A One-Day Growth Summit for Natural Product Brands

Tuesday • October 14th, 2025

12:00pm - 5:00pm @ Unitarian Universalist

61980 Skyline Ranch Road • Bend, OR

Build a better CPG business—without the guesswork. Join Central Oregon’s most ambitious founders for a high-impact day of strategy, networking, and real answers to your toughest growth challenges

WHAT TO EXPECT

• KEYNOTE SPEAKER
  A battle-tested CPG founder shares how to grow in uncertain times—what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.

• PITCH SLAM
  Watch local brands pitch to industry pros. Learn what gets attention and tips on growing your own brand.

• COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE
  Sample, taste, and purchase a wide assortment of local natural products from Cultivate Bend members.

• HAPPY HOUR
  Close out the day with an unmissable opportunity to network, inspire collaboration, and cultivate growth in Central Oregon’s thriving natural products community!

Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour

First Tuesday of Every Month!

OCTOBER 7TH HAPPY HOUR

No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!

$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!

Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project

HOW IT WORKS
4 x 30 minute sessions are available by reservation between 2:15-5:30pm at Crux Fermentation. This opportunity is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so sign up quickly!*

SAMPLE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• In what ways can I strengthen my brand’s community and deepen consumer engagement?

• What are some practical ways I can motivate my target market’s behavior?

• How can AI accelerate product innovation, consumer research, or go-to-market within the CPG space?

• How can AI help increase my business’ health by lowering long-term costs, in a field with tight margins? 

• In what ways does materialism and consumer identity shape loyalty to my products?

• How does consumer psychology concepts like brand value, cosmopolitanism, or ethnocentrism influence purchase decisions in CPG?
  

  *Please note that these office hours are available to Cultivate Bend Members only. Learn more about memberships here.

Meet James

Consumer Psychologist & Entrepreneur

James Kelley, Ph.D., is a researcher and entrepreneur with deep expertise in consumer psychology. His work explores how brand communities, perceived brand value, and concepts like materialism, cosmopolitanism, and consumer ethnocentrism shape consumer engagement and identity. A two-time founder, James now helps organizations harness AI to accelerate growth, drawing on his background in brand research and self-determination theory. Today, he blends academic insight with entrepreneurial practice to guide leaders in building stronger, more resilient connections with their customers through the use of A.I.

EDCO’s Central Oregon PubTalk is a happy hour aimed at bringing together different facets of the business community in one place to network, share ideas and further local businesses.

4:30 pm Networking | 5:30 pm Program

Program Agenda:

This high-energy entrepreneurial event showcases the Bend Venture Conference (BVC) Early Stage semifinalists as they deliver fast-paced, three-minute pitches to a live crowd. The audience, along with an expert panel of judges, will vote to decide which companies advance to present at the Tower Theatre for the 22nd annual Bend Venture Conference (BVC) on October 16-17, 2025.

Join us for a high-energy event at Worthy Brewing's outdoor stage, and cast your vote to help a local Oregon startup win a $3,000 cash prize!

Agenda:

10 Semi-Finalists will be announced on September 8th.

Enjoy relaxed networking in a cozy environment with beverages, appetizers, activities and a raffle.

Cultivate Bend will be highlighted along with a few of our members and their brands!

$15 Bend Chamber Members | $25 Non-Chamber Members | FREE for Passport Holders.

Online registration closes at 12pm on September 9th.

You may cancel your ticket for a full refund, up to 48 hours before the date and time of the event. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will not receive a refund. When you register for an event, you agree to these terms.

Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour

First Tuesday of Every Month!

SEPTEMBER 2ND HAPPY HOUR

No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!

$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!

Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project

HOW IT WORKS
4 x 30 minute sessions are available by reservation between 2:15-5:30pm at Crux Fermentation. This opportunity is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so sign up quickly!*

SAMPLE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Why am I making money but not seeing it in the bank?

• What should my margins be in CPG?

• How do I price profitably without scaring off buyers?

• How do I clean up financials to prep for investment or exit?
  

  *Please note that these office hours are available to Cultivate Bend Members only. Learn more about memberships here.

Meet Amanda Bedell

Founder and Business Profit Strategist at BCC Business Consulting
Cultivate Bend Board Member

Amanda Bedell is a visionary entrepreneur and self-proclaimed “Business Chaos Sorter” committed to empowering small business owners. Drawing from her firsthand experience building and scaling a successful bakery business, she understands the challenges CPG and service-based businesses face as they grow. Amanda helps founders fix profit leaks and build financially sound companies— fast. She has a proven track record of helping companies generate $150,000 or more in revenue in just 90 days, with the ultimate goal of transforming the world through the success of small businesses.

Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour

First Tuesday of Every Month!

AUGUST 5TH HAPPY HOUR

No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!

$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!

Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project

Connect W’s Cocktail Connections

Date: Thur, July 31st

Time: 5:00-6:30pm

Location: Keller Williams Realty

Hosted by Brandie Foster of Keller Williams, join Connect W to mix, mingle, and unwind with a dynamic group of women.

Bend Emerging Talent’s Monthly Social

Date: Tue, July 15th

Time: 5:00-7:00pm

Location: The Barrel Room at UPP Liquids

Mingle, connect and learn at this engaging event. Join Bend ET as they highlight the work and mission of Rimrock Trails!

Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour

First Tuesday of Every Month!

JULY 1ST HAPPY HOUR

No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!

$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!

Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project

Our most fun party of the season is filled with real conversations with people who are actually building big brands in Bend. No panels, no pressure, just a chance to meet the incredible people who make this community what it is.

It’s connection, celebration, and community-building — all in the sunshine at Alpenglow Park.

Early Bird Pricing Until June 10th

Grab your ticket early and save a few bucks — because thoughtful planners deserve the win.

• $10 Members / $15 Non-Members (through June 9th)

• $15 Members / $20 Non-Members (starting June 10th)

• *Kids under 18? Free. We love future founders too.

What to Expect:

• Wine, Beer, Kombucha, and other NA beverages

• Food from Longboard Louie’s

• A pop-up marketplace with Cultivate Bend brands you’ll love supporting

• Casual convos that lead to real relationships

• Music, fresh air, and maybe a little dancing

• Families welcome — bring the kids, let them explore
  Think picnic meets founder meet-up — laid back, high energy, full of possibility.

Who It’s For:

• New members ready to meet the faces behind the Slack threads

• Founders who want to be seen, heard, and supported

• Community-minded folks looking to grow their circle

• Anyone wondering if they belong here (spoiler: you do, 100%)

Why It Matters:

This community is about showing up for each other.About building something bigger than ourselves.About choosing connection over competition.

So let this be your sign — to get outside, meet someone new, and celebrate how far we’ve come.

Reserve your ticket now and join us in creating what’s next — together.

We can’t wait to see you at the park.

Reserve a Vendor Booth

Are you a Cultivate Bend member and interested in participating in the summer party marketplace? Reserve a space to share, sample, and sell your products!

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

1st annual Bend Creators Market at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center! Join for a day of fun while meeting local businesses, shopping, and eating! A family friendly event.

Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour

First Tuesday of Every Month!

MAY 6TH HAPPY HOUR

No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!

$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!

Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project

Office Hours with Katie Horgan

Prior to Happy Hour on Tuesday, May 6th, industry leader Katie Horgan of Bravo CPG will be available for one-on-one meetings to answer questions and share her expertise on all things operations and logistics. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity!

HOW IT WORKS
4 x 30 minute sessions are available by reservation between 3:30-5:30pm at Crux Fermentation. This opportunity is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so sign up quickly!*

SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO ASK

How do you build out an efficient operations team?

What roles and skill sets should you prioritize and when finding the right co-packer or 3PL?

When does it makes sense to introduce technology (EDI platform, IMS/ERP) into your business?

How do you get a better view of landed costs?

*Please note that these office hours are available to Cultivate Bend Members only. Learn more about memberships here.

Meet Katie Horgan

CEO & Founder of Bravo CPG
Cultivate Bend Board Member

Katie Horgan is an 18-year industry leader with experience building and leading operations teams for CPG companies. She is the Founder and CEO of Bravo CPG, an agency that provides operations, logistics, and supply chain support to early & growth stage CPG brands. Bravo CPG has passionately supported 150+ CPG brands over the past 6 years.

Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour

First Tuesday of Every Month!

APRIL 1ST HAPPY HOUR

No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!

$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!

Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project

Ask The Experts

Ready to Launch or Grow Your Brand at the Farmer’s Market?

The farmers market isn’t just a place to sell—it’s where brands are born. Whether you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur, a seasoned vendor, or a farmer/rancher looking to expand your reach, this event is your roadmap to success. Join us for an insightful panel discussion with industry experts who have been in your shoes and know what it takes to grow.

What You’ll Gain

✔ Proven Strategies: Learn how to test, launch, and grow your brand at the market.
✔ Insider Insights: Hear from veteran vendors and fresh faces about what works (and what doesn’t).
✔ Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow vendors, market managers, and food industry leaders who can help you move forward.
✔ Real Talk, Real Solutions: From logistics to marketing, pricing to customer engagement, ask your burning questions and get expert advice.

Meet the Experts

MODERATORS

Shawn Theriot (Systm Foods & Cultivate Bend)

Ann Pistacchi-Peck (HDFFA & Bend Farmers Market)

PANELISTS

Lauren Rasmussen (Fibonacci Farms) – Veteran Ag Vendor

Zoey Oquist (The Crow’s Croft) – Newer Ranch Vendor

Jeff Akers (Bohemian Roastery & Worthy Farmers Market) – Veteran CPG Vendor

Barb Myers (Fixa Foods) – Newer CPG Vendor

Who Should Attend?

✔ Farmers market vendors & staff – Whether you’re new or experienced, get fresh ideas to boost your business.

✔ Aspiring entrepreneurs – Thinking about launching a product? Learn how the farmers market can be your proving ground.

✔ Farmers & ranchers – Expand your sales, build customer relationships, and connect with food industry pros.

✔ HDFFA partners & food enthusiasts – Get inspired and support the local food ecosystem!

Why This Matters

Central Oregon’s farmers markets are more than pop-ups—they’re launchpads for brands, testing grounds for products, and vital hubs for local food. Whether you grow, make, or sell food, understanding the business side of markets can help you scale faster and smarter.

Join Us!

This isn’t just another panel—it’s a chance to ask questions, share challenges, and build connections with people who truly get it. Don’t miss out on this interactive, engaging, and high-value conversation designed to help you turn your booth into a thriving brand.

RSVP Now – Space is limited! Secure your spot today.

About HDFFA:

The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance (HDFFA) believes everyone deserves good food. We service that belief through our programming pillars: support for local farms, ranches and local food businesses, increasing food access to nutritious, locally produced food for our Central Oregon neighbors experiencing food insecurity; and providing food-systems education to community members. We provide services to 65,000 people throughout the Central Oregon region.

Ann Pistacchi-Peck

Ann Pistacchi-Peck is grateful to get to live her passion for local food systems every day as the Program Director at the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance, the manager of the Downtown Bend Farmers Market, and a community-member champion of initiatives that uplift farmers, nourish communities, and promote the economic viability of small businesses in Central Oregon.

Lauren Rasmussen

Lauren Rasmussen is co-owner of Fibonacci Farm located in the Mountain View neighborhood of Bend. The farm grows produce and flowers which is sold through a 200 person CSA that is split with another neighboring farm and also through the Bend Farmer's Market. Before entering the farming industry, Lauren gained extensive business management, customer service, visual merchandising and marketing experience in Portland, OR and also New York City.

Zoey Oquist

Zoey Oquist is the owner of The Crow’s Croft, where she raises high-quality, pasture-raised pork on a natural, non-GMO, corn and soy free diet. Her deep affection for pigs shines through in her work, valuing their unique personalities and essential role on her farm. Beyond livestock management, she crafts lard-based body products, honoring time-tested traditions and natural skincare. Blending artisanal craftsmanship with sustainable agriculture.

Jeff Akers

Jeff Akers is a native Central Oregonian with a background in farming, construction, pasta and coffee. The blending of those four industries brought to life Bohemian Roastery, Central Oregon's only wood-fire coffee roasting company. Jeff and his family, Shelley, Jacob and Dominic have been calling farmers markets home every summer, since 2017. This spring, with the help from many passionate and committed people in our community, Jeff is starting a new market on the east side, Worthy Farmers Market. This market opens April 27th and will showcase 30 of Oregon's top producers.

Barb Myers

Barb Myers enjoyed 20 years in the creative industry and education before diving right into the CPG world. She founded Fixa Foods, makers of plant-based nut dips that turn ordinary ingredients into amazing meals, making healthy cooking both simple and delicious. She looks forward to her second year at local farmers markets and loves the Central Oregon food community.

Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour

First Tuesday of Every Month!

MARCH 4TH HAPPY HOUR

No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!

$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!

Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project

RESCHEDULED Cultivate Bend Monthly Happy Hour

Thursday, February 13th

No agenda, just show up, buy your own beverage, and have fun connecting with others in the industry!

$1 OFF ALL BEVERAGES
No registration required!

Thanks to our contributing sponsor Crux Fermentation Project

Jumpstart your 2025 with fresh inspiration, real connections, and a head start on your goals—all while enjoying an evening filled with amazing food, drinks, and prizes!

Here’s the best part: Attending isn’t just about a great night; it’s your chance to join Bend’s most vibrant CPG community, where growth, collaboration, and opportunity come naturally. Whether you're renewing your membership or signing up for the first time, this event makes the decision a no-brainer.

Here’s what you get by attending:

• 🎤 An Inspirational Talk You’ll Actually Use
  Hear from Elliot Begoun, an industry veteran who has helped countless businesses grow with practical strategies you can apply immediately.

• 🎁 Raffle Prizes That Wow
  Get a chance to win valuable prizes (including an extra ticket for signing up as a new member!).

• 🍽️ Food & Drinks Included
  Because nothing sparks connection like great conversation over even better food.

• 🤝 Networking That Matters
  Meet like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, and your new support network.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to join Cultivate Bend, this is it. Sign up or renew at the event and get:

1. An Extra Raffle Ticket – Double your chances to win amazing prizes!

2. Member Guide – Unlock the full potential of your membership with this handy cheat sheet.

3. Access to the Member Slack Channel – Instantly connect with our community for year-round support and collaboration.

This isn’t just a party—it’s a chance to start the year surrounded by people who inspire, support, and encourage you. Whether you’re a member or thinking about joining, we can’t wait to see you there.

👉 Reserve your spot now and let’s grow together.

Personalized Advice from a Natural Products Expert