Staff Members

Wendy Siporen, Executive Director

Wendy Siporen launched the Rogue Flavor campaign in 2005. Her background includes time spent as a reporter for the Oregonian, the Mail Tribune and as News Editor for the Ashland Daily Tidings. Wendy’s Southern Oregon roots are deep, running back to her great-grandparents who lived and farmed in Lakeview, Oregon. She holds a Masters degree in Nonprofit Management from Southern Oregon University and a BA in Political Science from Whitman College. Wendy believes in public service and in the power of one voice to make a difference. She lived this ideal as a member of the Talent City Council from 2003-2008, and continues it in her work with the Buy Local — Buy Rogue initiative, as an advocate for a healthy, sustainable local economy. In her spare time, you can find Wendy cheering her son Wyatt on at the soccer and baseball fields, or hiking and camping with him and their dog Trixie in the mountains of Southern Oregon.

Lois Schlegel, Development Coordinator

lois_schlegel Lois Schlegel’s background includes non-profit direct service and grant review, business administration, as well as marketing and sales. She holds a BS in Psychology from Southern Oregon University and a MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University. Lois is a published writer and poet. She was raised in the Rogue Valley on a small farm where her family raised vegetables, beef, pork, chickens, hay, eggs and milk. Today, she lives, gardens and writes near Jacksonville and works with the Buy Local - Buy Rogue campaign to help support locally owned farms and businesses and the local economy.

Jamie Clark, Business Outreach Coordinator

Jamie Clark has been working with Buy Local - Buy Rogue since January 2009. She graduated from Western Washington University in 2006 with a BA in Environmental Journalism. Jamie is an avid traveler that believes southern Oregon is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the nation. For this reason, she is passionate about preserving the small farms and businesses that make this area unique and working to build a more financially, environmentally and socially sustainable economy.

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Become a Buy Local - Buy Rogue Member and ensure a more sustainable future for the Rogue Valley.

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Individual Member Benefits

Community members who join Thrive at the $75 level or higher receive these special member-only benefits:

June & July:

20% off all purchases at Grains Beans & Things
(offer valid for all items except coffee roasters, carboys and C02)
15% off all purchases at Cary's of Oregon
$3 pints at the Southern Oregon Brewing Company taproom. Their hours have expanded and they are now open Tues-Thurs. from 4-8pm, Fri. 4-10pm, Sat. 3-9pm and Sun. 11-4pm.

Not a member? Join Thrive!

Eat Local Challenge Week 2010

Why Buy Local?

Reason #7: Customer Service is Better

Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.

In the News

Local All Year

A surprising amount of local produce is available in winter
Published on January 18, 2010 in Oregon Healthy Living magazine
By John Darling of the Mail Tribune
Photos by Denise Baratta

It's winter, and there's not much sun, so you'd think nothing is growing locally — but you'd be wrong. Lots of produce grows all winter, and local farmers, markets and chefs stand ready to supply it and keep you healthy. Read more...

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