Planning Process
2026 National Rural Grocery Summit
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
- Ellen Huber, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives
- Clara Misenhelter, Rural Grocery Initiative
- Zachary Paige, University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships