GoMacro Wildlife Conservation Fund Raiser Returns
GoMacro, known for its organic, plant-based nutrition bars, is excited to partner with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for the fourth year in a row. Born from a family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established in 1977 as a pioneering conservation organization dedicated to protecting Africa’s wildlife and preserving habitats for the future of all wild species.
Best known for its Orphans’ Project, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust not only operates the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world, but also embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation, and protection of wildlife. Annually, a portion of net proceeds from Smooth Sanctuary MacroBars sold throughout the month of August will be donated to the Kenya-based nonprofit organization.
“Partnering with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one more way we live out our company principles to ‘Tread Lightly’ and ‘Give Back,’” said Jola Sonkin, CEO and co-founder of GoMacro. “Their holistic approach to providing both protection to animals and conservation of key habitats is aligned with our mission to have a positive impact on the planet.”
In addition to supporting the nonprofit’s efforts with the annual Give Back Bar, GoMacro has also “adopted” a young elephant named Dololo through the Orphans’ Project. Dololo was rescued by the trust just outside Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park after receiving a report of a calf submerged in a dam overnight with only his trunk raised for breath. Thanks to the nonprofit, and with donations from supporters like GoMacro, the orphaned elephant is receiving the medical care, nourishment, and enrichment he needs to eventually return to a wild herd.
“As a family-founded company, we’re proud to support a family-founded organization leading the effort in protecting the unique wildlife and environment of East Africa. We’re excited to continue our partnership with an organization that has international impact,” Sonkin said.
In addition to the Smooth Sanctuary MacroBar, GoMacro offers three other Give Back Bars —Everlasting Joy, Protein Replenishment, and Sunny Uplift — benefiting nonprofits Feeding San Diego, Solutions for Change, Farm Sanctuary and the Keep A Breast Foundation during dedicated times of each year.
The Double Chocolate + Peanut Butter Chips MacroBar is available for purchase at retailers nationwide, Amazon and gomacro.com.
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Zevia CFO Steps Down, Neubauer Appointed as Interim
Zevia PBC announced that Florence Neubauer, Zevia’s current senior vice president, financial planning & analysis, has been appointed interim chief financial officer, replacing Denise D. Beckles, who will be leaving the company effective Sept. 4 to pursue another opportunity. The company has launched a formal search process to identify a permanent replacement.
Neubauer has over 25 years of finance and accounting experience in the consumer products industry including extensive experience in beverage. Prior to joining Zevia, she served as chief financial officer of Assouline Publishing, a book publisher and luxury lifestyle company, and held progressive roles of responsibility at PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard and Honeywell.
Neubauer holds a French MBA in International Business from ISG Insitut Superieur de Gestion. She will report to Amy Taylor, Zevia’s president and CEO, until a permanent successor is named.
“Zevia has a deep pool of finance and accounting talent,” said Taylor. “We are confident that under Florence’s leadership, working in close partnership with the rest of the team including Hany Mikhail, our chief accounting officer, we will continue to strengthen our business, drive growth and accelerate our path to profitability, capitalizing on the increasing demand for the Zevia brand. We wish Denise well in her future endeavors.”
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Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest Heralds Fall, Agritourism
Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest award-winning farm opens for annual family fun, attracting locals and tourists with immersive agritourism fall festivities. (Photo: Business Wire)
Move over pumpkin spice lattes, the new unofficial start of fall begins with the opening of Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest, an award-winning agritourism destination full of immersive autumn festivities for the whole family. Less than half an hour south of the Twin Cities, the family-owned farm opens its gates with the return of popular traditions including apple picking, a legendary Corn Maze, the thrilling Cow Train, and sensational new attractions such as the Cider Barn for adults, the Slippery Slope slides and an expanded Play Village for children.
“As a second-generation family-owned orchard we’ve been honored to be part of countless family stories, ingrained in the rich history of our orchard,” said Andy Ferguson, co-owner of Ferguson’s. “Whether it’s apple-picking, wagon rides, or simply savoring the simple joys of being together, we welcome all people to our family farm to experience the joy of the fall season one apple and one tradition at a time.”
Named the 2023 “Best Apple Orchard” in Minnesota, guests of Minnesota Harvest can enjoy family fun for only $15 per person, and children under 2 years old gain free admission. This one-time purchase includes a season pass allowing for unlimited daily entry from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the season from Aug. 19 to Nov/ 5. Tickets for active-duty military, veterans, and seniors are $13 per person. Online ticket purchases are required to expedite entry, www.minnesotaharvest.net.
Embark on a flavorful adventure at the quaint Country Store. Savor freshly made caramel apples, irresistible pies and pastries, and the iconic apple cider donuts. The Country Store is home to Harvest Bistro, an all-new culinary experience offering an array of options including the famous Ferguson Mac & Cheese topped with pulled pork and apple slices, chicken salad sandwiches, 10-inch chili dogs, and more. A visit to the country store isn’t complete without shopping the wide selection of local gifts, crafts and products – and of course, apples!
As a leader in the national agritourism industry, Ferguson’s takes great pride in being a family-owned farm that helps locals and tourists alike learn about the origins of their food and how locally produced foods make it to their kitchen tables. Through immersive on-farm activities such as apple and pumpkin picking, or getting up close and personal with real farm animals including goats, sheep, pigs and chickens, visitors experience a slice of life that is growing less common in our non-stop, digital screen-filled day. Led by authenticity and integrity, Ferguson’s connects people with the land and provides visitors with a farm experience that becomes an annual tradition for the whole family.
Snapshot of Minnesota Harvest Attractions
- Apple Cannons (weekends only)
- Apple Picking
- Barnyard Basketball
- caBARNa Rentals – farm-themed cabanas for children’s parties
- Cider Barn – hard cider and beer bar for adults (weekends only)
- Corn Maze
- Corn Pit
- Cow Train
- Caramel Apple Shoppe – watch them being made!
- Duck Races
- Farm Animals
- Gem Mining
- Harvest Bistro
- Harvest Plaza – fall decor and live music
- Pedal Tractors
- Pumpkin Jumping Pads
- Pumpkin Patch
- Slippery Slope Dual 40’ Slides
- Spinning Apple Ride
- Straw Bale Pyramid
- Sunflower Stroll
- Vine Bar on the Patio
- Wagon Rides
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