Presented at the Slow Money National Gathering in Boulder, CO
$50,000 to be awarded for outstanding leadership in the local food movement
Bonsall, California – April 30, 2013 – Mamma Chia, the organic food and beverage company that originated the chia beverage category, announces today that the Mamma Chia Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be presented at the fourth annual Slow Money National Gathering in Boulder, Colorado. A founding member of Slow Money, Mamma Chia is dedicated to supporting local food systems and small food enterprises, and is honored to support the local food movement with this award.
The $50,000 award, funded by a $25,000 donation from Mamma Chia as part of the company’s 1% For the Planet contribution, will be matched by Slow Money’s Soil Trust, a non-profit online funding platform launched in 2012. The award will be given to a small food enterprise at the gathering’s Entrepreneur Showcase that demonstrates outstanding leadership in the local food movement and exemplifies the spirit of the Slow Money Principles.
The winning company will be decided upon by a combination of a panel of judges and online votes. Online voting results account for 33 percent of the total decision, and supporters can participate by voting on the Slow Money Facebook Page.
Slow Money is connecting farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists and activists, building local and national networks that catalyze the flow of capital to small food enterprises and local food systems. More than $6 million has been invested in 34 food enterprises that presented at the previous three national gatherings. And over the past few years, 16 chapters have been formed around the country, facilitating $18 million of new investing in more than 160 additional food enterprises at the local level. This event is an important opportunity to share, learn together and continue building momentum of this important collective undertaking.
“Mamma Chia was a featured enterprise on the Slow Money stage only three years ago, at the second National Gathering, before we were even available in stores.” said Janie Hoffman, company founder and CEO. “It is important that we give back to our communities, which is why corporate philanthropy has been a part of the DNA of Mamma Chia from its inception. It’s an honor and privilege that our company is now able to support other entrepreneurs who share Mamma Chia’s social and environmental mission to support the local food movement.”
The Slow Money National Gathering is a two-day event, taking place April 29 and 30, to encourage the flow of capital into a full range of small businesses vital to healthy local economies and a more resilient food system. Participants can expect to experience inspiration and networking opportunities with speakers, conscious investors and entrepreneurs.
In addition to being a founding member of Slow Money, Mamma Chia continually supports its eco-conscious social mission by serving as a Certified B Corporation and a member of 1% For the Planet. Mamma Chia donates 1 percent of gross sales to support farmers, community groups and organizations that are building healthy, local food systems.
To learn more about Mamma Chia, please visit www.MammaChia.com. You can register for the Slow Money National Gathering at www.SlowMoney.org.
About Mamma Chia
Mamma Chia is a conscious and sustainable company with a mission to share the magic of chia and lead in its renaissance through offering delicious, high quality, organic chia-based food and beverages that provide natural vitality, energy and strength. Mamma Chia is a category innovator and maker of the first chia-based beverage created to deliver superior taste and a powerful synergy of nutrients featuring omega-3s, fiber, protein and antioxidants. Founder and CEO Janie Hoffman created the Mamma Chia beverage concept in her kitchen, gained an immediate loyal following and became a national brand in September 2011. The company is a Certified B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet and a founding member of Slow Money. BevNET has honored Mamma Chia with two top honors, including a 2012 “Person of the Year” award for Mamma Chia founder and CEO, Janie Hoffman, as well as a 2011 award for “Best Non-Carbonated Beverage”. Additionally, the Mamma Chia brand continues to be recognized as a leader in its category – ranking in the top 10 overall. Mamma Chia products are available in natural food markets and mainstream grocery stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.MammaChia.com.