Those attending the Greene County Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala, held on Thursday, June 9th, at Windham Mountain Resort, witnessed the 2016 Small Business of the Year awarded to Field Goods, LLC . “This company with a massive reach and mission has been connecting small upstate New York Farms with local communities for the past 5 years; enabling consumers to obtain farm-fresh, in-season produce through a subscription service that delivers to both workplaces and community centers” cited board member Karl Heck.
Founded in 2011 by former Wall Street banker, Donna Williams, (after coming to our area) Field Goods grew out of a study Donna performed for the Greene County IDA on ways to grow agriculture in Greene County. The study revealed that one key problem was that the farmers in the area had difficulty maintaining distribution channels. Field Goods has helped solve that problem by creating an alternate distribution system that directly links the farmer and the consumer, and brings the products of local and regional farmers directly to consumers throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Williams started with 60 customers and a Ford Taurus station wagon – picking up seasonal produce from local farms, and delivering it to subscribing customers. In just 5 years, Field Goods has grown to serve tens of thousands of customers with a workforce of almost 60 employees.
Field Goods, a New York State certified Woman-Owned Business, was started with a Greene County Microenterprise Assistance Program grant, and also received funding through the Capital Region Economic Development Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Donna Williams, was one of Hudson Valley Magazine’s 2015 Women Who Mean Business.
Along with working with farmers, Field Goods has provided opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work with the company, and has partnered extensively with Ulster-Greene ARC to provide employment opportunities for its consumers. Field Goods recently purchased a 20,000 square foot building in Athens (a building that formerly housed a beer distributor) as its new storage and assembly headquarters. The company also works with customers on wellness program that promote a healthier lifestyle.
Today, Field Goods services the Hudson Valley and New York metropolitan area with products, and is continuing to expand its footprint into other parts of the country. It is a business that combines one of the oldest businesses in our county, farming, with modern technology and distribution, to create a 21st Century product that has been a major success.
If you want to learn more about how to Make It In Greene, check out our free helpful business guides and contact the Invest In Greene team by email or phone at 518-719-3290.
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Topics: Success Stories
