Participation
by Bill Lathrop, General ManagerThe pressures of
modern life, time and otherwise, make voluntary participation very difficult. I face those
same pressures in my life. I am not able to participate in all the organizations I should.
It is in this context that I want to thank those that were a part of this year's
General Membership Meeting. Each year we hold this meeting in May. Each year a small
percentage of members attend the business part of this meeting. Our organization has over
2,000 members, yet only 55 were represented at this year's business meeting.
I am not conveying this information to make the other 1,945 members feel guilty, but
rather to begin a dialog on how to better integrate the needs of our members into the
goals of this cooperative. Each year we hold a planning session. At this planning session,
which is approximately six weeks after the GMM, we make some major decisions about the
appropriate direction of this business. We examine what we are good at, what we
aren’t good at, what our opportunities are and what our threats are. We talk about
who we can best serve, where we should provide service as well as what products and
services to offer.
One of my goals is to better respond to the needs of our members. It is impossible to
do this without feedback from you. So, over the course of the next weeks and months,
please expect to hear more from us. We may send a survey with your delivery. We may call
you on the phone. However we ask for your input, please take a little time if you can to
share your thoughts with us so we can better serve you.
In the meantime, if you have ideas on what we can do to better serve your needs, please
drop me a note and tell me what that is.
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For a Safer
Summer: Use Sun Sense
by Norma Woods, Marketing Assistant
In the early 1920's there was a health movement (heliotherapy) which encouraged daily
exposure to the sun. Heliotherapy was touted as a cure-all for everything from acne to
tuberculosis; this idea had at least some merit since the skin produces vitamin D through
the action of sunlight. In the decades following, most people believed tanned skin to be
healthy and attractive.
Fast forward to 1999: It is now a proven fact that the earth's ozone layer is
being depleted. This is the layer that protects the earth (and humans) against harmful UVA
and UVB ultraviolet radiation from the sun. As the ozone layer decreases, the incidence of
sun-induced skin cancers and eye damage is increasing. In the U.S. there are about 600,000
new cases of skin cancer each year. One out of five Americans will have at least one skin
cancer in their lifetime. Today, dermatologists and other health-savvy folks know that
tanned skin indicates sun damage and possible skin cancer later in life.
Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services, has said, "Today, we issue
an official warning: The sun can give you health and enjoyment. But the sun is not a toy.
Use only as directed. So before you start the barbecues, and before you pack the beach
towels and the kids into the car, you have to ask yourself: Are you ready to protect your
skin--and your family's skin--from the dangers of the hot summer sun?"
- Those most at risk and therefore most in need of protection:
- Children—two-thirds of skin damage occurs in childhood.
- Adults who had three or more blistering sunburns before age 20.
- Those with a family history of melanoma.
- Those of northern European descent with fair skin, blue eyes and red or blonde hair.
- Those who work outdoors or spend a lot of time outdoors during the day.
- Those who live in southern states or at high altitudes.
- Those who have had pre-cancerous skin lesions (actinic keratoses) or earlier skin
cancers.
- Those who have many large moles.
What you can do to protect yourself and your family: The best way to protect yourself
from the sun’s harmful rays is not by slathering on the sunscreen, although it is
helpful. Using sunscreen gives some people a false sense of invulnerability; they stay
outside in the sun all day and are exposed to hazardous levels of ultraviolet radiation.
Minimize your exposure to the sun to reduce skin and eye damage. It is the closest
thing we have to the “Fountain of Youth”. Here are some ways to do this:
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don’t be fooled
by overcast days; as much as 80% of the sun’s radiation still gets through. Snow,
water, sand and grass reflect harmful rays, so even sitting under an umbrella may lead to
harmful exposure.
- During peak sun hours cover your head with a hat and wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and
UVB protection. During peak sun hours wear opaque, tightly-woven clothing that is light in
color.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a rating of 15 SPF (sun protection factor) or more.
Wear a higher number SPF if you want to stay out longer. If you are swimming make sure you
put on water repellent sunscreen and reapply it when it washes away. In general, reapply
sunscreen every two hours. Wintertime sports enthusiasts should protect their faces and
eyes on sunny winter days on the slopes.
- Do not lie in a tanning bed or under a sun lamp as rays from them are just as damaging
to your skin as rays from the sun.
Unexpected help from supplements:
- If you are really successful in minimizing sun exposure, make sure you get sufficient
vitamin D from another source.
- Antioxidants: Early research indicates that just as antioxidant supplements protect
against degenerative diseases, topical application of antioxidants may help keep the skin
well-nourished and healthy—countering the harmful effects of sun exposure.
- Pycnogenol® (pine bark antioxidant extract): Studies of at the University of Finland
indicate it may protect the skin from ultraviolet damage.
While researching this article, I was quite pleased to discover that North Farm carries
many high quality products that can help you and your family have “fun in the
sun” and stay healthy, too. Jason Natural Cosmetics has a whole line of
“SunBrellas by Jason™” that are PABA-free, alcohol-free and water resistant
including some that deter mosquitoes, deer ticks and fleas as well.
Kiss My Face and Nature’s Gate both carry a large array of sunscreen lotions and
antioxidant creams. Rachel Perry has a new environmental cream that will protect your skin
from sun as well as environmental damage. Lily and Naturade both carry aloe vera products
that can be rubbed into the skin providing natural antioxidants.
Web sites you may find helpful:
- www.skin-cancer.com
- www.aad.org
- www.travelhealth.com/sun.htm
- www.nws.noaa.gov/om/uvi.htm
- www.solareclipse.com
(features sun-safe clothing but also has links to useful sites and a list of useful books)
A really terrific book that may tell you all you really need to know about sun
protection is Protect Your Life In The Sun by Paul and Gail Gourley published by
High Light Publishing, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I urge you to learn more about how to protect yourself and your family from the harmful
effects of the sun’s ultraviolet light. Black is beautiful, but only if your skin is
that way naturally. If you think pale is pretty ugly—think again. When it comes to
the skin, pale can be pretty safe!
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Year 2000 Readiness
and You
by Bill Lathrop, General Manager
Information on the impact of the Year 2000 has become a commonplace part of daily life,
to the point of becoming tiresome for most. Regardless, I believe it is important that we
be as ready for the problems associated with this event as possible.
For us at North Farm, there are two components of Year 2000 readiness. One component is
that we and our computer systems are ready to process your transactions into the next
millennium. While we still have significant work yet with this project, we are close to
our scheduled timelines and on track to complete renovation and testing of all internal
systems well before December of this year. Information regarding our Year 2000 readiness
is posted and updated on our Web site.
The other component is nearly as daunting, and is what I want to focus on here. As a
supplier of food, our members look to us to help provide them with whatever supplies they
feel they must accumulate to be ready for any consequences the new year might bring. Many
individuals fear there will be disruption of our societal infrastructure early in the year
2000.
Personally, I do not believe there will be significant problems associated with the new
year. I do not believe that society will break down. Certainly there will be some problems
and inconveniences, but I do not believe they will fundamentally alter our lives.
Unfortunately, my optimism will not convince those who feel the need to plan for
significant disruption in their lives. So, we are faced with issues that we must work
through together. One issue is the impact on us all of hoarding food.
We have begun to see demand which appears to be related to food hoarding. Sales of
certain commodities are higher than normal, and some products have been more difficult to
obtain. We have also noticed an increase in new customers, many of whom only want to
receive one delivery. Because of this, I want to coordinate with you, our members, how we
will work through this period. It is critical that you work with us; it is the only way we
can provide optimal service to you. Here is our plan to work with you:
- Communicate to you what products are appropriate to store for long periods of time.
- Determine from you the level of additional product you will need beyond what you would
normally buy from us.
- Ask for your help in scheduling delivery of surplus purchases at alternative times.
- Provide products specifically targeted for Year 2000-related demand.
If we work through this together, there will be minimal disruption in normal service,
particularly near the end of the year. If you do not communicate your needs to us in
advance, we will have a more difficult time gauging year-end demand for product.
Appropriate Products
Some products store better than others for long periods of time, particularly without
special environments. Pasta may prove to be one of the most stable products to purchase.
Some grains and flours will not store well for long periods. They are susceptible to mold
and can become rancid. We will provide you with more information throughout the year as to
the best products and commodities to accumulate—if you must. We will provide this
information primarily through our Web site, although our customer service representatives
will be able to help you with this later in the year.
What will Year 2000 Demand Be?
I would hope that there will be little change in demand of our products because of the
year 2000. However, if you plan on stocking up during the second half of this year, please
let us know. There is a pre-order form in the Price List expressly for this purpose. That
will help us acquire the additional product we need to meet your demand. Further, plan on
doing this before the end of August as after that it will be too late to be pro-active. We
will need to know what products and what extra quantities we will need to meet your needs.
Alternative Deliveries
Meeting this unusual demand does allow us some flexibility. The products related to the
Year 2000 are not readily perishable (they do not require refrigeration). Further, because
you will not need these products for the upcoming week, when we deliver them is not as
critical. Many of our routes are already at capacity. During November and December, we
typically are above capacity. Because of all these factors, we will attempt to ship any
Year 2000-related purchases via alternative carriers whenever possible.
Year 2000 Specialty Product
Steve Neumann, our Purchasing Manager, discovered a company which has created a special
product specifically designed to meet Year 2000 demand. This product consists of a whole
pallet made up of a variety of foods which will feed a family of four for one year.
Beginning with the July/August Price List, we will offer this product to our members. Look
for the Wheat Montana combination ad and order form. I believe this will simplify your
decisions as to what product to stock as well as provide an excellent value.
Our goal for this year is to provide you with the products and services you want. I
feel the only way we can be successful in that goal is to work closely with our members. I
ask for your cooperation, and as always, thank you for your patronage!
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Growing With Your
Community
by Ben Birkett, Retail Sales Manager
Along with membership in any community there are always certain expectations that go
unspoken. Don't miss your opportunity; increase sales and exposure now by recognizing and
responding to these unspoken expectations.
As a member of your community people expect you to contribute in some way as an
employer, as a teacher, as a leader. Join a club (business, boosters, church or school)
and get involved in those things which matter to your community.
Provide additional resources whenever possible: Donate leftover materials to a school
to use for arts & crafts; donate overstock and past-dated food to the food pantry.
Invite organizations to use your business as a meeting place and offer the use of your fax
or copier machine. You could also speak to students, church groups, etc. to educate and
enhance awareness.
The community which surrounds your business may be your best resource. As we struggle
for success we often overlook this reality. The point is that your participation in the
community’s activities encourages the community to participate in your activities and
to patronize your business.
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NF-One Ordering
Software
By Andy Fritchen, NF-One Customer Support
- How would you like to make your life easier and save time tending to your administrative
duties for your buying club? Would you like to:
- Be able to place your order 24 hours a day with your computer?
- Print orders at the member level, so members can review their orders and estimated costs
prior to delivery?
- Maintain and report on the activity of your members in terms of purchasing volume and
prior purchase detail?
- Generate club charges to individual members automatically?
- Maintain member records?
- Eliminate the need to mail your orders to North Farm weeks in advance?
- Be able to produce individual member’s invoices prior to having the invoice
delivered by the driver?
- Be able to reconcile member accounts?
- Eliminate the need to phone in your order?
All of this magic is called NF-One. If your computer meets the following requirements,
NF-One may be the answer for you! Did I mention THE SOFTWARE IS FREE, along with a manual
and technical support should you need it?
Please note the following system requirements:
- Minimum 486 class PC processor. 10 megabytes of free hard disk space.
- Minimum of 20% free hard disk space.
- Minimum memory requirement of approximately 580K DOS conventional memory prior to
program installation.
- Modem (internal or external) with 9600 baud capability or better. The modem must be
hardware driven. The new class of “win-modems,” which are software driven, will
not work with NF-One at this time.
Your modem must be configured to use com port 1 or com port 2. This is a DOS-based
program and will not work with other operating systems such as OS/2 and MacIntosh. North
Farm’s IS Department has started working on a Windows-based version to be released in
the future.
Please feel free to contact any member of the Home Shopping Services Team if you have
questions. We would like to send you the NF-One ordering software today; please contact us via e-mail with your request (make sure
you tell us your name, club number, club name and daytime phone).
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Wrap Up on Retail
Workshops
by Marlys Hill-Killerlain, Interim Retail Administrative Assistant
North Farm conducted yet another successful General Membership Meeting and Natural
Products Show on April 30 and May 1, 1999. It was a very exciting week-end with business
workshops, warehouse tours, the Cooperative's annual business meeting and, of course, the
Natural Products Show. Those who attended shared invaluable experiences.
We held many useful workshops on both days of the event. Ben Birkett, North Farm's
Retail Sales Manager, gave a workshop on "Strategies For Retailers". The goal of
the workshop was to help retailers identify the key resources they have available as they
confront today's business challenges. Those who attended had many positive comments about
what they learned and were eager to implement some of the suggestions.
Bill Gessner, of Cooperative Development Services, gave a very informative workshop on
store expansion projects, hitting on such topics as the feasibility of expansion as well
as planning and implementation. This process continued during consultations all day on
Saturday. The consultations were provided to those members who had pre-registered with
specific project-related questions.
The most popular workshop presentations were "Woman's Supplements and
Progesterone" by Ellen Markham, of Emerita, and "Natural Health, Naturally"
by naturopath Renée Welhouse. Ms. Markham's presentation covered natural approaches to
hormone replacement. Ms. Welhouse's presentation covered natural approaches to healing.
Additionally, on Saturday afternoon we had Jon Solomon from Eden Foods, George Siemon
from Organic Valley, and Steve McCargar from the Oneota Co-op in a panel discussion on the
subject of organic standards and the current status of the Organic Standards Act.
The North Farm General Membership Meeting and Natural Products Show is not just a
chance to sample new products, it's also a wonderful opportunity to gain new information
about the natural products industry and to network with vendors, brokers and customers. We
at North Farm Cooperative are dedicated to the success and development of all of our
retail members.
Plan now to attend next year's events!
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Save Our Organic
Standards
By Michelle Schry, Manager, Magic Mill
In 1998 the United States Department of Agriculture proposed a set of national organic
standards that were filled with loopholes and threatened the integrity of organic farming
and its future. In response, 275,000 people wrote to the USDA demanding changes. The USDA
backed down temporarily, but is expected to issue a new set of controversial regulations
in 1999. The staff of Magic Mill encourages all of you to become involved in saving our
organic standards.
One threat posed by the USDA's new standards is total governmental control over the
word "organic". There will be only one allowed organic label, "USDA
Organic," regardless of how weak their final standards are. It will also be illegal
for non-governmental certifiers to uphold organic certification standards that are higher
than the minimum standards dictated by the USDA.
The "USDA Organic" label will likely include legal loopholes which will allow
the inhumane, intensive confinement of farm animals along with a number of other
industrial, factory farm practices. Among these could be the use of non-organic feeds,
toxic inert ingredients in pesticides, antibiotics, as well as synthetic chemicals. The
USDA has ties with big agribusiness; their regulations would benefit these interests who
want to break into the growing organic marketplace. In the March and April issues of the
Magic Mill newsletter, we discussed the potential impacts of genetically engineered
organisms (GEO's). According to the Organic Consumers Association, "the newly
proposed rules will likely include language that creates loopholes for
genetically-engineered inputs or ingredients to be called organic. The USDA will have sole
power to appoint members to the National Organic Standards Board, giving them the ability
to gradually widen loopholes for genetic engineering by stacking the NOSB with appointees
sympathetic to the biotech industry."
Last month the first reported incident of GEO contamination of an organic crop occurred
and involved a Wisconsin manufacturer. A European importer received a shipment of 87,000
bags of organic corn chips which tested positive for GEO's. The certified organic corn
crop was grown on a farm in Texas and was then processed by a facility that was also
certified organic. The corn was then made into corn chips by Terra Prima, Inc., based in
Hudson, Wisconsin. Terra Prima agreed to have the entire shipment destroyed.
Melodi Nelson, Vice President of Terra Prima said, "All of us have assumed that
there wouldn't be genetic contamination in organic products." Investigation indicated
that cross-pollination was to blame, not fraud, or audit-trail problems. "We'll never
be able to accurately say for sure what happened, but we do know that pollen can travel
more than a mile." The corn that was cross-pollinated was modified at the genetic
level with Bt, which is used to kill corn earworms.
Now Nelson and others are saying that because at least 25% of the corn planted in the
U.S. is genetically modified--with companies such as Monsanto and DuPont pushing to see
that percentage grow--organic rules must define how much genetic contamination is
acceptable. Most organic regulations allow some pesticide contamination; now the next
question for organic rules may be how much genetic contamination to allow. It may also be
possible that the new organic standards may make some genetically altered crops allowable.
The USDA is "certainly aware of the issue," said Keith Jones, director of the
National Organic Program, adding that he didn't know if GEO contamination would make it
into the organic rules. "The question is so new that, like everyone else, we are
trying to figure out what to do," Jones said.
As for Terra Prima in Hudson, Wisconsin . . . the contamination cost their company
$147,000 to pull the product and one European distributor. For its part it will begin
genetic testing on all batches of corn before processing and will refuse corn with
contamination of more than one part per thousand by weight.
Magic Mill wants to encourage you to take action and let your thoughts about the
proposed organic standards be known to the USDA. Send letters to your congressional
representatives. Magic Mill has information about the Organic Consumers Association and
how to join. You can write to them at 860 Highway 61, Little Marais, MN 55614 or contact
them on the Web at http://www.organicconsumers.org
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Planning
for Quality Begins with Quality Planning
by Dottie Dykstra, Board Administrator
I attended a project management training seminar last November. One concept I found
very intriguing was a statement the presenter made at the beginning of the training:
"Planning makes the doing easier and provides better quality."
A simply-stated, but complex statement. And, certainly achievable.
The Planning Cycle
North Farm conducts a thorough planning process every year. The Summer Planning Session
starts off the planning process for North Farm. At the conclusion of this initial planning
session, short and long-term strategies are created to move North Farm forward as a
quality provider of natural products. Management then compiles goals for the next year and
creates action plans to achieve those goals. A Business Plan and budget are prepared to
support the short and long-term strategies from the initial planning session. The Board
reviews this initial plan and budget; then the final Plan is submitted to the Board for
approval at its November meeting. Throughout the plan year, management prepares goal
update memos for the Board.
The Planning Session
The planning session for the year 2000 will take place on June 24 and 25, 1999 in Madison,
Wisconsin.
This two-day planning session is new to North Farm; in prior years the complete
planning session was packed into one long day. By moving to a two-day format, North Farm
hopes to accomplish several things:
- More time for the attendees and the facilitator to complete the planning process.
- More time for the facilitator to address issues or conflicts as they arise.
- A time for the Board to present—in person—its decision on the strategies for
the upcoming year. This also gives immediate opportunity for interpretation and feedback
from all attendees.
- Time for all attendees to brainstorm potential action plans to achieve the intended
strategies.
This systematic planning session approach has not happened in North Farm’s history
and opens up a new type of brainstorming session to include not only management and staff,
but Board representatives and members as well.
In the pre-planning session portion, we are evaluating and interviewing professional
facilitators who fit the skill qualification determined by the Board and management. We
will begin sending out invitations to staff and members; invitations will also be sent out
to a panelist (or two) who will present information regarding demographics and industry
trends on the first day of the planning session.
When a planning session is executed correctly, all parties involved have a confirming
sense of the strategic directions North Farm will pursue for the upcoming year. Board
representatives, management, staff and members know their next steps and how to proceed to
make the year a success. All of the planning process steps take us back to my
presenter‘s statement:
“Planning makes the doing easier and provides better quality.”
Look to future issues of the North Farm News for communication regarding the
strategies that were developed for the upcoming year.
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Subscribe Today!
By Jan Torkildson
Effective August 1, 1999 the cost of a Price List ordered direct from North Farm will
increase to $1.50. We would like to encourage all of our members to subscribe to the Price
List rather than requesting it with their order. The cost of a direct mail annual
subscription will remain $7.50 for a 3rd class mailing, or $18 for a 1st class mailing. A
subscription provides a higher level of service and minimizes the cost of manually
processing requests when the Price List is not available to include with your order. We
will no longer be able to UPS or mail Price Lists free of charge if they are not available
when you place your order. In addition to receiving your Price List directly, you will
also receive the Home Shopping Insider. This publication provides up-to-date
information as well as a variety of great unadvertised specials. To subscribe to the North
Farm Price List, please complete the subscription form in the “For Fast Quality
Service” section of the Price List.
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Small But Exhilarating
by Sheila Herman, Board Member
Outside the sun was shinning, the sky was blue and the wind whispered softly. Inside
the Dane County Expo Center in Madison, Wisconsin on May 1, 1999, the General Membership
Meeting of North Farm Cooperative was taking place. The crowd was small but it was
energetic and ready to lend a hand. The Board president, Bill O'Donnell, facilitated the
meeting.
Alan Tangren, from Chez Panisse, was the keynote speaker. Alan had a unique
presentation that had members of North Farm trying out their acting ability. He
enlightened us on issues facing organic farmers and the importance of supporting their
efforts.
Jeff Brandenberg, CPA with the auditing firm Clifton Gunderson, did an outstanding job
of highlighting the financial statements of North Farm. Jeff went through important line
items of each statement and stressed to the membership the need to be profitable and the
need to increase equity.
Bill O'Donnell laid out the role of the Board of Directors and gave a run-down of what
happened in 1998. The year 1998 was difficult for North Farm, and the losses that we
incurred confirmed that things did not go well. High out-of-stocks, implementations of new
software that created unexpected problems, closing of Magic Mill East and poor customer
service were contributing factors to the losses North Farm experienced in 1998. Having
gone through a difficult time, changes have been made that should result in future
improvement.
Bill Lathrop, the General Manager of North Farm, recapped 1998 and also gave some
insight as to what changes have been made and what is to come in the near future. There
was a round of applause for the employees of North Farm.
Equity issues resulting from the allocation of losses were discussed in detail.
Comments from the floor of the GMM suggested that an equity-building plan be put into
place that would generate additional capital for the cooperative. The membership present
was supportive and wanted to help North Farm succeed.
A motion was brought to the floor that "All board of director seats be at-large
seats effective January 1, 2000". There was extensive discussion on this issue. The
motion was defeated. The Board of Directors said farewell to Mary Poster and Dale Scott.
Mary and Dale have been on the Board for many years. They each have made numerous
contributions to the cooperative and will be missed. It is always hard to say good-bye to
people who have become your friends.
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My First GMM
by Donna Theis, Administrative Assistant
When I agreed to help out at this year's General Membership Meeting/Natural Products
Show I had little idea what to expect. I had not been employed by North Farm Cooperative
for very long. But, I was committed to giving it my all. From my short time at North Farm
I knew there would be a community and family-based atmosphere. I was not to be
disappointed.
I was assigned to work at a vendor table handing out samples. From the very beginning
the representatives for the other vendors welcomed me, showed me what to do and answered
my questions. They really let me know they were there for me.
When the membership meeting ended the fun began. Watching and talking to the members
and their families reminded me of how it must have been years ago at a barn raising, where
everyone was involved, sharing what they had, teaching, listening and learning new things.
It was such a privilege to watch our next generation become involved. This was indeed a
great place to take children.
Towards the middle of the day I was going my strongest--giving samples of my product
out, talking about the advantages and good things about it. I found that one of my
enthralled customers happened to be the vendor's regional salesman. Not to worry, I was
doing a great job. It was a great product!
I would and I will encourage everyone to go next year. It's a great way to sample new
products, find out more about the products you are already using and take advantage of
great sales. The best part is the chance to meet others like yourself who strive for a
better tomorrow and a healthier today.
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Community
Connections Recap
By Ian Wylie, Board Member
There are four ways in which time is measured at North Farm Cooperative. North
Farm’s fiscal year coincides with the calendar year and that takes care of two. The
delivery schedule is defined by a four-week cycle—13 cycles to the calendar year.
But the General Membership Meeting defines another sort of year, one that speaks to the
heart of the North Farm community. Let us call it the emotional year. The end of that year
is the time for an honest appraisal of the past year: mistakes are acknowledged and
achievements are recognized. The beginning of that year is marked by a recommitment of the
North Farm Staff and Board to the member-owners.
This year’s GMM had the theme “Community Connections”. The connections
this year were harmonious, hopeful and healing. Heralded by glorious spring weather, our
annual get-together was attended by over 800 members. All events seemed to proceed
smoothly—kudos to the North Farm Staff once again! The business meeting was lively
and thought-provoking. Alan Tangren, keynote speaker, spoke tellingly of the community
connections that link local agriculture to local consumption. The Dane County Expo Center
appeared to match our needs perfectly. An improvement over last year was having the
natural products show in a larger hall; it was less cramped and less noisy. The atmosphere
was relaxed and amiable.
All of us are part of a voluntary community, with a wider web than the one Alan Tangren
focused on. Your part may be to buy the natural and organic products you want at
affordable prices. Another’s part may be to purchase, store or distribute those
products efficiently. But we all benefit from North Farm’s mission to provide high
quality, natural products and grocery items while conducting its business according to
cooperative principles.
Thanks to all who planned, sponsored and attended the 1999 Community Connections GMM
and NPS. I urge you all to attend North Farm’s General Membership Meeting and Natural
Products Show in the year 2000!
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Chapter Meetings
Chapter meetings are just one of the many ways by which North Farm communicates with
its members. They provide excellent opportunities to exchange ideas, express concerns and
to put a voice together with a face. The meetings feature a guest speaker (the topics
vary), a report from your Board representative, an update from a member of the Home
Shopping Services Team and an open forum for questions and answers. The event is complete
with product samples from North Farm, a potluck competition and door prizes.
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Great Lakes Chapter meeting in October,
1999 to be held near Brighton, Michigan; the Superior Chapter meeting in October, 1999 to
be held in International Falls, Minnesota; and the Great Plains Chapter meetings the
second week of August, in Bismark, North Dakota and on August 14 in Glendive, Montana.
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"Return
to Sender, Address Unknown..."
by Jan Torkildson, Home Shopping Services Manager
One of the goals on the Home Shopping Services Team's mission statement reads "act
as a liaison between North Farm Co-op and its customers". We take this role seriously
and often send out communications via mail to keep our buying clubs informed of updates
and changes at North Farm. We need your help to ensure that the information gets to the
coordinator who in turn disperses it to the rest of the club. Mail that is returned to us
with a bad address creates a significant delay in the communication process. From here on,
the Post Office will forward communications to the new address. However, to help minimize
the associated costs, please notify North Farm immediately of any address changes. This
goes for phone numbers, too!
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Natural Products
Show Recap
by Ben Birkett, Retail Sales Manager
Why attend the North Farm annual Natural Products Show? There are many good reasons,
but the best general way to answer is that it is a co-op show. What does that mean? Ask a
vendor sometime; if they've been around at all they'll tell you co-op shows are the best:
The kind people, the positive atmosphere, the emphasis on education and awareness, all the
things that have made this industry a movement--these are what make co-op shows the best.
For those who came to Madison on May Day week-end many wonderful things awaited,
including the most gorgeous week-end of the spring. This year we had 100 different
manufacturers represented at over 120 display tables with product samples and 24 pages of
exclusive show day discounts. Thank you to those who patronized our supporting vendors
with show deal purchases!
While show deal sales are a big part of the event, equally valuable networking
opportunities are also part of the package. Vendor representation included key regional
and national sales managers representing enormous depth and talent in our industry.
Likewise, excellent broker representation offered retailers direct access to information
on all the programs associated with the items represented. Finally, retailers were able to
share information and experiences on such major challenges as opening, expanding and
moving.
We're already planning for our next Natural Products Show to be held on Mother's Day
week-end, May 2000. We'll be prepared for you with more great people and products than
ever before. So if you missed this year, plan to come next year; if you came this year
come next year--or you'll be missed!
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What’s On The
Agenda
By Wendell Nekoranec, Board Member
At the General Membership Meeting on Saturday, May 1, 1999 Peg Nolan, from the LaCrosse
People’s Food Co-op, asked the Board, “How will the Board monitor all the
strategic initiatives it has to undertake to turn around North Farm this year?” Her
intention appeared to be two-fold: first, to make sure that the Board monitored its
strategic initiatives; second, to stress that reporting to the membership is
important—something the Board will improve so directions North Farm will take are
expressed to you consistently and informatively.
The next few Board meetings (June 24-26, September 19-20, and November 19-20) will
address the following general topics: The June meeting will start the annual planning
session for the year 2000 business plan; in addition, new Board members will receive
initial board training. The September meeting topics will include board training on
specific board-related issues to be confirmed at the June meeting and reviewing a rough
draft of the year 2000 business plan. The November meeting will solidify the year 2000
business plan.
At the June 24-26, 1999 board meeting, North Farm Management and Board will meet for
the annual planning session. The Board will focus the organization’s strategic
business initiatives to the following topics: market analysis and competitive
intelligence, communication to members using current methods and exploring new avenues
(e.g., Internet), customer service and strengthening the North Farm name. Other agenda
topics will include: officer elections; Board goals related to strategic initiatives; a
CCMA report from Board members who attend the conference and determination of which Board
members will sit on the finance, planning and personnel committees. This will be an
action-packed meeting.
At the September 24-25, 1999 meeting, the Board will receive training on board
governance and board structural topics that will be finalized at the June meeting and
clarified with the training facilitator prior to the training session. The Board spends
one day at this fall meeting on board training. Other agenda topics will include: analysis
and discussion about the year 2000 business plan, preliminary budget review with the
general manager; designing strategies to meet expected results, if necessary, and by-law
and policy governance work.
At the November 19-20, 1999 meeting, the Board will begin work on the next GMM,
finalize the year 2000 business plan with strategy work on contingency plans and do
further by-law and policy governance work. Stronger monitoring procedures were established
last November because of the deterioration of North Farm’s financial status. The area
of oversight that was not taking place was the review of operational plans that directly
affected financial results. Current monitoring procedures will remain in effect until
customer service levels and profitability are achieved and maintained.
Look for detailed articles on these meetings in future publications. If you ever have
questions, please contact your board member. Also, we’d love to have you attend board
meetings.
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Special Thanks
By Bill O'Donnell, Board President
The terms of Mary Poster and Dale Scott on the North Farm Board of Directors ended at
the May 1999 General Membership Meeting. It is always bittersweet when there is a turnover
on the Board. We welcome new individuals that will bring fresh views to the Board, but we
also will miss the interaction with those who are leaving.
Mary Poster served for many years as the representative of the Warehouse chapter. Mary
performed many valuable roles; her main oversight role was in the area of finance. She
continually challenged the Board and Management to be fiscally responsible. She was a
consistent voice on behalf of staff issues.
Dale Scott leaves the Board with a strong legacy. Dale emphasized member democracy,
tolerance and respect. Dale served in many leadership capacities including Board President
and Treasurer. Dale brought a calmness and wisdom to the Board that will be missed.
We welcome Tom Nesler and Jenny Hanson to the Board.
The next year is one of the most important years in North Farm's history. Please watch
for upcoming Board news as we discuss issues that will affect you, the owners of North
Farm. The Board will take up changes to the bylaws, equity requirements, and the make-up
of the Board itself while maintaining the increased monitoring of warehouse operations.
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Who Said the Board Was Boring?
A strange election process comes to a close at the GMM
By Dottie Dykstra, Board Administrator
There were at least three times during this election process that I commented to
myself, “Well, that’s never happened before.”
I’m the Board’s administrator; I’ve handled the Board of Director’s
election process for the last seven years. I must admit, in those past seven years this
process has been a bit on the ‘dry’ side. It’s not like races for political
office—there are no smear campaigns, no pleas to run a ‘clean campaign’, no
undercover work to get the ‘dirt’ on the competition.
What we do have are co-op people who want to help their Cooperative. They are
interested in more than just getting their food; they want to go that extra step and help
determine the vision for the future by being on the North Farm Board of Directors.
Let me run down the election results for you:
At-Large
The North Farm Board has two at-large positions that alternate their terms each year.
Wendell Nekoranec’s term was up, and he showed excitement in running for another
two-year term. This seat was challenged by Tom Nesler, a buying club member from northern
Illinois. Never in North Farm history had the mail-in ballots produced such a close race
as the candidates entered the final leg of their campaign: the business meeting at the
GMM. Both Tom and Wendell spoke at the business meeting; the final votes were tallied, and
the outcome was a tie. A TIE! Never before in North Farm history.
To give this election process an even stranger twist: At-large rep Dale Scott, who
still had one year left on his term, gave notice at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, that he was
resigning from his position on the Board, citing increased responsibilities back in
Michigan. This left North Farm with a tie for one at-large seat and a resignation in
another! There was a meeting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, for the newly elected Board. In
addition to the published agenda, discussion ensued on how to handle the at-large
situation. It was decided, by consensus, that a coin would be flipped to see which
candidate would take the open at-large seat. Wendell called the coin in the air - heads -
and it landed tails. Tom Nesler won the open seat, and he was welcomed into the position.
But what to do with the seat vacated by the resignation of Dale Scott? After review of
North Farm’s by-laws and the State Statutes, the Board deemed it necessary to appoint
a representative to fill out the remainder of Dale Scott’s term - one year. This
appointment went to Wendell Nekoranec.
Great Lakes Chapter
After all that, you might think that the rest of the election process was dry and boring.
NOT SO! The Great Lakes chapter produced no candidates for their open seat on the Board.
If you remember, Mark Slagh held this position, and he decided not to run for another
term. A call went out to all members of the Great Lakes Chapter. E-mails flew; phone calls
were made; discussions ensued.
A Great Lakes chapter meeting took place at the GMM. After all was said and done, Mark
Slagh received enough write-in votes to spark his interest in continuing on the North Farm
Board for another term.
Warehouse Chapter
The Warehouse chapter also had exciting balloting. Jan Torkildson, Home Shopping Services
Team manager, and Jenny Hanson, North Farm’s accounts payable clerk, went
head-to-head in a stimulating race. In the end, Jenny received the votes to award her the
position of warehouse chapter representative. Kevin Hanson, a transportation driver,
received votes to become the warehouse chapter alternate.
In other election news, Bill O’Donnell and Michelle Robillard each won their seats
of Shoreline and Superior chapter representatives, respectively. Both Bill and Michelle
have been on the North Farm Board for several years, and their dedication and background
are welcomed for another two years.
Board members who were saved the anxiety of this year’s election process were Mark
Thomas, Sheila Herman and Seth Nowak. Their terms are up for election in the year 2000. I
anticipate exciting elections in the future. The Board has reviewed this election process
and is committed to seeking out and bringing forward candidates to ensure that our members
have choices. The future of North Farm demands this attention, and it will get it.
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Home
Grown: Blue Farm / A Maize-ing Corn
Blue Farm brand tortilla chips are produced and distributed by Randy and Judy Hughes of
A-Maize-ing Corn Products of Janesville, Wisconsin. Randy is a fifth generation farmer in
a family that has been farming for over 150 years.
Randy wanted to add value to his cropping system and stem the rampant use of chemicals.
He also wanted to find a value-added product to help improve the bottom line--and he
settled on blue corn. He found blue corn to be unique enough that it definitely qualified
as a specialty crop, and because of that he felt he could tap into a niche market.
The problem was getting blue corn (a southwestern native corn) to grow well in southern
Wisconsin. "Our blue corn is grown in well-isolated fields to ensure genetic
purity" says Hughes. "We decided to hand-pick some seed each year to develop our
own strain of open-pollinated blue corn that has steadily improved over the last ten
years". It is this 10 years of development that gives his chips their deep dark blue
color and the more robust corn flavor not found in other chips. It also allows the
Hugheses to have a constant supply of high quality corn. In creating a recipe for the
tortilla chips the blue corn provides a consistent corn taste that has met with great
success.
The folks at Blue Farm are committed to organic agriculture. The Hughes' cropping
operation has approximately 500 acres and is certified by the Organic Crop Improvement
Association. In addition to blue corn they also grow soybeans and small grains.
"One of our goals in supporting organic agriculture is to bring the consumer
closer to the farmer. We achieve this at Blue Farm by doing everything ourselves, from
developing and producing our own seed to the marketing and distribution of the finished
product." Over 90% of the chips that Blue Farm produces are consumed in the Midwest
near where the corn is produced. The Hugheses feel it is important to support local
organic agriculture. They are very appreciative of the support they have received from
local consumers.
"We work hard to make a great product. Our pride goes out in every bag", says
Randy. "We are happy to have North Farm helping us distribute our product."
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Recipe Winners
North Farm Pasta Salad
from Debbi Salisbury, Gunderson Food Co-op, Oak Park, IL Winner of the Midwest
Chapter Meeting Recipe Contest
Ingredients:
- 16048 - 2 bags Daily Grind Veggie Rotini Og
- 4437 - Spectrum Veg-Omega3 Cold Pressed Flax Oil Og -1 coat
- 4588 - Hain’s Walnut Oil -1 coat
- 4695 - Spectrum Balsamic Vinegar Og -3 coats
- 5288 - Frontier Ground Paprika -2 full sprinkles
- 5282 - Frontier Onion Powder -1 full sprinkle
- Celery salt -2 full sprinkles
- 3561 Made In Nature Organic Dried Red Pepper -1 coat
- 19010 - Millina’s Crushed Garlic Og-1 half dollar size glob
- 4328 - Now Foods Fructose -1 good coat (~1/8th cup)
- Fresh parsley -1 good coat
- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh chopped organic carrots
- 1 stalk fresh chopped organic celery
- 8245 - ½ cup chopped Santa Barbara Black Olives
- 4665 - 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
Directions: Cook pasta as directed on package. Where it says “coat” or
“full sprinkle” it means to sprinkle a layer all across the length and width of
the dish (the pasta should be as deep as it is wide to get a good ratio). Mix all above
except the pasta. Add in the pasta last. Voila!
Other optional ingredients for variation: Cucumber, grilled onions, small jar
pimientos, nuts.
Nut Patties
from Shirley Kieckhaefer, Wausau Food Co-op Winner of the Shoreline Chapter
Meeting Recipe Contest
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cracker crumbs (or whole grain bread crumbs)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (#4621) or ½ cup pecan meal (#4605)
- 2 onions
- 5 eggs, well-beaten
- Salt and sage to taste
- May add basil (#5186), chili powder (#5210), cumin (#5234), Jensen’s seasoning,
etc.
Directions: Fry in oil until brown. Serve as is or put in a baking dish and cover with
tomato juice or G. Washington broth. Bake for about an hour at 350°.
Iri-Tofu
from Kyoko Archibald Co-Winner of the Driftless Dane Chapter Meeting Recipe
Contest
Ingredients:
- 2lb Hard tofu (#15036), cubed
- 5-10 Japanese/Chinese black dried mushrooms -soaked in water until softened, (save the
mushroom water), sliced thinly
- ¼-½ cup Hijiki, soaked in water until doubled in size, drained
- 3-5 Lotus root pieces, soaked in water until relaxed, cut into thin slices
- 3 Medium carrots, shredded
- ½lb Ground pork (optional)
- 1 cup Green beans, cut into small pieces (#9050)
- 2 tsp Ginger, finely chopped
- Some water
- 4 tbsp Oil (#4473)
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce (#3286)
- 3 tbsp Fructose (#4328)
- 3 tbsp Rice wine/Mirin
- ½ tsp Sea salt (#14838)
Directions: Drain tofu pieces and sauté with oil. Remove tofu from the pan. In the
same pan, add in this order and sauté: ginger, hijiki, carrots, lotus root and mushrooms.
Remove the mixture from the pan and set aside. If you use ground pork, sauté the pork
until it’s cooked and drain the fat. Add the carrot mixture and the seasonings
(mushroom water, water, soy sauce, fructose, rice wine, sea salt) and cook until
everything is tender. Add tofu and cook until liquid is almost gone. Add green beans;
adjust the seasonings with soy sauce and sugar; cook for a few minutes. Serve hot or cold.
Turkey/Rice Casserole
Co-Winner of the Driftless Dane Chapter Meeting Recipe Contest
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Basmati brown rice (#2382)
- 4 cups Water or stock (#2077 -Morga vegetable bouillon)
- 1 tsp salt
Directions: Cook in rice cooker or saucepan Mix cooked rice with following:
- 2-4 cups Cooked, diced turkey
- 1 tbsp Crushed garlic (#19010)
- 4-8 Celery stalks cut fine and sautéed in a bit of butter
- 1 cup Slivered almonds slightly toasted (#4587)
- Salt and pepper to taste and soy sauce (#3285 and #3286)
- ¼ - ½ cup Melted butter (#1007 or #1003)
- if desired Optional 1 chopped apple; 1 tbsp grated ginger
Cooking time depends somewhat on temperature of ingredients when combined—about 45
minutes in 350° oven. May also be cooked on top of stove or in microwave.
Almost Fat-Free Orange Bean Bread
from Eileen Shouey, Ort Port BC Winner of the Great Lakes Chapter Meeting
Recipe Contest
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups orange juice
- ¾ cups oatmeal
- ½ cup Og raisins
- 1½ cups Og bean soup beans mashed
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups sugar
- 3½ cups unbleached flour
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 tsp soda (maybe less if orange juice is not acidic)
Directions: Mix first 4 ingredients. Let set for oatmeal to swell if you choose. Add
next 6 ingredients. Stir well and put in two sprayed bread pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or
until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Changes
in How You Order Snack and Nutrition Bars
by Jan Torkildson, Home Shopping Services Manager
In our continuing efforts to improve the quality of our service, we find it necessary
to create standardized processes that will help us to meet our quality goals. For some
products we will ask that you change your ordering practices. With the July/August price
list you will see changes in the Snack and Nutrition bars category of the price list. We
are converting the current case listing to a unit and adding the master case purchasing
option. This will allow members to purchase these products in unit cases as well as master
case quantities with pricing advantages.
Standardizing this process will help us improve our internal processes which in turn
will enhance the quality of your orders. We will notify you of additional changes as they
are implemented.
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Chlorophyll, Spirulina, Barley Grass
What makes them so special?
by Julie Smith, Buyer, Magic Mill
Phytoplankton--green and blue algae including spirulina and chlorella--are know as
"super foods". They are packed with high quality protein, fiber, chlorophyll,
vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin B-12, they contain
gamma-linolenic acid, an important fatty acid. The amino acids in blue-green algae are
about identical to those needed by the human body. Grasses include barley, alfalfa and
wheat grass. They contain all the known mineral and trace mineral elements, a balanced
range of vitamins and minerals, plus hundreds of enzymes for digestion. Chlorophyll is a
plant pigment which carries out the process of photosynthesis. All fresh green plants
contain chlorophyll, but it is especially rich in phytoplankton and green grasses. The
chlorophyll molecule is very similar to human hemoglobin; thus it is an excellent aid to
building red blood cells which carry oxygen to every cell. Liquid chlorophyll products are
usually made from alfalfa and are easily digestible. Green foods are a valuable
therapeutic tool for detoxification, immune stimulation, enhanced tissue growth and
repair, accelerated healing, blood purification and improved stamina and energy.
Information taken from Healthy Healing, A Guide to Self- Healing for
Everyone, Linda Rector Page, N.D., Ph.D.
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