating time of year for the board. We immediately get to dive into reflecting on feedback from this year’s [Read More]
Here are just a few of the many comments from a fun, informative, and inspirational 2019 Provender Alliance Conference: Introduction to Conscious Leadership “The awareness and responsibility for my own emotions and approaching those without judgement. And so much more. This was an excellent workshop.” “So many tools we walked away with and seriously–this intensive was INTENSE in a good way.” “Applies to every aspect of my life. Rich material I’ll be thinking about and building on for [Read More]
I just got back from an educational and inspiring conference put on by Provender Alliance (PA), a non-profit trade organization that serves natural food businesses. A decade ago, I was on the PA steering committee, and I am pleased to announce I’m back in service of this great organization. I will begin a two-year term as the newest PA board member starting in January 2020. PA caters to businesses (manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) that practice humane treatment of [Read More]
by Abigail Harris You know the stories about innocent high school sweethearts who lose touch after graduation, go on to live their lives, re-meet years later, fall in love for real, and create a meaningful future together? Well, that’s me and you (the Provender Alliance Community and larger natural products trade). A long time ago, I served on CCOF’s marketing committee to contribute to a movement in which I believe. I was fresh out of college and definitely the youngest [Read More]
by Rachel Mitrani, Board Treasurer Greetings to the Provender Community! It is with great honor and sadness that I am writing my final journal entry as a board member for the Provender Alliance. I have served this community for 6 years on the board and a few years prior as a volunteer. It has been an experience I will treasure for so many reasons. First and foremost, the long-lasting relationships and friendships I have gained are priceless. I have also [Read More]
Provender holds elections for our Board of Directors yearly and it’s that time of year. A designated person from each member organization should have received an electronic ballot last week. The Nominating Committee has diligently and carefully screened these candidates. This is the candidates’ opportunity to speak to you about their interest in serving on the board. These statements will also appear on the ballot. Jenica Caudill – Fair World Project Please share a little bit about yourself [Read More]
edited reprint from a letter by Kate Mendenhall, Organic Farmers Association Note: Provender Alliance signed on as an organization to endorse the OFA letter sent to the U.S. Secretary of Department of Agriculture (listed farther below). On July 17th at the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research hearing, Under Secretary Greg Ibach said that he was interested in considering new technologies like gene-editing in organics. The Organic Farmers Association is disturbed by this comment. While genetic [Read More]
Provender Alliance’s 43rd Annual Educational Conference includes an all-day intensive focusing on Conscious Leadership, and three keynotes on Food, Farm, and Climate Justice, Moving From Fear to Discovery: Harnessing the Power of an OPEN Mind, and a presentation by West Coast writer of Hippie Food fame. Register for the conference here. You don’t want to miss out on this juicy annual event! Hands down, there’s no other conference like it in the natural products trade. Choose from a full line-up [Read More]
by Joe Wade One of the most gratifying parts of being on the Board is having a reason to stay in touch with our community. Reaching out to long-time member organizations, former Board members and volunteers, and to newcomers to our community is deeply enriching. When I do this, it reminds me of why I choose this lifestyle and career. I’m reminded that there are many others who are intentional members of this community. Some of our members have been [Read More]
Presented by Keynote Speaker Jonathan Kauffman WHEN: Thursday, October 3rd, 8:30 pm LOCATION: Provender Educational Conference 2019 in Hood River, OR This dynamic talk is presented by Jonathan Kauffman, a Portland-based writer who covers the intersection of food and culture, from the spread of regional Chinese cuisines in the Bay Area to the race to develop cultured meats. A former line cook turned journalist, he was a restaurant critic in the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle for more than [Read More]
by Abigail Harris, incoming Executive Director, Provender Alliance We’re standing at the side of the hot, dusty road, and I feel like I’ve been sucker-punched. Staring out across the acres of farmland, the earth is covered with deep cracks and wide fissures between rows of agricultural crops. I’m driving this stretch of highway with my best friend. The two of us are traveling through California’s central valley to Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada mountains on a backpacking trip. It’s the [Read More]
by Mark DiMaggio, Provender Alliance board member Hello Provender Members! What an awesome first six months on the Board it has been. From hiring a new Executive Director, hosting our first ever 3-city Simulcast Workshop, and an in-person retreat on the Oregon coast, we are laying the groundwork for another insightful and collaborative conference. A special thanks to Kjell van Zoen for his presentation on Holistic Financials as well as Stacy Kraker with Hummingbird Wholesale, Joe Hamilton at Pilgrim’s Market [Read More]