FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Norwich, Connecticut — August 25, 2023
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) this week honored Connecticut’s own Farmer’s Cow Cooperative as a “Legacy Business,” as part of the SBA’s celebration of its 70 years of service to American small businesses, business founders and owners, and for the countless types of service and support small businesses provide to their communities on a local, regional, and often national basis. The Farmer’s Cow Cooperative forms the heart of the Farmer’s Cow brand of companies, comprised of the Cooperative itself, formed under the Farmer’s Cow brand of six local Connecticut-based family farms in 2003; the Farmer’s Cow Calfe & Creamery, formed as a farm-to-table outlet and restaurant in 2012; and FC Development Corp., formed as a premier management and development entity for the Farmer’s Cow brand of companies in 2020, designed to establish and expand the Brand’s operations, locations, and general business growth within Connecticut, New England, and resultantly onto the national market.
The SBA celebration was supported locally by both SBA New England and SBA Connecticut, who function as the supportive infrastructure driving the mission of the US SBA on both a regional and local boots-on-the-ground, hands-on, application of policy and assistance to small businesses and their host communities.
“Join me in honoring SBA’s 70th Legacy by supporting Connecticut small businesses and recognizing their pivotal role as engines of innovation, job creation, and community prosperity. It is ‘udderly’ wonderful to honor the Farmer’s Cow Cooperative and its brand of companies, including the Farmer’s Cow Calfe & Creamery, with the U.S. SBA’s Connecticut Legacy Recognition,” said Catherine Marx, Connecticut District Director of the U.S. SBA. “You’re a perfect example of a legacy business – you’re a manufacturer, retailer, restaurateur, franchiser, producer of energy. But it’s also your unwavering commitment to sustainability and agriculture. You’re inspirational.”
Also attending in support and recognition of the Farmer’s Cow brand’s achievements and their receipt of the SBA’s award, were Congressman Joe Courtney, US Representative, CT-2; State Senator Jeff Gordon; State Representative Tim Ackert; Lisa Thomas – Council Chair, Town of Coventry; James Drumm – Town Manager, Town of Coventry; and Jim Allyn – Connecticut Department of Agriculture. The Recognition/Award Ceremony was hosted at one of the Farmer’s Cow Cooperative’s member farms, Hytone Farm in Coventry; and was followed by a celebration of farm-fresh fare and outstanding local, Connecticut-made ice cream at the Brand’s signature Farmer’s Cow Calfe & Creamery in Mansfield.
“Congratulations to the Farmer’s Cow for receiving the distinguished and well-earned 2023 Legacy Recognition Award – one of only 68 throughout the entire United Sates,” remarked Senator Gordon. “The SBA supports agriculture – and there is no better example of a successful agricultural enterprise than that exemplified by the Farmer’s Cow Cooperative – with six separate but co-joined family farms working together not only for themselves, but for the people of Connecticut and their communities.”
The member farms comprising the family-farm-based Farmer’s Cow are Cushman Farm in Franklin; Fairvue Farm in Woodstock; Fort Hill Farms in Thompson; Graywall Farm in Lebanon; Hytone Farm in Coventry; and Mapleleaf Farm in Hebron.
“We are extremely honored to have been chosen as the Connecticut-based awardee of this national SBA Legacy Recognition,” said CDO, Steve Lane, FC Development Corp. on behalf of the Farmer’s Cow brand of companies, Steve Lane. “And our commitment to our own, as well as other related farming operations, will only continue to grow – allowing us to provide needed support to our respective communities based on our farming and the preservation of our farmland and the farming way of life.”
About the U.S. Small Business Administration:
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more visit: www.sba.gov
About FC Development Corp.:
FC Development Corp. functions as a premier management and development entity for the esteemed Farmer’s Cow brand of companies, partnering with the Farmer’s Cow collective of six Connecticut-based family farms (i.e., the Farmer’s Cow Cooperative). The company leads The Farmer’s Cow Calfé & Creamery collection of restaurants and kiosks, serving local and regional communities throughout nine states, including New England, and is expanding the Brand’s business regionally and nationally.
For More Information:
Contact Steve Lane, Chief Development Officer, at lane.s@fcdevcorp.com
To learn more visit: https://thefarmerscowcalfe.com
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