In 1996, Jacob van der Schaff wondered aloud why the small potatoes he enjoyed so much while growing up in Holland weren’t available here. So he and his daughter Angela Santiago, now the company CEO, decided to grow a small one-acre patch of potatoes just outside of Edmonton. The response from restaurants and retailers was very positive, and from this small start, LPC has grown to over $15 million in annual sales. Now with a 30,000 square foot facility in northwest Edmonton, the potatoes are washed, graded, packed, and distributed to retail and food service customers across Canada. More information about the company can be found at www.littlepotatoes.com.

Our host for the tour will be Jim Matthews, the company’s Director of Operations. Prior to joining LPC a year and a half ago, he spent 22 years with Sears, in roles ranging from floor sales to store manager. He also spent a year as a store manager for the Home Depot. He’ll tell us a bit about the company, lead us through the various processes used in the plant, and show how lean manufacturing is being applied to help manage the company’s rapid growth.

* * * IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION * * *

Note that space is limited, as our hosts can only accommodate 25 visitors. Registration must be made on-line at http://maillists.bijouenhancements.com/sme/, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open to SME members only until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 6th. After that time, if space is still available, non-members may register. The deadline for registration is 4:00 p.m., Monday, May 11th. Late registrations will not be accepted. Everyone using the on-line registration will receive confirmation by e-mail whether or not they are on the guest list.