Social MedRunners
www.medrunners.org
Since 2007, MedRunners has delivered much needed medical supplies to Nicaragua. To do so, MedRunners works with a number of US organizations to transport supplies to a network of 25 partner clinics in Nicaragua. MedRunners then connects with local volunteers to orchestrate the transport of supplies in country. In the next eight months, the organization will make three trips to Nicaragua to deliver on their mission to improve the health of communities.
Family Nuts About Koeze
MedRunners also ensures that Nicaraguan clinics have the supplies they need through their Adopt-a-Clinic program, in which donors sponsor a clinic for $600 to $1,000 per year, and receive real-time updates of how their
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As you enter the Koeze’s (coo-zee) storefront sales office, founded in 1910, you get a booster shot of nostalgia. The décor could best be described as a real-life Willy Wonka’s; the kind of place that makes you smile instantly. When Jeff Koeze took over the company in September 1996, after a successful career as Associate Professor of Public Law and Government at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s School of Government, he had his mind set on a 2-year succession plan. This plan was significantly interrupted when Jeff was unexpectedly catapulted into the third generation leadership role after his dad chose to take an early retirement. As Jeff stepped in, he recognized and respected the 86 years of solid foundation the nut company was built on. However, there were some operational areas that had potential for improvement. As a result of Jeff’s leadership, Koeze opened a new facility in 2001, 17
Two businesses already under his belt, Joe Pohlen has added his true passion to his entrepreneurial portfolio: social entrepreneurship. His passion for people has motivated him to make five personal trips to Nicaragua over the past year. Joe has discovered that working with the clinic directors is gratifying and empowering. MedRunners delivers sorely needed supplies to patients who otherwise would go without, and come with no strings attached. “We don’t have an agenda,” notes Joe. “We are simply bringing basic medical supplies such as bandages, disposable gloves and basic medication to where they are needed.”
donation has impacted local patients. The non-profit is able to gather donated materials as well as purchase from partnering organizations at 5% of cost, so they can offer clinics exactly what they need. Nicaragua is only the first step. Once the system is proven, Joe is dedicated to using MedRunners to improve communities throughout Central America. Currently, the organization is expecting to receive its 501(c)(3) classification and finalize the website by the end of third quarter, 2010. MedRunners is actively looking for interested parties to help out during trips to Nicaragua on Sept 29 and Oct 2, 2010.
www.koeze.com which promises to better serve the company’s needs for the next century. As the head of a family-owned business, Jeff has had to strike a difficult balance between paternalism and professionalism, and has worked hard to make himself an approachable leader. He stresses the virtues of continuous improvement and takes pride in how his employees go aboveand-beyond industry standards to
push Koeze into its second century. From the best-selling 30oz gift box overflowing with Colossal Cashews to the home-run Organic Peanut Butter, Koeze capitalizes on craftsmanship and how products should be made. The Koeze process is proven and highly focused on quality, through the selection of choice ingredients, minimal processing, and a high regard for taste. When asked about new product development, Jeff laughs and remarks, “new is boring, old products are what get us excited.” When in need of a dose of sugarcoated goodness or if you’re just nuts about nuts, browse Koeze online or stop by the store!