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Local Food Connection

COMING SOON – 2013 Local Food Connection date!

…I was thoroughly pleased with the networking available for my business.”~2011 attendee, Jenn Verdries, First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op

Growing and expanding in its sixth year, the Local Food Connection connects local farmers, ranchers and fishermen with area food buyers (chefs, grocery stores, restaurants, and distributors), creating business opportunities that support and sustain our local food supply system.

Food producers network with area buyers, making new contacts, strengthening relationships with current clients, and enhancing overall revenue potential.

: Karla Chambers

Food buyers research a large variety of producers and delicious local products in one location, finding those relationships that serve their customers’ needs best. Buyers stay on top of local trends and changes in food suppliers/products in the region.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: We are lucky to have Karla Chambers as our 2012 Keynote! She is Vice President and co-owner of Stahlbush Island Farms, and is uniquely qualified to present this year’s address. Her experience building and managing a large farm and processing facility in the Willamette Valley is paired with her strong background in financial management. Karla sits on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and will speak to this year’s LFC theme: LOCAL FOOD=ECONOMIC SECURITY; Learn more about Karla Chambers: Biography

Thank you to our FOUNDING Sponsors for continued support…

In great appreciation to our GOLD SPONSOR!

Hosted by

registration

The Local Food Connection is a great way for farmers such as myself to meet the end users of our products, and form new connections… ~2011 attendee, farmer

2013 Local Food Connection DATE is coming soon!

Questions? Contact the LFC Event Coordinators:

Jared Pruch: localfood@cascadepacific.org
Willow Cordain: 541.821.1332, localfoodcx@gmail.com

Presented by…

event

I had a blast talking with so many local food producers!… ~2011 attendee, Grocery store retailer

Date: Monday, February 6, 2012
Time: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Lane Community College, Center for Meeting and Learning, Eugene Oregon
Tickets: $25 (limited number of scholarships available). Online registration ends Thursday 9:00am, February 2nd. Purchase tickets at the door after that date.
Display Tables (trade-show booth): $50

Who Attends

Farmers, Fishermen, Ranchers, Grocery Store Managers, Restaurant Owners
Chefs, Food Distributors, Food Processors, Wineries/Brewers, & Food Advocacy Groups

Food Producers

More than ever our focus is on attendance of volume food buyers that drive our local economy. Attend and connect!
• Make new contacts
• Strengthen your relationships with current clients
• Enhance your overall revenue potential

Food buyers

Stay on top of local trends and changes in food suppliers & products in your region.
• Research large varieties of producers and delicious local products in one location
• Find the producers who can best serve your business and customers’ needs

Questions? Contact the LFC Event Coordinators:

Jared Pruch: localfood@cascadepacific.org
Willow Cordain: 541.821.1332, localfoodcx@gmail.com

Presented by…

agenda

The ‘Buying & Selling to Restaurants’ and ‘Buying & Selling to Grocery Stores’ Workshops were well worth attending! ~2011 attendee, Karen Black, Norton Creek Farm

Monday, February 6, 2012

7:30 am // Registration begins (local food continental breakfast provided)
8:30 am // Welcoming Remarks
8:40 am // Keynote: Karla Chambers, Vice President and Owner of Stahlbush Island Farms; Board of Directors, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
9:30 am // Networking Session

11:00 am // Morning Workshops:
-Successfully Selling to Grocery Stores
-Food as Economic Development
-Selling to Institutions: Challenges & Opportunities
-Farm Stay U.S.: Growing Farm Stay Agritourism
-Processing Opportunities for Growers & Value-added Products for Buyers

12:30 pm // Lunch & Tradeshow

2:00 pm // Afternoon Workshops:
-B2B Long-Term Partnerships to Success
-Agritourism Opportunities: Zoning Issues
-Grants & Resources for Farmers
-Successfully Selling to Restaurants
-Community Food-Hubs
-Partnering with Distributors

3:30 pm // Closing Comments

Questions? Contact the LFC Event Coordinators:

Jared Pruch: 541.359.8987, localfood@cascadepacific.org
Willow Cordain: 541.821.1332, localfoodcx@gmail.com

workshops

…The workshop topics were all interesting. I wish I could have cloned myself to attend more than one at a time! … ~2011 attendee

2012 Workshops

SUCCESSFULLY SELLING TO GROCERY STORES

Description: What does it take to create a sustained and successful relationship between a grocery store and the producers they buy from? Learn from key grocery store contacts on simple steps that have created successful and long-term partnerships. Store managers and buyers will discuss their expectations, needs and opportunities for sellers. Also learn from sellers on what has worked best for them in gaining access to stores shelves.
Speakers: Denise Breyley, Pacific Northwest Local Forager, Whole Foods; Rex Snellstrom, Store Manager, Capella’s Market; Zacharian Swan, Owner, Eugene Handbuilt; Andrea Pierce, Produce Specialist, Sundance Natural Foods.
Moderator: Evelyn Hall, North Store Manager, First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op
SPONSOR: First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op

FOOD AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Description: As a food producer or buyer, you know local food isn’t just a “foodies” fad. But do our local governments and Chamber of Commerce know this? A resounding yes, is the answer! Eugene area Chamber of Commerce has gotten into the act with recent research they commissioned. The report shows one of the best ways to increase our local economic growth is to support and invest in the food-sector. This isn’t just a report, but is the basis for specific action plans being developed by Lane County, Eugene City governments, and other local economic organizations. Attend and learn what this means for your food business and what resources will be coming available!
Speakers: Sarah Mizejewski, Economic Development Specialist, Lane County Community and Economic Development; Mike Sullivan, Manager of Community Development Division, City of Eugene; Ben Sappington, Director of Regional Prosperity, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce; Robin Onaclea Scott, Business Services Coordinator, Lane Workforce Partnership.
Moderator: Dan Armstrong, Author, Mud City Press
SPONSOR: Mountain Rose Herbs

SELLING TO INSTITUTIONS: Challenges and Opportunities

Description: What are the challenges that institutions face when buying local foods? How do both producers and institutions overcome those challenges so that successful partnership can ensue? Attend and learn from a variety of different types of institutions. And learn about updates on local farm to school programs and hear about helpful information FoodHub has complied on selling to institutions.
Speakers: Sarah McCune, Education Coordinator, Corvallis Environmental Center; Sharon Gibson, Food Services Manager Corvallis School District, Corvallis School District; Stacey Black, Meal Program Co-coordinator, Village School; Megan Foucht, FoodHub Marketing Coordinator, FoodHub; Megan Kemple, Farm to School Program Director, Willamette Farm & Food Coalition
Moderator: Brian Kelly, Division Dean, Conference and Culinary Services, Lane Community College
SPONSOR: Hummingbird Wholesale

FARM STAY U.S.: Growing Agritourism

Description: Join us as we talk about the rising popularity of farm and ranch stays in the U.S., demonstrate our new website Farm Stay U.S., and discuss the ins and outs of adding lodging to a farming operation. Have you thought about hosting overnight visitors on your farm for added income? Working farms and ranches all around the U.S. are opening their doors to overnight guests, offering a range of off-the-beaten-path accommodations from B&B’s in family farmhouses to cabin rentals and yurts. Farm stays have long been a popular vacation choice in Europe and New Zealand; now Farm Stay U.S. is working to grow farm stays in this country as well. We’ll talk about what a farm stay is and why farm stays are good for farmers and guests both. We’ll also tell you about our efforts to spread the word via our new, dynamic, highly searchable website that lists over 950 farm stays (27 of them in Oregon), and how we hope to help farmers determine if this type of venture is a good fit for their operations.
Speakers: Scottie Jones, Owner, Leaping Lamb Farm; Christina Sommers, Owner, Deer Haven Farm; Suzanne Willow, Owner, Willow Witt Ranch
SPONSOR: Sequential Biofuels

PROCESSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWERS AND VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS FOR BUYERS

Description: Value-added products are a hot topic as they can increase revenue potential for a food business or farm. Are you curious about this option and what it takes to get a product from farm, to processor, to grocery store shelf? Or perhaps you are a buyer and want to learn about new local products that will enhance your customer’s satisfaction? We are lucky to have two unique local processors in our area that will answer those questions and more. They will discuss their processing operations, current products, labeling issues, insurance issues, successful partnership development, and how best to sell value-added products in this market.

Also, a NEW map recently researched by an intern with Willamette Farm and Food Coalition showcases the food processors in the valley that either source from Oregon farms or provide the service of processing and turn the value-added product back to the farmer to sell. Map Sponsor: SnoTemp Cold Storage & City of Eugene
Speakers: Paul Fuller, Owner, Sweet Creek Foods; Tom Hunton, Owner, Camas Country Mill
Moderator: Lynne Fessenden, Executive Director, Willamette Farm & Food Coalition
SPONSOR: Springfield Creamery

B2B LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS TO SUCCESS!

Are cost cutting measures that move away from local purchasing the best policy when it comes to creating a competitive and long-lasting food business? Attend and find out how some of the most successful businesses in our area have bucked that trend. Learn how they created long-term loyal collaborations with other local businesses that not only sustained them in good times but in challenging economic times as well. What steps can you learn from these very successful, stable, and lasting business owners? Attend and find out!
Speakers: Jock Gibson, President and Owner, Lochmead Farms & John Tucker, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Technology, Turtle Mountain; Alan Turanski, Vice President, GloryBee Foods and Sue Kesey, Co-founder and Co-owner, Springfield Creamery.
Moderator: Lynne Fessenden, Executive Director, Willamette Farm & Food Coalition
SPONSOR: Oregon’s Lochmead Farms

AGRITOURISM AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Zoning Issues

Description:Agritourism in Oregon is a growing trend on farms, ranches and wineries – ‘farm to fork’ meals, wedding and event rentals, U-pick operations, farm stays and tours are just a few of the options. Agritourism helps diversify revenue streams and can be a useful tool in promoting your business, but becoming familiar with local regulations is an important first step. Our panel will share stories of caution and success, and answer specific questions about zoning regulations.
Speakers: Jim Johnson, Land Use Specialist, Oregon Department of Agriculture; Jerry Kendall, Associate, Lane County Land Management Division; Ed Moore, Regional Representative, Department of Land Conservation & Development; Mia Nelson, Willamette Valley Advocate, 1000 Friends of Oregon
Moderator: Will Tucker, Linn County Commissioner

GRANTS & RESOURCES FOR FARMERS

Description: There are a wide variety of grant and cost-sharing programs available to producers, to support everything from farm energy efficiency improvements, high tunnels, ‘specialty crop’ programs and organic certification. Our panel represents state and federal agencies as well as nonprofits, and features a success story from a local farm. You will also be updated on the latest news about the Farm Bill and its impacts on resource allocation.
Speakers: Laura Barton, Trade Development Manager & Kate Pearmine, Specialty Crop Grant Program Coordinator, Oregon Department of Agriculture; Kim Leval, Executive Director, Northwest Center for Alternative to Pesticides; Tom Burnham, District Conservationist, National Resource Conservation Service; John Deck, Owner, Deck Family Farm.
Moderator: Karl Morgenstern, Drinking Water Source Protection Coordinator, Eugene Water & Electric Board
SPONSOR: McKenzie River Trust

SUCCESSFULLY SELLING TO RESTAURANTS

Description: What does it take to create a sustained and successful relationship between local restaurants, catering businesses, and the producers they buy from? Hear from four iconic and very prosperous local restaurant and catering business owners. Attend and learn what their needs and expectations are and how they have formed highly effective working relationships with local producers.
Speakers: – Heidi Tunnell, Owner, Heidi Tunnell Catering: Ibrahim Hamide, Owner – Café Zenon, Casablanca, Café Soriah; Mark Beachamp, Co-founder and President, Cafe Yumm!; Ari Gold, Co-owner, Humble Beagle.
Moderator: Melissa Williams, Chef, Eugene City Bakery
SPONSOR: Café Yumm!

COMMUNITY FOOD-HUBS

Description: Community food centers (or ‘food hubs’) are facilities where food systems including farmers markets, business incubator programs, commercial kitchens, and community gardens are intentionally co-located. Our panelists from the southern and mid-valley will share stories of the process of planning and/or establishing their food centers, including how their programs can serve local producers and buyers.
Speakers: Sarai Johnson, Program and Resource Development Director, Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO); Rebecka Weinsteiger, Project Coordinator, Corvallis Food Center; Ron Detwiler, Operations Manager, FOOD for Lane County; Deb McGeorge, Food Resource Manager, FOOD for Lane County
Moderator: Neil Obringer, Community Economic Coordinator, Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO)
SPONSOR: Ninkasi Brewing Company

PARTNERING WITH DISTRIBUTORS

Description: How can producers develop successful partnerships with local and regional distributors? Our panel of distributors will share real life examples of how these partnerships work, and what you, as a producer, need to know to set yourself up for success.
Speakers: James Henderson, Farm Liaison/Grain & Bean Buyer, Hummingbird Wholesale; Brian Keogh, Buyer, Organically Grown Company; Rod Herbert, Owner, Emerald Fruit & Produce; Ben Bocci, Produce Specialist, & Pamela Lewis, Marketing Programs and Events Manager, Food Services of America
Moderator: Megan Kemple, Farm to School Program Director, Willamette Farm & Food Coalition
SPONSOR: Organically Grown Company

faqs

A wonderful resource. Learning first-hand from others’ successes and mistakes was invaluable. ~2011 attendee

Who do I contact if I have any questions about the conference?

Please contact the event coordinators:

Jared Pruch at 541.359.8987, localfood@cascadepacific.org
Willow Cordain at 541.821.1332 localfoodcx@gmail.com

If you need further assistance, please contact Cascade Pacific RC&D at 541.967.5925.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets: $25.00; Online registration ends Thursday at 9:00am, February 2nd - purchase tickets at the door after that date. A limited number of scholarship tickets available, contact an event coordinator for more information.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer ticket refunds one week prior to the event.

Where is the event?

We are very lucky to have the generous support of The Center for Meeting & Learning at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon.
4000 East 30th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97405
(541) 463-3500
center@lanecc.edu
www.lanecc.edu/center

How will I identify the people I want to make connections with at the conference?

All attendees have highly visible color-coded name tags.

Buyers=Red
Producers (farmers, ranchers, fishermen, distributors/processors)=Green
Support Groups=White

Your registration packet includes an attendee list of all businesses with contact information. Register early to make sure your contact information is included!!

VENDOR TABLE INFORMATION

Cost: $50.00 – includes one ticket for lunch. Please purchase a $25.00 ticket if attending any Workshops. Limited number of tables, register early!! No scholarships available for vendor tables.

Trade-show time: Networking session + break (9am-11am); Luncheon (12:15pm-2:00pm).

Starting in 2012 display tables will be pre-assigned.

Vendors tables are 6 feet by 3 feet and are supplied with a table-cloth/skirt and access to wifi/power. When registering, indicate if you will need power. Posters/banners not allowed to be hung on walls behind tables.

Set-up arrival time, 7:00 am. Please arrive on time as attendee registration is 7:30 am!

Beer and Wine Vendors: LCC provides space for refrigeration and requests you use their stem-ware for samples (unless you can provide compostable glasses).

Can my business become a sponsor?

Yes. For more information about how the Local Food Connection sponsorship program can showcase your business, please contact an event coordinator.

Can I make workshop suggestions for next year?

Yes. Are you are farmer, rancher, fishermen, or food business? We would love to hear your ideas; this event is about you and for you! The planning committee determines the workshop subjects early – by October 2011. Please contact an event coordinators before that date for consideration.

I’m interested in donating food for the breakfast and/or luncheon…

All food is donated by local producers. It’s a wonderful part of the event that everyone greatly enjoys, allowing producers to showcase their products. LCC’s culinary program directs preparation of food. When registering online, indicate you want to donate and we will contact you.

How much should I bring? Whatever your business is comfortable with giving. Past donations have been diverse – anything from two loaves of bread to 2 dozen eggs, to a cheesecake, to duck stock, to 1 leg of lamb, to 10 lbs of fish, to 20 lbs of flour, to 60 lbs of frozen fruit.

What products are best? Whatever your farm, ranch, or food business produces. In general, we receive products that will be cooked by LCC’s chefs and students, but we also receive and certainly welcome prepared food products.

Are similarly donated products kept separate? Yes. As an example, if two farmers donate blackberries, those berries will be separated into different dishes allowing your farm/product to be highlighted.

Does donating help promote my business? Yes. Dishes on the buffet line have signs with the donating business name next to them. Buyers will have a chance to taste your delicious food!

Businesses that donate will be acknowledged on the Agenda Insert in all registration packets given to attendees.

Where and when do I donate food for the luncheon?

When: LCC’s Center for Meeting and Learning Banquest staff requests that all donations be delivered no later than Feb. 2nd, the Thursday before the day of the event - or earlier in the week if possible. If this is not possible or you have other questions on donations, contact Kacie Blakeslee, LFC Student Coordinator, 530-966-8363 for assistance.

Where: Please deliver items to LCC’s Center for Meeting and Learning kitchen. See link for directions: LCC’s Center for Meeting & Learning. The kitchen often closes by late afternoon. Please call ahead to let them know when you will be arriving. Ask for Tim Hill, Executive Banquet Chef: 541-463-3520. If Tim is unavailable or for further questions please contact Julie Fether, Special Projects Coordinator, 541-463-3518 or Kacie Blakeslee, LFC Student Coordinator at 530-966-8363.

What if I can’t deliver my products? We may be able to pick up and deliver for you. Very rarely, some products can be brought in on the morning of the event. Please contact Kacie for more details.

testimonials

“This was my first Local Food Connection Conference and I was thoroughly pleased with the networking available for my business.” ~Jenn Verdries, Food Buyer, First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op.

What a fabulous day. The networking was wonderful. The workshop topics were all interesting. I wish I could have cloned myself to attend more than one at a time! I am already looking forward to the 2012 Local Food Connection. I am very proud to be a part of such a great community offering! ~2011 attendee

I had a blast talking with so many local food producers; we are extremely lucky to live in a valley that can produce the kinds of delicious fairs we got to sample at lunch! ~2011 Grocery store retailer

“The Buying & Selling to Restaurants and Buying & Selling to Grocery Stores Workshops were well worth attending.” ~2011 attendee, Karen Black, Farmer, Norton Creek Farm

“…I chose two topics (beans/grains & climate change) that have given me fodder to better direct my plans for crop choices and land search locations.” ~Marie Louka, Farmer, Madrugada Farm

The Local Food Connection is a great way for farmers such as myself to meet the end users of our products, and form new connections. I always learn something new at the workshops and look forward to greeting the attendees who visit my booth and try my products. ~2011 attendee, farmer

I had a good experience talking with a variety of people who were there for different reasons. It was nice to have other people to bounce things off of. ~2011 attendee

To have ranches, buyers, sellers, institutions and policy makers all in the same room discussing topics that are relevant and matter is a huge accomplishment in working towards our goal of a local food economy. ~2011 attendee, farmer and educator

A wonderful resource. Learning first-hand from others’ successes and mistakes was invaluable. ~2011 attendee

This event was very powerful for our non-profit organization and for my professional growth. The people that I met, the regional projects I learned about, and the new understanding that I left with was fundamental for my growth as a local foods advocate. ~2011 attendee