The Right Path Part 2

(This is a continuation of the last post at 123 Jubilee)

When the stand space next to Green Circle Organics became available in early 2011, Laura knew it was time to expand. Things had gotten congested with the products she had added in the past year.

Now there's space for a larger refrigerated unit to display the locally produced cheeses, eggs, milk and meats.

What else may be in the future for Green Circle?
"I would love to have more canned goods to sell ... from people who are preserving local organic produce from their gardens or farms.
I would love to have homemade locally sourced tomato sauce and salsa throughout the winter or chow chow, kim chee and sauerkrauts or the like," Laura hopes.

Looking at community possibilities, Laura applauds those who contribute. " There are so many people in the community doing such good work for their neighbors." But ever the pioneer, she observes "I would love to see a composting project started at market! There is so much unsellable produce that just gets tossed in the trash out of a sheer lack of anywhere to go with it.
Much of what is still edible gets generously donated to those in need. But I'm talking about the produce I wouldn't feel comfortable donating.

"I think this could be a good business opportunity for someone as well. The composted finished product could then be resold to home gardeners.
"Mostly though I would like the amount of trash reduced at market. The Central Market Trust is working on this issue so we'll see what transpires in the coming year. Composting, though an ambitious project, just makes sense at market!"

AMBITIOUS PROJECTS

Talking with Laura Stauffer inspired me to consider the idea of ambitious projects. She mentioned the possibility of a composting business for someone. That might just be the right path for one of my readers: if not composting, then starting some other small business which serves the common good.

What ideas do you have? I'd like to hear them.

Ambitious projects which serve the common good could also be educational in nature. What could you teach someone? For some the right path may be an artistic endeavor such as music or sculpture. Maybe it's organizing people to help each other or to get to know each other. For instance, does your neighborhood need someone to organize a block party or a neighborhood watch?

Tell someone what you see or think. Talking together is often how things begin!

Remember, when Laura heard that a Central Market stand was coming up for sale, she decided to take the risk. Now Green Circle Organics is 8 years old!

It could be your turn to get started on the right path!

"Why not?"

The Right Path, part 1

"Your life takes you directions you don't expect." So says Laura Stauffer, owner of Green Circle Organics at Lancaster's Central Market.

Life seemed to prepare Laura for her role as a Lancaster pioneer in the marketing of organic produce. In late 2002, a friend of a friend told her that a business at the market was coming up for sale. Laura, who then worked at Rhubarb's Market, had already done organic farming in upstate New York.

"I really wanted to be in business for myself and it fit in with my past experiences and my interests" she explains. So Laura bought the business, becoming one of the 1st retailers of organic produce in Lancaster County. Later when Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative formed, Green Circle Organics became their 1st retail account in the county.

This March 9th Green Circle will celebrate it's 8 year anniversary!

I asked Laura what advice she would give to others wanting to start a local business.

Here's what she advises:

" It definitely had it's challenges, but if you're on the right path things just kind of happen. Take that leap. For me, at the time, getting a small business loan and doing things on my own was a big deal ! Now I'm so glad I did it! I say take that risk. As long as it's a calculated risk, I think 'Why not?'

If you're doing something good for the community and you believe in what you're doing and you treat people well and you stand behind your product, it'll work."

Next: Some of Laura's hopes for future