Speaker

Michael Kanter co-founded Cambridge Naturals in 1974 with his wife, Elizabeth Stagl, when they were just 23 years old. The original vision, then and now, was of a thriving, unique, ethical and independent natural foods store. Now some 42 years later, Cambridge Naturals has evolved into a vibrant natural products retail business with a focus on nutritional supplements for health and wellness, clean body care products and curated selection of organic foods. As Chief Visionary Officer, Michael has driven Cambridge Naturals' commitment to sourcing products locally, organically, and ethically via fair trade and direct trade channels, and to donating a portion of profits to social and environmental organizations that impact the local community. Michael is involved in several related causes, including Business For a Fair Minimum Wage (a national campaign to raise the minimum wage) and is a founding member of Cambridge Local First a network of almost 400 locally owned and independent businesses. Cambridge Naturals is now co-owned by Michael and Elizabeth's daughter Emily along with her husband, Caleb Dean. They are actively working on plans to grow the business for the next several decades. Cambridge Naturals is a member of INFRA, the Independent Natural Foods Retailers Association, and Michael was recently elected to the board of directors. Cambridge Naturals was named INFRA's store of the year for 2016!