SANTA CRUZ, Calif., May 16 (AScribe Newswire) -- Organics are growing and California Certified Organic Farmers has moved to keep up with the pace. CCOF, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious organic certification agencies, moved on March 20, 2007 to a modern, 6,647 square foot office space at 2155 Delaware Avenue in Santa Cruz.
The former office was a 3,200 square foot Victorian which served as CCOF's headquarters for 11 years.
The quaint quarters could no longer hold the 24 full-time employees. "We were busting at the seams at the Mission Street office," stated Executive Director, Peggy Miars. "Our new office enables the staff to be more efficient and will allow us to better serve our members." With a projected annual growth of 12 percent, the new office space should welcome a minimum of one new employee a year.
CCOF is taking other assertive measures to maintain its leadership in certification and customer service.
One such measure was the creation of the Assistant Executive Director post which was filled this month by Steve Lustgarden. Lustgarden brings more than 16 years of nonprofit management to CCOF. He has previously served as an Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director and Program Manager with other nonprofit organizations in the central coast region of California.
"CCOF is a leader in the organic industry and I am proud to be a part of this talented and committed team of staff and volunteers. I look forward to assisting CCOF in improving and expanding its range of services." said Lustgarden.
The traditional CCOF office garden will continue at the new space. "Gardens are a great way to create community, promote sustainability and reduce stress. It is also a great way to exchange growing knowledge with the many talented co-workers we have," says garden coordinator, Viella Shipley, CCOF's Director of Sales and Marketing.
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CONTACT: Viella Shipley, 831-423-2263 x31, Viella@ccof.org
ABOUT CCOF: CCOF, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1973 and is one of the nation's largest and oldest third-party organic certifying agencies. CCOF certifies, educates, advocates and promotes organic in California and elsewhere through:
- A premier organic certification program for growers, processors, handlers, and retailers.
- Programs to increase awareness of and demand for certified organic product and to expand public support for organic agriculture.
- Advocacy for governmental policies that protect and encourage organic agriculture.
Media Contact: See above.
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