People Like You Help People Like Me Go On
(MaryJane Butters named Idaho's Progressive Businessperson of 2001)

the nomination

by Pam Palmer

I am thrilled to nominate MaryJane Butters as Idaho’s Progressive Businessperson of 2001. Idaho is particularly lucky to have this woman’s vision for a healthy future, her insight to making it happen, and her daily commitment to living the life she wishes for all of us. Although I have known her for almost two decades, I feel as though I am rediscovering MaryJane through her latest gift to the world, a magazine entitled MaryJanesFarm.

In these days of increasing stress in our world and daily lives, we all need something to give us hope for a better tomorrow. The magazine, promising its readers “simple solutions for organic living,” gives all that and much more.

The premiere issue of MaryJanesFarm, which hit the shelves in downtown Moscow only a week ago, will soon be making its way across the continent and a few oceans with its refreshing and uplifting solutions for simplifying and eating your way to a healthier life.

Aside from her great products and her latest decision to publish this magazine, Mary Jane herself is an extraordinary role model for any woman wondering how to be a progressive and successful C.E.O. in today’s troubled world.

It won’t be long before Idaho will have to share this homegrown secret with the larger world. Given MaryJane Butters’ life of activism and progressive commitments, I know you’ll agree with me that she lives up to the award of “Idaho’s Progressive Businessperson of the Year.” If there is a year to celebrate MaryJane’s unique perspective on making positive change in the world, this is it.

Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute Director Tom Lamar presents PCEI founder MaryJane Butters with the award “Idaho’s Progressive Businessperson of the Year.”

the result

Lewiston Morning Tribune, December 30, 2001

MaryJane Butters, a Moscow entrepreneur whose organic prepared foods are sold nationwide, will receive the “progressive businessperson of the year” award from United Vision for Idaho.

The award will be presented at the organization’s fourth annual banquet, January 7, at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel in Boise.

Billed as an evening to celebrate Idaho’s progressive traditions, the dinner is organized by United Vision for Idaho each year at the opening of the State Legislature. The staff, based in Boise and Moscow, works with member organizations and activists to promote social, economic and environmental justice.

Butters has been an environmental leader, first as a wilderness ranger and later as a founder of both the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute and Hanford Watch. Now she is leading the way to a sustainable agricultural system in Idaho by creating a market for locally produced organic foods.

Founded in 1995, United Vision for Idaho’s 23 members include the following organizations, representing more than 50,000 people:

• Boise Central Trades & Labor Council
• Church Women United
• Council on Hispanic Education
• Hispanic Heritage Society
• Idaho Community Action Network
• Idaho Conservation League
• Idaho Education Association
• Idaho Head Start Association
• Idaho Hispanic Caucus
• Idaho Migrant Council
• Idaho Nurses Association
• Idaho Rivers Council
• Idaho Rural Council
• Idaho Women’s Network
• Living Independence Network Corporation
• National Association of Social Workers, Idaho Chapter
• North Idaho Central Labor Council
• Nurse Practitioner Conference Group
• Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute
• Snake River Alliance
• The Interfaith Alliance of Idaho
• Women of Color Alliance
• Your Family, Friends & Neighbors