Provender Update

April 11th 2017

What’s Happening

-from the desk of the Interim Executive Director

This e-newsletter is going to be a bit different from past issues.  With the change in the Executive Director position, I felt it was more important to let members know what was going on with their organization rather than what was going on in the Natural Products Industry as a whole.  The regular format will return next month.

So what is happening with Provender?  Most importantly, the Conference is in full planning mode.  The Conference Committee has been meeting (want to join? just email me) to plan workshops and keynote speakers.

Work has begun on the Wednesday Intensives.  It looks like we will be having two this year!  Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.

For our Friday Morning Keynote Address, we have a contract with Chef Ann Cooper and are in negotiations for our Thursday Keynote. Workshop ideas are beginning to take shape (if you are interested in presenting a workshop, please email me). And, of course, Karaoke From Hell will help us close out the conference in style!

In addition to conference planning, I figured out how to put together an issue of the Journal with only a few mistakes and omissions.  I hope you enjoyed it.  The Board and I are looking into the possibility of sending the Journal out electronically instead of or in addition to the print version.  Thanks to all the members who took the survey on Journal format.  We are still working on making a final decision.

I’ve also been working on implementing some technology improvements including on-line registration for the conference, a member’s only section of the website, and an on-line forum for discussion.  These are still in the works but, hopefully, I’ll be rolling them out in the next month.

And my days are filled out with reconnecting with members and old friends.  It is such a pleasure to be back in this industry that I love.  Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and let me know how I’m doing and what you think is important for me to focus on.  I am here to make Provender all that you want it to be.
-Vicki