Hello community,

In 2009, I will be launching a new business in Portland, OR called the Portland Urban Farm Project.

This idea is a culmination of much of my community work and experience based on learning as Market Manager of the Interstate Farmers' Market, my experience helping start and managing the Alberta Co-op Grocery, organizing Earth Day for 3 years with The City Repair Project, volunteer coordinator of the North Portland Tool Library, the development of the CommUnity Arts Garage at my home and from the life experience of many friends and family.

My goals are both modest as well as idealistic from growing food creating a locally-owned CSA from the backyards of Portland homes and the development of tool libraries and community kitchens around Portland to creating a living place on land outside the city for an education center to teach about food nutrition and movement arts. With community support in many ways, I know that my dreams and the dreams of many others can come true.

This is the first outreach letter to find out about your interest to contribute growing food in creating a sustainable lifestyle. I am looking to create an alliance of people to help in this venture from volunteers and contributors to those who would like to purchase food directly from their neighborhoods!

I will be organizing a meeting in January to discuss goals and possible interests in the community.

Please send me your thoughts and suggestions for possible cooperative people, businesses and organizations.

I look forward to growing with you.

In cooperation,
Bob New