Everything Co-op With Vernon Oakes

Vernon and Joe discuss the origins of GreenStar; the structure of the business, and its road to success. They also discuss Greenleaf's conversion to solar energy and many, the prospective opening of their new store, and the importance of participating in the upcoming Presidential election. Joe Romano has been the Marketing Manager at GreenStar Natural Foods Market for over a decade. Before his tenure at GreenStar, Joe worked in film and television in NYC for 20 years. Before that, he taught English Literature and Creative Writing at the City University of New York. He has a wife, a daughter and two cats, (in that order), and currently resides in Ithaca, NY. GreenStar Natural Foods Market was created by its members to successfully operate stores with a triple bottom line. The company holds profit, people and our planet as its primary concerns. The company supports the principles of fair wages and fair trade. Employees are paid fair wages and offer health benefits to employees who work 20 or more hours. Many of