Viroqua Food Co-op Welcomes General Manager, Joe Riemann

The Viroqua Food Co-op Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Joe Riemann as the new General Manager. Joe brings more than two decades of experience in natural foods, cooperative retail, and organizational leadership to VFC.

Joe's career in food co-ops began at The Wedge Community Co-op in Minneapolis and has included leadership roles focused on operations, financial performance, staff development, and strengthening cooperative organizations. Most recently, he served as Accounting Manager for Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op in Northern California.

The Board of Directors selected Joe following a comprehensive search process, citing his deep cooperative experience, commitment to community-based food systems, and alignment with the co-op's mission and values.

"Joe brings a strong combination of cooperative leadership experience and a genuine understanding of what makes food co-ops vital community institutions," said Elizabeth Tigan, President of the Viroqua Food Co-op Board of Directors. "We are excited to welcome him to the co-op and look forward to working together to build on the strong foundation that has made the Viroqua Food Co-op a cornerstone of our community."

Joe's connection to Viroqua and the Driftless Region spans decades. While working at The Wedge Community Co-op, he traveled to Viroqua for the inaugural meeting of the Domestic Fair-Trade Association at Organic Valley. Over the years, he has continued to visit the area, building relationships with local farmers and producers and developing a deep appreciation for the region's unique network of farms, cooperatives, and community-based food businesses.

"Throughout my career, I've believed that food co-ops can be both strong businesses and meaningful community institutions," said Joe Riemann. "They have an important role in supporting local food systems, creating good jobs, and keeping ownership and decision-making rooted in the communities they serve. I'm honored to join the Viroqua Food Co-op and excited to get to know its staff, member-owners, and customers while reconnecting with the local producers who help make this region so special."

Originally from the Midwest, Joe is enthusiastic about returning to the region and helping guide the Co-op into its next chapter. He will officially take the reins on October 19th as Jan Rasikas, the co-op’s General Manager for the past 27 years, retires.