Join us to raise a glass to each other on National Farmer Appreciation Day at Blockhead Beerworks in Valparaiso. This event is organized by farmers for farmers and is an opportunity to talk shop, commiserate and dream of future seasons.

The NWI Food Council and Region Roots would all like to show our appreciation for your hard work so come hang out, have a round on us and enjoy chef-prepared local food. Mocktails will also be available. And children are welcome.

Region Roots is NWI's first wholesale local farm and food hub and is a project of the NWI Food Council, a 501c3 non profit organization. The Council serves all of Northwest Indiana: Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke, & Pulaski counties, and cultivates a just, thriving and regenerative food system for all in NW Indiana.

This event is free for farmers to attend.

Practice your storytelling skills in a fun, interactive workshop exclusively for farmers and chefs in Northwest Indiana! We will talk about what makes a good story for various audiences before sharing stories about our farms, our restaurants, and our connections to each other and to a larger food system. *Registration is $20 for chefs and wholesale buyers, but participants will received $30 credit to Region Roots upon attendance.

After the formal workshop, we’ll keep the conversation going with a networking reception.

Workshop Skill-Building Goals (2-4pm)

• Practice shaping stories for various audiences and potential customers

• Learn about what makes a story memorable

• Learn about other members of Northwest Indiana’s food system

Mixer & Networking (4pm-6pm)

Mix and mingle with fellow farmers and chefs for a casual and open networking. We encourage farmers and chefs to connect, dream and plan for the 2023 season and beyond.

About Bold Bison

Bold Bison Communications and Consulting provides forward-thinking communications solutions, engaging strategy and facilitation services, and inspiring workshops and trainings for nonprofits, particularly in the conservation, climate, and local food movements, as well as the arts and cultural institutions. Current or recent food system-related clients include the Chicago Region Food System Fund, Community Food Navigator, Food:Land:Opportunity, Fresh Taste, and Gardeneers. BoldBison.com

Founder and Principal Brandon Hayes has earned a reputation for creative, hands-on, grounded communications and strategy solutions during more than 20 years in the nonprofit sector. Before founding Bold Bison in 2019, he was Director of Communications at Openlands, Manager of Communications at youth arts organization Marwen, and a publicist for Goodman Theatre.

Director of Creative Services Patrick Williams is a versatile communications professional. Prior to joining Bold Bison, he served as Marketing Manager at Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and Manager of Communications at Openlands. He has also worked with the Chicago Wilderness Alliance and the Sierra Club.