GM Report

by Lindy Bannister, General Manager

It's that time of year again, Fall. Our produce department is bursting with beautiful product from all of our local farming friends. This year we were able to highlight some of these incredibly hardworking people at the State Fair. We had the wonderful opportunity to team with Organic Valley and Health Partners in the all-new Eco Experience Building on the fair grounds. Our mission was to show the connection between the Wedge and local producers. We were joined by Harry Hoch & Family from Hoch Orchards, Rhys Williams from Featherstone Farms, Greg & Mary Reynolds from Riverbend Organic Farm, Ed Eichten from Eichten's Hidden Acres, and Deb Klein & Youth Staff from Youth Farm; each one different day. They were able to talk to the fair-goers as Wedge workers cut up and passed out samples of their products. It was such a rewarding experience to have visitors taste the great products that we so often take for granted here at the Wedge. If you missed out on getting the four farmers recipe cards that were handed out, they will be available while they last at the Customer Service Counter and at the Annual Meeting.

I would like to take this opportunity to say Congratulations to Attina and Martin Difley of Gardens of Eagan. They have just signed an agreement with the Minnesota Pipeline Company — they will not cross the GOE farm. They have agreed to the first organic mitigation plan in the country. I know there are other states out there watching this process as it unfolds. Thank you to all of our members, staff and concerned citizens who took up the torch and carried it to this successful ending!

This issue marks our first in this new format and is packed full of information. I encourage everyone to take a close look at the candidates who are running for the places open on your board of directors. Please give them your full attention and then complete your ballot. Your vote does truly count here. The Annual Meeting information is also included and we encourage everyone to attend. Our guest speaker Chris Blanchard is a farmer with a sense of humor I'm sure you will enjoy.

Also included in this issue are the candidates for WedgeShare grants. While all of these organizations are worthy of funding, you will help make the final decision on who receives a grant with your votes. Every year the number of requests increase and we will continue to put back into our community where we can.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that our latest project, WedgeWorldWide, the Wedge's online store, will be up and active in October. Look for it on our existing website www.wedge.coop. If you love the products our great Health & Body Care staff have brought in the way of clothing, jewelry, pottery and bamboo to the Wedge, just wait until you see what we have in store for you online. And, just in time for the busy holiday season. Let us wrap and deliver your packages for you!

We're looking forward to a very busy fall season, and to sharing it with you. Hope to see you at the annual meeting!

  — Lindy