Worcester Business Journal

20 Worcester Business Journal | May 13, 2024 | wbjournal.com WOMEN I N B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ Worcester Business Journal WOMEN O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ n WOMEN I N B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ Worcester Business Journal Honorees will be featured in our September 30, 2024 edition NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, June 14, 2024 To submit your nomination visit www.wbjournal.com/womeninbusiness CALL FOR NOMINATIONS! Here is your chance to nominate a deserving business woman that you know, and have her accomplishments recognized and celebrated! Submit a nomination today! Worcester Business Journal is looking to recognize the achievements of strong, talented and remarkable women who are making their mark on the Central Massachusetts business community Corporate Sponsor Supporting Sponsors MARSH MCLENNAN AGENCY PARAGUS STRATEGIC I.T. Presenting Sponsor F O C U S S M A L L B U S I N E S S & FA M I LY B U S I N E S S Lynn Cheney's mission Lynn Cheney's committment to local food and farms has materialized into a number of professional efforts in the last 12 years. Organization Years Purpose Notable moments Lettuce Be Local food hub, Sterling 2012-2020 Connected local farms to • Network included 50+ chefs and 100+ farms restaurants, caterers, and • Started selling to individual consumers in July schools to promote healthy 2018 and more sustainable food • Launched Lettuce Be Local Farmer Dinner Series, multi-course dinners made by local chefs using 100% local ingredients Maker to Main, Worcester 2020-2024 Brick-and-mortar curated • Opened on Main Street location in February grocery store featuring fresh, 2020, as COVID-19 pandemic began local food products • Closed Main Street location in March 2023, opened new location in Canal District in September 2023 with a deli counter • Closed Canal District location in January 2024 • Directly contributed a combined $2.1 million to 175+ local farmers United Way of Central 2024-present Vice president of • Hired in March after working in partner Massachusetts, Worcester communications ship with the United Way to fight food insecurity Sources: Lynn Cheney, various media publications Bread in Worcester, be a fundraiser for the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund. "ey were adamant about wanting to do something to recognize what I've done," she said, "So I quickly diverted that attention to making the event about farms, as I've liked to do for the past 12 years." is fund was established by the United Way in July to support farm- ers impacted by flooding during the summer, when 2,000 acres of crops were damaged, causing an economic loss of at least $15 million, according to a press release announcing the fund issued by Governor Maura Healey's office. e long-term intention of the funds is to boost the resilience of area farms, against the impacts of climate change. A match made in heaven Cheney started the role at United Way in March on a part-time basis, as she balanced the role with finalizing the closure of Maker to Main. She transitioned to full time in early April. Her experience in working with the nonprofit in the past played a large role in her decision to join the organization. While farmers and food insecurity are sure to still be a focus of Cheney, her new role at the United Way will also involve highlighting and bringing attention to other efforts led by the organization. In addition to its food-focused initiatives, the nonprofit supports after-school programs and residents facing homelessness, among others. The organization received $7.8 million in contributions and grants and had net assets worth $10.8 million in 2021, according to its filings with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. "In the last four years I've had the pleasure of working with [Tim Garvin], predominantly from a food insecurity side," Cheney said, "However, I had no clue about the vast amount of things that the United Way is involved in our community in Worcester. It's really unbelievable work, and it really provided affirmation in my decision to join this team." Continued from previous page W

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