GreenLane Monthly Luncheon, May 4th, 2011: NEDCO's Programs Including Downtown Springfield Farmer's Market

Educational Speaker and Topic: NEDCO (Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation) Springfield's Farmer's Market, Regional Food Hub and Asset Building in Lane County. 

NEDCO is developing a Regional Food Hub where local growers and food based business owners can prepare, process and sell their products. The hub, located at 4th and A street in Downtown Springfield, has the potential to bring millions of dollars into the local economy through the operation of a year round farmers market and commissary kitchen space. Learn more about Regional Food Hub, NEDCO's other programs and ways your business can be involved at our GreenLane presentation.

Sarai Johnson, Program and Resource Development Director:
Sarai Johnson was born and raised in Springfield. However, she spent her early adulthood in Kansas, where she completed college and enjoyed modest success as a small-time rock star. She then landed back in Eugene several years ago and settled into a job as coffee shop manager. It was in this capacity, with a decidedly meager income, that her interest was sparked and her passion for economic justice and community economic development was born.

In 2007, when NEDCO posted a Homeownership Counselor position, Sarai knew it was her destiny to join their team. At NEDCO, she has enjoyed many roles and helped to develop and launch several programs, including Springfield Farmers’ Market. She is currently the Program and Resource Development Director – and still goes to work fired up and inspired by the work they do at NEDCO.

When Sarai is not occupying herself with NEDCO, she loves to garden, hike and hang out with her baby Kalevvi, her husband Stu and her dog, Penny; and is working on a Master of Public Administration and Certificate in Nonprofit Management at the U of O..

Lee Warnecke, Community Economic Development Coordinator and Springfield Farmers’ Market Manager:
Lee Warnecke is a 19 year resident of Lane County who grew up on the coast, went to school in the valley (Go Ducks!) and occasionally shreds fresh powder in the Cascades.  Lee is a member of the Lane County Food Policy Council and an avid supporter of local farmers and  . Lee started as a volunteer with NEDCO, was hired as an Americorps*VISTA to build capacity for Springfield Farmers’ Market,  and became a full time employee in August 2010. Lee has not wrestled bears and therefore does not have a bio quite as interesting as Joe Moll of McKenzie River Trust.

Member Spotlight Speaker: Debbie Matheney, Reliv International

Join us for our monthly GreenLane networking and educational luncheon. Always the first Wednesday of the month at Mallard Hall.  Open to members. Guests are welcome to attend twice before joining. GreenLane is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to support organizations in Lane County to be more sustainable. We are inclusive & welcome all businesses who are interested in sustainability to become a member and get involved.