Bogs Footwear Supports Marketing Campaign that Promotes Farmers Markets Throughout the Willamette Valley
Portland, OR. June 11, 2013–
Bogs Footwear (https://www.bogsfootwear.com) has donated $10,000 to support a regional marketing campaign that aims to increase consumer awareness and patronage of farmers markets throughout the Willamette Valley.
The Portland Farmers Market, with help from a grant from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and other sponsors including Bogs, spearheaded the campaign starring actual local farmers wearing Bogs’ signature waterproof, durable footwear. The “In Local We Love” ad campaign will begin running on radio, billboards and online this week and run through September.
“Bogs has a long-standing relationship with Oregon’s farmers as we began making our boots to withstand the demanding conditions on the farm over a decade ago,” said Bill Combs, president and founder of Bogs Footwear. “We are constantly inspired by the passion and dedication local farmers bring to their jobs 24/7, 365 days a year and are proud to support this campaign to benefit Oregon’s farmers.”
“We are so thankful to the family of farmers markets and corporate partners that contributed to this effort. We believe this campaign can have a lasting impact on the region,” said Trudy Toliver, Executive Director of Portland Farmers Market, who recently was awarded the Alumni Award for Sustainability by Portland State University’s Institute for Sustainable Solutions.
While farmers markets are a primary direct sales outlet for many farmers of edible specialty crops, only a small part of the population buys their vegetables, fruit, nuts and herbs at farmers markets. The campaign encourages new shoppers to visit the markets, enhances loyalty in regular shoppers and promotes the health, environmental and economic benefits of consuming locally grown farm fresh food.
Oregon Agriculture Department Director Katy Coba added, “A vast majority of Oregon agriculture is based on specialty crops, and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program helps our farmers succeed by increasing the demand for the crops they grow. We hope these funds help celebrate our farmers, boost the sale of specialty crops in the Willamette Valley, and potentially increase the servings of Oregon fruits and vegetables consumed by market shoppers. As demand increases, our farmers can reliably diversify and expand their specialty crop production, attend more and larger markets, and ultimately prosper.”
“Bogs’ participation in the campaign was the perfect opportunity to sustain momentum the brand has garnered with the independent farming community,” said David Cook, marketing director for Bogs Footwear. “Our boots are put to the test every day by the independent farmers who bring us locally grown, fresh-from-the-farm food that is vital to our communities. So we’re grateful for the opportunity to give back to these hard-working folks.”
In 2012, Bogs embarked on a national farmers market tour, in which the outdoor brand sponsored more than 100 independent farmers at local farmers markets throughout Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and New York.
ABOUT BOGS
Since 2002, Bogs has made warm, waterproof and comfortable all-weather boots for people who work (or play) in the most uncomfortable conditions. With more than 40 years of experience in the shoe industry, Bogs offers durable footwear made with high-quality materials for the men’s, women’s and kids’ outdoor, casual, industrial, hunting and agricultural industries. For more information about Bogs, please visit https://www.bogsfootwear.com, “like” us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bogsfootwear or follow @BogsFootwear on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
ABOUT PORTLAND FARMERS MARKET
Founded in 1992, Portland Farmers Market operates world-class farmers markets that contribute to the success of local food growers and producers, and create vibrant community gatherings. The independently-run local 501(c)6 nonprofit, which receives no ongoing support from government agencies, employs five full-time and eight part-time employees who manage eight weekly farmers’ markets in the Portland area year round. More than 650,000 shoppers purchased farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, baked goods and other specialty foods from more than 190 vendors generating more than $8 million in sales in 2012. In addition to operating markets, Portland Farmers Market also serves as an incubator for emerging businesses, a leader of the local food movement, a source of education, a culinary focal point in the community, a cultural destination complete with musical entertainment, and a beacon for Portland’s sustainability movement. To learn more about how Portland Farmers Market aims to grow, nourish and inspire the community, become a Twitter follower, Facebook fan, blog reader and visit https://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org.
