Planning Process

The National Rural Grocery Summit planning process includes a steering committee and planning committee. The Steering committee is made up of key stakeholders in the host region. The Planning Committee is comprised of representatives from each of the host organizations.

Steering Committee Members

• Karly Ackerman, Minnesota Grocers Association
• Ruthanne Atkinson, Independent Natural Food Retailers Association
• Jodi Bruns, North Dakota State University
• Olivia Chatman, Reinvestment Fund
• Corey Christianson, KC's Country Market
• John Dyste, North Dakota Grocers Association
• Diana Hahn, Jim's SuperValu and Rural Access Distribution (RAD) Co-op
• Duke Harrison, Mason Brothers
• Jenny Lezer, Minnesota Grown and Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Chelsea Matzen, NGA Foundation
• Tracie Thompson, Baker's Market
• Jeanie Wells, Columinate
• Jon Woodruff, Office of the Minnesota Attorney General

Planning Committee Members

• Rial Carver, Rural Grocery Initiative
• Kathy Draeger, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
• Brian Gion, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives
• Clara Misenhelter, Rural Grocery Initiative
• Zachary Paige, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships

Call for 2028 National Rural Grocery Summit Cohost Organizations

Amidst our excitement and planning for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit, we are also looking ahead to the 2028 Summit. Our call for cohosts for the 2028 National Rural Grocery Summit is officially open. All interested cohost organizations must submit an application using this online questionnaire form by March 1, 2026. You can preview the questions on the form here.