A True Champion

By Selina Delangre

I'd like to take a few minutes to bring your attention to a company - and a person -- that I think is a true champion in the natural product industry.

I firmly believe with all my heart that Earth Fare® is a genuine champion of citizenship, compassion and environmental stewardship in our rapidly growing industry.

Often we're just exposed to retailers such as Earth Fare® at a surface level. We experience their physical environment, enjoy their products and they become a routine and pleasant part of our daily lives. But when you have the opportunity to look deeper and understand the heart and soul of an organization and the extent to which it genuinely cares about its customers and its community, your point of view may be transformed as mine has been with Earth Fare®.

Michael Cianciarulo is President & CEO of Earth Fare® and is the guiding light and the spirit that makes the company so great. I've had the blessing of knowing Mike for years and I'm constantly awed by the example he sets for his team and for others in the marketplace. His team cares about the products they present in their stores but they also care deeply about the people behind the products they present in their stores. How many CEOs in the mainstream marketplace take the time to speak one-on-one with their product vendors to share advice and perspective on how best to unite products with customers? Not many, I suspect.

But Mike's down to earth, genuine care for customers and community goes further. When I call Mike to tell him about someone in need in our community he never hesitates to explore possibilities to help.

In this recently past holiday season (2006) Mike and his team helped a nonprofit organization for children in our area. I'd like to tell you a bit more about this tremendous act of kindness.

Earth Fare® and The Grain & Salt Society® worked with Eliada Home to bring some excitement and a celebration of the season to children in need. We sponsored the wish lists of ten children, purchasing winter coats, puzzles, apparel and toys for troubled children. We also contributed healthy organic fruit, cheese and vegetable platters for Eliada's holiday celebration.

Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

Michael Cianciarulo is a leader in our industry. He makes a life by giving in many ways. He's a guardian angel for small companies bringing high quality products to the natural food consumer. He's a compassionate member of the community and helps those in need. He's a true champion.

Bless you, Michael.

Learn more about Earth Fare® at www.earthfare.com

Learn more about Eliada Home at www.eliada.org

Help Eliada Home by visiting www.eliada.org/giving

About the Author

Selina Delangre is CEO & President of The Grain & Salt Society®, Home of Celtic Sea Salt® Brand.