Did you know the Chamber is leading an effort to support and grow Lane County's Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector?
 
Food and Beverage manufacturing has huge growth potential and the opportunity to attract emerging businesses to Lane County.  The industry is already a critical component of our economy, providing over 3,500 jobs and annual wages of over $151 million, and the future looks bright as we address issues while promoting the sector.
 
Here's what we have accomplished, working with 44 people from 27 organizations over the last 6 months:

• Created a stronger workforce by offering food and beverage specific trainings, exploring a shared employee structure, and creating a Food and Beverage-Specific education advisory committee.
• Smoothed utility costs through EWEB's Business Growth and Retention Program and rethought wastewater calculations through inline metering.
• Promoted the sector through Travel Lane County's culinary tourism videos and in-flight advertisements.
• Created the Willamette Valley Grown and Crafted Brand, leveraging work led by the Willamette Farm and Food Coalition and the Willamette Valley Sustainable Foods Alliance since 2012.

What's Next?
There's always more to be done to support the sector. Over 17 local companies have joined us to work on: support programs, branding and promotion, workforce, utilities, permitting and regulation, and collaboration.
 

Want to learn more about what's happening in the food and beverage sector? Read our cover story in the most OPEN for Business magazine or contact Leigh Anne Hogue, Director of Economic Development.