RAIN Rural Agricultural Innovation Network is pleased to host the FIRST Food/Agricultural Industry networking event for the Algoma and Sault Ste. Marie, ON area.
Who should attend: Farmers, producers (including aqua-culture), breweries, wineries, chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, food buyers, retailers, food distributors, abattoirs, processors, public & private sector institutions, food service and economic development.
With consumer demand and awareness for locally sourced food/drink increasing, this kind of event will prove a great opportunity for those in the industry who grow and produce local food/drink, to network with those who buy, distribute and serve food.
This event is for those who are currently or would like to learn more about buying and selling locally produced food and drink products.
Event Goal: To stimulate connections between farmers/producers and purchasers in the Algoma District to increase market opportunities and thereby strengthen the local food economy.
DATE: Monday, May 11, 2015 TIME: 1 PM – 4 PM
LOCATION: Willow Teaching Restaurant, Sault College, 443 Northern Ave. Sault Ste. Marie, ON
FEE: No charge – PRE-Registration is REQUIRED, please RSVP by May 7, 2015
Contact: Sandra Trainor Phone: 705 942-7927 Ex 3065 Email: strainor@ssmic.com
Or by regular mail: RAIN, c/o Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, 1520 Queen St. E. Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4 Att: Sandra Trainor
On the Agenda
B2B Networking Trade Show
This is your chance to meet and mingle with stakeholders in the local food value chain. You can book a table to show off your farm products, services and what you have to offer. (Tables will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis)
David Thompson
“Web-based tools that farmers and chefs/food buyers can utilize, to sell and locate local food.”
As the RAIN Research Project Coordinator, David leads the Rural Agri-Innovation Network to connect and build the capacity of Algoma farmers, agri-businesses and entrepreneurs through research and market development.
Before joining SSMIC, David was a Research Coordinator for NORDIK Institute (Algoma University) and led several research projects on agricultural co-operatives and the social economy. David has an MBA in Community Economic Development from Cape Breton University and a B.A. (Hons) in Community Economic and Social Development from Algoma University. David also serves on the Advisory Council for Sustain Ontario, an alliance for healthy food and farming.
Sandra J. Trainor
“Chef’s Guide to Procuring Local Food”
“Farmer’s Guide to working with the food service Industry”
Sandra has come to back to Sault Ste. Marie, after living and working in Simcoe County for more than 30 years. During the last 15 years, Sandra has been immersed in the local food movement. She served as Executive Director of Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Assoc. and as founding E.D., Sandra worked closely with local food/beverage producers, local food service operators and others in the local food value chain in Simcoe County and beyond and found ways to make new connections happen. Sandra brings her experience, knowledge and enthusiasm with her to Algoma. She sees the great potential growing the local food scene has in this region of the province.
The “Growing Connections” networking event is hosted by RAIN (Rural Agri-Innovation Network). RAIN is a project of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and NORDIK Institute. RAIN works closely with farmers, suppliers, agri-entrepeneurs, Aboriginal and agricultural organizations to conduct research and provide business development and networking support. RAIN is supported by the agricultural community, municipalities, the private sector (farmers and businesses) and funding partners (Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp., FedNor and Ontario Trillium Foundation) www.rainalgoma.ca