Where Does $100 to the National Milk Producers Federation Go?
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is a farm commodity policy organization representing most (but not all) dairy marketing cooperatives in the United States. A 501 (c) (6), – that also has a political action committee or PAC to host and participate in fundraising activities for political candidates – NMPF’s membership dues are tax deductible because they qualify as ordinary and necessary trade or business expenses. Their non-profit status simply means their earnings are exempt from federal income tax (with the exception of any funds used for lobbying or political activities, which is why they have a PAC) because they do not benefit any private shareholder or individual. Read more 
Executive Compensation at the National Milk Producers Federation
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is a farm commodity policy organization representing most (but not all) dairy marketing cooperatives in the United States. A 501 (c) (6), – that also has a political action committee or PAC to host and participate in fundraising activities for political candidates – NMPF’s membership dues are tax deductible because they qualify as ordinary and necessary trade or business expenses. Their non-profit status simply means their earnings are exempt from federal income tax (with the exception of any funds used for lobbying or political activities, which is why they have a PAC) because they do not benefit any private shareholder or individual.
NMPF has three types of membership: cooperative, associate, and affiliate. Only cooperative members have voting rights. Read more
Summer Corn Salad
Fresh Summer Corn Salad is an easy and delicious summer side dish made with 4 ingredients: fresh corn, tomatoes, parsley, and spices (preferably pink peppercorns, salt and pepper). But, the quality of the salad greatly depends on the quality of the ingredients: fresh corn, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh flat leaf parsley.
Fresh corn on the cob is abundant in August so finding good quality corn shouldn’t be a problem. Look for bright green moist husks. Read more
Executive Compensation at HealthPartners
HealthPartners, Inc. was founded in 1957 as a health insurance cooperative and has grown and expanded to be one of the largest consumer-governed non-profit health care organizations (HMO) in the country with approximately 26,000 employees. The organization has 1.8 million health plan members in six states who receive care through eight hospitals, 55 primary care clinics and 22 urgent care sites.
The organization consists of dozens of affiliated and related non-profits with HealthPartners, Inc. (HPI) – a 501 (c) 4, Group Health Plan, Inc. (GHPI) – a 501 (c) 3, and Park Nicollet Health Services (PNHS) – a 501 (c) 3) the three primary organizations that report executive compensation. However, it is important to note that HPI reports having no employees and that all officers, directors, and key employees are are paid by GHPI although the return also states that all officers of HPI are employed and compensated by GHPI and PNHS. Because these organizations are related and affiliated with each other, the most highly compensated employees are listed on HPI’s Form 990. Therefore, the list of most highly compensation employees will include all those listed. Read more
Lark Ellen Farms Granola
Lark Ellen Farms is leading the pack in redefining what granola is and can be. Instead of oats as a base, this California-based company uses organically grown and certified nuts and seeds and takes them through a process of sprouting (a soaking process) to help make the nutrients more easily absorbable when consumed. The sprouted nuts and seeds are mixed with other organic ingredients and then air dried at a low temperature to help keep the nutrient content intact.
Lark Ellen Farms makes 6 different varieties of granola (although 5 of the flavors are called “granola bites” and one flavor is called a “cereal” with the differentiation made based on the size of the finished product in the bag. The bites are larger but easily crumble while the cereal contains smaller, looser pieces). Read more
Vegan Dining Options in Asheville, NC (Part 8)
Just when I think I have the vegan dining options figured out in Asheville, more pop up. Most of the plant-based dining options in Asheville are at non-vegan restaurants which says a lot about the culture in western North Carolina. Even if menus don’t list a vegan option, most restaurants accommodate plant-based eaters by eliminating the animal products or making an off menu dish. With that in mind, the following restaurants in Asheville offer some great plant-based options for vegans. Read more
Vegan Dining Options in Asheville, NC (Part 7)
Asheville’s vibrant restaurant scene is often compared to Portland, Oregon’s (often referred to its sister city) but its not because both cities have numerous vegan restaurants. Instead both cities are known for being incredibly tolerant and accommodating to diners preferences. Plant-based options are available at most restaurants even when the menu doesn’t list a vegan option.
There are many fine, casual, southern, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Thai, Chinese, and Indian restaurants in Asheville. Here’s just a few that offer some great vegan dining options: Read more
Executive Compensation at Hackensack Meridian Health
Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is New Jersey’s largest non-profit healthcare network with 17 hospitals, 500 patient care locations, and 34,000 employees. Based in Neptune, New Jersey, HMH is made up of numerous affiliated and related non-profits but this post will address the non-profit referred to as Hackensack Meridian Health – Subordinates (HMHS) since this entity compensates most of the senior management team whether compensated from HMHS or an affiliated organization. Read more
Nana Joes Granola Bars
Looking for a granola bar that is vegan, gluten-free and made with organic ingredients? How about a granola bar that tastes crunchy, delicious, and satisfying? Then Nana Joes Granola Bars are the bomb. Handmade in San Francisco, Nana Joes Granola Bars come in four flavors, three of which have a base of oats and maple syrup and one with a base of unsweetened coconut chips and maple syrup: Read more
Executive Compensation at the Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic was founded nearly 100 years ago as a single hospital in Ohio but has grown to include the flagship hospital on a 170 acre campus in Cleveland, 10 regional hospitals, more than 150 outpatient clinics, and 19 family health centers in Ohio. In addition, the Cleveland Clinic includes an academic medical center in Weston, Florida, a hospital in Nevada, offices across the United States, a hospital in Abi Dubai, and a sports medicine clinic in Toronto – all part of the 273 Cleveland Clinic locations across the world.
Often recognized as one of the best health care providers and one of the top hospitals (in Cleveland) in the country and the world, the Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit organization that generated $8.9 billion in revenue, had expenses of $8.5 billion (including $467 million in depreciation), leaving about $400 million to be added to the net assets or fund balance in 2016 (which increased from $7.2 billion at the beginning of the year to $8.2 billion because the organization had about $100 million in unrealized gains on investments and $500 million in other changes in assets (see Schedule O of the Form 990). Read more
Paddock Post 