Small Business in Raleigh a Finalist in Nationwide Contest - News 14

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RALEIGH--One could say Courtney Tellefsen runs a farmer's market on wheels. Back in 2007, this stay at home mom had a vision to nourish her community.

?I started in my neighborhood in Quahalo with about 25 families and it's grown from there,? she said as she described The Produce Box's humble beginnings.

From her neighborhood to a warehouse in Raleigh, The Produce Box delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to more than 7,000 families, working with 40 farmers in the Triangle, Triad and Wilmington.

?Farmers are thrilled, we're getting calls everyday from farmers who are saying this sounds like a great idea how can I be involved,? she said describing its continued growth.

Sherry Heuser got involved to teach her daughter the importance of fresh, locally owned produce

?She knows what a whole tomato looks like and tastes like and she's happy to take a bite out of one, she has quite varied tastes and I owe that to Produce Box,? Heuser said.

As part of the business' mission to support local communities, a portion of the proceeds has provided grants for local farmers and food insecure communities.

The Produce Box is now sharing its mission on a bigger scale, thanks to a nationwide contest sponsored by Facebook and American Express.

Tellefsen admits she entered the contest for fun but it took on a life of its own, ?I can not believe it but out of 12,000 businesses that applied nationally, we're one of the final 10.?

The Big Break for Small Business contest recognizes the way companies engage with their customers online.

Tellefsen credits social media for the box's success.

?Those members are teaching their children the importance about buying local and supporting our neighbors and supporting that local economy,? she says.

Lessons learned today that can continue to be passed on through generations.

If you'd like to learn more about the Produce Box, or vote in the competition click here.

Source: http://triangle.news14.com/content/top_stories/662848/small-business-in-raleigh-a-finalist-in-nationwide-contest

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