Speakers for the May 2018 Central Oregon PubTalk Announced

EDCO ANNOUNCES SPEAKERS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 24 PUBTALK FEATURING RIFF COLD BREWED CO-FOUNDER PAUL EVERS, RUFFWEAR FOUNDER PATRICK KRUSE, AND MORE

BEND, OR (May 16, 2018) – Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) has announced the speakers for the next PubTalk on Thursday, May 24, 5 pm at McMenamins in Downtown Bend. Tickets are on sale now and available via Eventbrite here.

EDCO’s Central Oregon PubTalk, held the fourth Thursday of the month, 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.

Keynote Speaker

Paul Evers, Co-Founder, Crux Fermentation Project, Co-Founder & CEO, Riff Cold Brewed

A celebrated veteran in brand strategy, design, and advertising Paul led the teams behind the creative development of craft beverage brands such as Humm Kombucha, 21st Amendment, Deschutes Brewery, Odell Brewing, and Crux Fermentation Project—which he co-founded and served as President and CMO. In 2017, Paul co-founded Riff Cold Brewed Coffee along with veterans from Stumptown and LinkedIn. Paul is also a long-time active community member, having played a significant role in launching both the Bend Volunteer Corps and TEDxBend.

Company Pitches

Nicole Galchutt and Melia Foster, Founders, Meli Wraps

In 2015 while on a trip to Australia, Nicole and Melia stumbled across a simple, reusable beeswax food wrap covering a bowl of fruit and instantly knew this product was something that needed to be brought to the U.S. After experimenting with waxing fabrics and prototypes, they founded Meli Wraps. Today, they stand proudly with their exclusive food covering made from organic paint oils, local beeswax, and beautiful organic cotton to entice consumers to try this plastic alternative. Their ultimate goal is to eliminate the need for single-use plastics and give back to nature.

Seven Peaks School’s Shark Tank Winners: Abbey Shea, Clara Martin, Kimberly Lovejoy - The Safe Case

Last week, Seven Peaks Middle School students had the opportunity to present creations and solutions to peers and parents during the school’s own version of Shark Tank. The winner, The Safe Case, will move on to PubTalk to pitch their device and software solution to the problem of improperly administering drugs to help with the opioid crisis and other uses.

Company Update

Patrick Kruse, Founder and Owner, Ruffwear

Growing up in California, Patrick’s learn-by-doing style emerged at an early age. As a kid he constructed packs for his dog out of army surplus gas mask bags, using them on backpack trips. Patrick’s interest in kayaking led him to start Salamander Paddle Gear, acquainting him with numerous technical fabrics. With this knowledge, Patrick developed The Quencher™, the original collapsible food and water bowl for dogs. Today, Patrick is a key part of the Ruffwear Product Development team. He spends his free time enjoying the Central Oregon lifestyle with his dogs, Mavis and Chief.

Agenda

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Networking - Drinks and appetizers
6:00 pm to 6:45 pm Company Presentations
6:45 pm to 7:30 pm Keynote Speaker

Cost and Registration

$25 EDCO & OEN Members
$35 Non-Members
Become an EDCO Member here.
Admission includes appetizers and a free beverage (choice of beer, wine, or soda).

Title Sponsors

About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.