Produce in the Park is a non-profit organization run by a board of directors passionate about growing local food and community. Meet our Board of Directors:
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Bailey Smith (L) and Kelsey Beschorner (R) are known around town as the "Chamber Chicks." A power duo of friendliness and community connections, we are lucky to have them both on our board and often at the park welcoming folks and sharing community event info.
Bailey serves as the Produce in the Park Board President and is the Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Bailey was born and raised in Anita and moved to Atlantic in 2015 to begin working as Program Director at the Chamber. Bailey grew up on a farm and has always enjoyed every aspect of agriculture. Locally grown and sourced produce was never something Bailey had been around but being involved with Produce in the Park has given her a deeper appreciation for the work that goes in to providing food sources. Bailey loves interacting with a large variety of personalities and interest areas while at the market. When Bailey’s not at the market, she spends her time working with the business community and other organizations to continue making Atlantic the best place to live, work and play. Kelsey serves as the Produce in the Park Board Vice President. Kelsey was not raised in a rural community, but she has always had a passion for agriculture and growing relationships though community programs. Kelsey has been involved with Produce in the Park since starting her position with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce in Spring of 2020. When at the market, she enjoys talking to the community members and vendors allowing her to make connections and learn from others. Kelsey is the Program Director at the Chamber of Commerce and enjoys farming with her husband Adam in her “free” time. |
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Vicki Nordskog is the Produce in the Park Board Secretary, but in this photo she's serving as the market's Guest Chef, making fried okra! Vicki grew up on a farm outside Atlantic and returned to this area upon retirement after 43 years living in large urban cities. She became involved with PIP due to her interest in gardening, supporting small producers, healthy eating, reducing food insecurity, and building community. In addition to being the Produce in the Park Board secretary, she is an active member of the Atlantic Lions Club and the Atlantic Elks Lodge #445. Vicki often volunteers with the Atlantic Food Pantry and other food security efforts in Cass County; she is a founding member of the Grow Another Row executive team. Vicki has been a frequent buyer at Produce in the Park over the years, thoroughly enjoying the variety of produce, crafts and foods available as well as the helpful knowledge she obtains from the various service organizations that cycle through the park each week. And the live entertainment each week and children’s games make the perfect festival atmosphere!
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Johnna Joy is a local small business owner (Johnna Joy Designs) where she designs and sells jewelry and art. Originally from the East Bay Area in California, small town life is newer to Johnna, but the importance of connected and healthy communities has always been at her core. She absolutely loves the town, and is thrilled to participate in the uplifting of the Atlantic community as a member of the Produce in the Park board.
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Jennifer McEntaffer (Left) was born and raised in Atlantic. She is the current Economic Development Director at Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation. She knows the value of buying and selling local and what it does for the local economy. Jennifer is the Board Treasurer. She very much likes visiting the park, enjoying the music, atmosphere, and all the many things the market has to offer. In her spare time, she raises her four children and attends MANY events! She is excited to see how Produce in the Park will continue to grow and add so much to the community.
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Kolton joined the Produce in the Park Board because of his passion for gardening, supporting local food producers, and providing access to fresh food for everyone in the community.
Kolton started gardening several years ago, starting with a few veggies and herbs on his front porch. He and his partner have turned the majority of their city lot into a garden, or as he likes to call it, a “yarden.” He grows various veggies each year in 6 raised beds, enjoys canning, and is also a rookie beekeeper. Kolton truly believes that gardening is one of the best things you can do for your mind, body, and soul. Living in Cass County since 2017, Kolton is an active member of the Cass County Master Gardeners and serves as a board member for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Kolton is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cass Health, where he also oversees county public health services, marketing and communications, community relations, foundation, and volunteer services. |
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Kate Olson is the Director of Cass County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Extension "builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges," and offers programming in the following areas: Ag and Natural Resources, Community and Economic Development, Human Sciences (family, food, financing, disaster recovery, and mental health), and 4-H Youth Development. Through this work, Kate is involved in lots of programs related to food from food preparation and preservation classes, to coordinating Cass County Master Gardeners involvement in food donation gardens and programs. Kate also sits on the Cass County Local Food Policy Council.
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