Post Conference Recap Video
(Video by Darren Campbell)
Panel: "Farm to Table Trends"
(Video by Darren Campbell)
Panel: "Wine and Beer Industries"
(Video by Darren Campbell)
The third annual Ashland Innovators Conference, held on May 18th, brought focus to local farms, value added food product creators and the local beer and wine industries in southern Oregon. Industry leaders shared their perspective on current challenges, opportunities and avenues for future growth. These business owners and product manufacturers shared their stories, offering insight on the industry as a whole and inspired others who may be interested in following their pursuits as well. The Ashland Chamber would like to thank our sponsors, volunteers, panelists and participants that helped to deliver a well-organized, educational celebration of the Food and Beverage Industries.
The day kicked off with a welcome and special thank you address from Ashland Chamber Executive Director, Sandra Slattery, and event emcee Dr. Greg Jones, Director of the Division of Business, Communication and the Environment at SOU gave a broad overview of how the day would go and what audience members would learn. He also offered an economic impact and showcased impressive growth within the viticulture and agricultural realms.
The first panel, facilitated by Dr. Vincent Smith, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Environmental Studies from SOU, featured Amber Fry from Fry Family Farms, David Mostue-Nesbit of Dunbar Farms, Maud Powell of OSU Extension- Small Farms and Damon Jones, Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine/the Neuman Hotel Group. Overcoming obstacles and discovering opportunity for small farms in the valley was the theme of the panel. The connection to restaurants, whether direct or via distribution channels and a focus on infrastructure development were common comments panelists shared.
The second panel was facilitated by Katharine Cato, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Ashland Chamber and Director of the Visitor & Convention Bureau and focused on producers of value-added food and beverage products. Panelists included Deena Branson from Branson’s Chocolates, Sheila Carder from Sun Stone Artisan Bakery, Dee Fretwell with EcoTeas, Richard Fujas from Rising Sun Farms, Francis Plowman from Rogue Creamery and Jared Rennie from Noble Coffee Roasting. Conference attendees learned the background of each of these businesses, how the owners developed their passion over time and best practices they learned along the way. These proud business owners truly spoke to their values and advised fellow business owners to be confident that, in starting out, you don’t know what you don’t know. Overcoming challenges were addressed as well and panelists agreed, if you hold true to your values these challenges will become opportunities down the way.
Our final panel addressed the wine and beer industries in southern Oregon. Facilitated by Ashland Chamber Board Member, Eric Weisinger of Weisinger Family Winery, this panel consisted of Michael Moore from Quail Run Vineyards, Ruth Garvin from Cliff Creek Cellars, Ray Cato from Caldera Brewing Company and Brandon Overstreet from Swing Tree Brewing Company. Both the wine and beer industries are experiencing expansive growth in the southern Oregon region. From a winery perspective, the region is challenging to define as the climate offers southern Oregon the ability to grow a variety of grapes, above and beyond the capacity of other regions. For example, Northern Oregon is known for its Pinot Noir. Southern Oregon, on the other hand, is diverse and known for quality wine overall but not a singular varietal. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Viognier and Malbec are some local standouts. From a beer and brewery perspective, beers in Oregon, are getting better, faster and stronger than other parts of the country due to collaborative efforts between breweries.
The informative afternoon ended with a networking reception, giving panelists and attendees the opportunity to connect with one another and continue and develop opportunities for collaboration.
For more information about the conference speakers and bios, click here
Growing Ashland's Food & Beverage Industry
(Video by Darren Campbell)
Click Here for more information on Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Click Here for more information on Food Service and Drinking Places