Leaders of Localism

by Kelley Granger, February 27, 2009

TOXIC AVENGER
Ann LaGoy, Sound Earth

LaGoy’s all-natural, animal cruelty-free cleaning products company was launched six years ago to provide the safest products possible and promote healthy living environments for people and their pets. She was inspired to create Sound Earth, the state’s only manufacturer of natural household cleaners, after becoming poisoned by commercial chemical products. Sound Earth manufactures its products in concentrates, which gives more product for less packaging. Beyond the ecological advantages, she also promotes the local economy by choosing 70 percent of her suppliers from within the tri-state area, with another 10 percent in the Northeast. www.soundearth.com



NATURAL NOURISHERS
Chris and Kevin Schneider, Mother Earth’s Storehouse

The first Mother Earth’s Storehouse opened in Kingston in 1978 to support the local producers who were providing natural, organic, and environmentally considerate products. Today, under owners Chris and Kevin Schneider, the health food and vitamin retailer operates three locations in Kingston, Saugerties, and Poughkeepsie providing employment to 90 people. Aside from supporting the local suppliers, Mother Earth’s Storehouse is also involved with the community through the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, recently donating $25,000 to the charity, the result of a customer reward card program that designated one percent of sales for the cause.
www.motherearthstorehouse.com



COMMUNITY CULTIVATOR
Pat Adams, Adams Fairacre Farms

What began as a simple farm stand in 1919 has evolved into a supermarket alternative that employs more than 700 people in three stores in Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and Kingston. Adams offers profit sharing, a 401K, and paid vacation and holidays to part-time staffers. Full time employees receive those benefits plus personal and sick days, and comprehensive medical insurance. The driving principle that has led to Adams’s success is being able to provide customers with exactly what they’re asking for—a variety of quality products and excellent customer service. The business, still family-owned, sponsored more than 176 regional events in the past 18 months, ranging from penny socials to arts council award dinners. “We have always received so much from the community,” says Pat Adams, general manager and part owner. “We feel it is our duty to give back in every way we can.” www.adamsfairacrefarms.com