The RE:Conference won’t just be a fantastic time of learning from industry leaders and networking with other professionals; it will also be a chance to see the Oregon IDA Initiative in action. On the evening of October 29th a handful of small business graduates will showcase their products and services at the IDA Marketplace. Conference participants will have the opportunity to mingle, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and get some holiday shopping completed, all while learning more about some of the unique businesses that were created in part with funds from the IDA program.
Jewelry, loose-leaf tea, accessories, handmade soaps, African gifts – everyone is sure to find the perfect gift for a loved one…or yourself!
You will be able to support IDA-funded businesses on Oct. 29 at 3:30 PM in the Willamette Foyer at the Neighborhood Partnerships’ RE:Conference.
Take a look at some of the small businesses that will be featured at the Marketplace:
Young Mountain Tea
Based in Springfield, Young Mountain Tea prides itself on creating high-quality products in a way that is socially and environmentally sustainable. The company sources its tea from Northern India, specifically in partnership with a non-profit that works to develop the region by bringing economic opportunity to the farmers. It’s founder, Raj Vable, completed his IDA through NEDCO.
Farm Maid Soap
Located in the foothills near Mount Hood, Farm Maid Soap is a family business, with everyone in the Johnson family helping out to create all-natural skin and beauty products. Using milk from its own goats, Farm Maid Soap has developed its own soap recipe and process, which creates a long lasting bar of soap that soothes dry skin. Other products include lotions, soy candles, and perfumes. Kathy Johnson completed her IDA through Mercy Corps Northwest.
Dippity Doo Da Dips
Hailing from Coos Bay, Dippity Doo Da Dips is a small business that makes a variety of delicious dip mixes, such as Garden Harvest, Veggalicious, Caribbean Curry, and Chipotle Smoke-Out. Mixes can be used as seasonings in meat dishes, mixed with cream cheese to spice up your bagel, or added with your favorite veggies to a party platter. Founder Jeanette Casey completed her IDA through NeighborWorks Umpqua.
Complete List of IDA Marketplace Vendors
Farm Maid Soap, Kathy Johnson
IDA Partner: Mercy Corps NW
www.FarmMaidSoap.com
Mountain Mel’s Essential Goods, Melissa Mutterspaugh
IDA Partner: Mercy Corps NW
www.mountainmels.com
Kweki African Fashions, Jeffrey Ward
IDA Partner: MESO
BERNADEAU CREATIONS (jewelry)
IDA Partner: MESO
R Hestmark Designs, Rachel Hestmark
IDA Partner: MESO
facebook.com/Hestmark-Designs-434045899976067
Designs By: Chelsea Kelly, Chelsea Kelly
IDA Partner: MESO
facebook.com/DesignsbyChelseaKelly
Young Mountain Tea, Raj Vable
IDA Partner: NEDCO
www.youngmountaintea.com
Dippity Doo Da Dips, Jeanette Casey
IDA Partner: NeighborWorks Umpqua
facebook.com/Dippity-Doo-Da-Dips-312291845909
Center of Rejuvenation, Rose Sharma
IDA Partner: Lutheran Community Services NW (CASA)
http://www.centerofrejuvenation.com
Your Ideas My Creations, Araceli Durate (event planning)
IDA Partner: MERIT (CASA)
Lots of Lavender, Carroll Oakley
IDA Partner: NEDCO
http://lots-of-lavender.com/
Rock On Jewelry Design, Deanna Wohlgemuth
IDA Partner: NAYA Family Center
http://www.getyourrockon.com/
Flamebuoyant Productions, Shireen Press (acrobatics)
IDA Partner: Mercy Corps NW
https://flamebuoyant.com/
Saeeda Wright (singer, voice coach)
IDA Partner: MESO
Dancing Muse, James Martin
IDA Partner: MERIT (CASA)
http://www.dancingmuse.com/store/
Ayala Tax Services, Rosa Ayala
IDA Partner: MERIT (CASA)
One Fork Farm
IDA Partner: Mercy Corps Northwest