Stories about Local Champions

The Local Champions Blog highlights some of the amazing work our community accomplishes and motivates us all to work better together. We are lucky to work with so many champions who are a model for positive behavior change and influence us to go the extra mile. Our local champions are building connections within the community every day. Filter our stories by categories listed below or browse them all. We hope you’re inspired by the local champions in our community, too! 

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Farming and Fermenting with a Light Touch at Barmann Cellars

Farming and Fermenting with a Light Touch at Barmann Cellars

Stephanie Barmann and Jesse Nickerson are the farmers and fermenters behind Barmann Cellars in Everson WA, a low-intervention winery and cidery utilizing regeneratively-farmed estate fruit. Everything they craft, tend, and share is done with deep care and intention,...

Follow Sasquatch on the Think Local First Coffee Crawl

Follow Sasquatch on the Think Local First Coffee Crawl

Calling all coffee adventurers and Sasquatch enthusiasts! There have been reports of Sasquatch sightings at numerous coffee shops around town. Experts agree that Sasquatch is a coffee fanatic. So, grab your mugs and join us as we embark on a Sasquatch-inspired Coffee...

Lummi Seafood Market: Growing Livelihoods on the Salish Sea

Lummi Seafood Market: Growing Livelihoods on the Salish Sea

Terry Phair sits looking out over the Salish Sea, the ocean that’s the foundation of his life and business. The water is calm, but beneath the surface live fish, shellfish, and seafood that provide Terry, and more than a hundred other tribal fishers, with food and...

Bellingham Farmers Market: 30+ Years of Local Market Magic

Bellingham Farmers Market: 30+ Years of Local Market Magic

The Bellingham Farmers Market is a beloved local destination where community comes together to uplift and support local farmers, makers, and food businesses. Having just celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022, the market is now looking forward and dreaming about how...

Mariposa Farm & The Gifts of Community

Mariposa Farm & The Gifts of Community

Located in Everson WA, Mariposa Farm grows organic produce and berries under the care and expertise of Joaquin and Lis Lopez. They share their harvests at farmers markets, stores, food banks, and through their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Above all, the food...