Eugene’s Table has merged with Willamette Valley Grown & Crafted!
Autumn is a term not frequently used by Oregon residents; we prefer to say Fall, perhaps because of the abundance of apples, pears and persimmons falling from orchard trees, or the beautiful shocks of jewel-toned leaves that fall dramatically from deciduous trees through the season. I like to think it’s because we fall into cozy habits, such as reading a book with a cup of Mountain Rose Herbs Firefly Chai or huddling with friends at Oakshire between outdoor patio heaters while enjoying a pint of Ill Tempered Gnome. Whatever your take on the word, I hope that Fall represents for you all a time of appreciating what we have built – together - in this community and a passion for our locally grown and crafted foods.
Speaking of grown and crafted... I have exciting news!
Eugene’s Table has merged with Willamette Valley Grown & Crafted!
What does this mean?
Eugene’s Table Advisory Board is now the official Board of Directors of Willamette Valley Grown & Crafted:
Darcey Howard, President
Justin Freeman, Vice President
Marty Parisian, Treasurer
Jude Anderson, Secretary
Seth Revoal, Director
Sat Bir Khalsa, Director
Sheryl Kesey-Thompson, Director
Sheri Cole, Director
Paula Lafferty, Director
Nathan Lillegard, Director
We now have Non-Profit 501(c)(6) organizational structure, Bylaws and are incorporated with the Articles of the original Willamette Valley Sustainable Foods Alliance
I am now the Executive Director and sole employee of Willamette Valley Grown & Crafted
Broadened regional scope of work and membership
Eugene’s Table will continue to exist as a dba of WVGC
WVGC can expand membership to other communities such as Salem and Corvallis
Opportunity to advocate or lobby for issues that are important to our community
Continuation of the legacy of Willamette Valley Sustainable Food Alliance, Willamette Valley Grown & Crafted, and the many individuals and businesses that have believed in and supported sustainable, community-based food systems in the Willamette Valley
Member businesses will continue to have access to benefits across the organization, as well as becoming voting members for future Board elections
Businesses will now pay fees to and become members of WVGC
This opportunity perfectly merges the legacy created by WVSFA and WVGC and the strategic intentions of Eugene’s Table to continue uniting the food and beverage manufacturing community in the greater Eugene, Oregon area, and now beyond, to solidify our region as a hub for world-class companies. We will continue to lead collaborative development projects, promote our products and values, and create opportunities to share knowledge and resources.
Please note that I will be working with the Board to adapt our Bylaws, Mission, Values and Purpose statements to best align with current member and community goals. If you want to provide input, or would like a copy of the current Bylaws, please reach out to me directly at kim@eugenestable.org.
I will continue to keep you informed of our evolution, growth and diversification and ask that you continue to participate as members, partners and advocates for a vibrant and sustainable food system for our region.
The updated annual membership fees, benefits and additional sponsor information will be sent out next week so be on the lookout for those communications.
Have questions or comments? I want to hear from you! Please send your news, updates and comments to kim@eugenestable.org.
Abundantly grateful,
Kim Gibson Clark
Executive Director
Willamette Valley Grown & Crafted
Eugene’s Table