Agenda

Check-in and Continental Breakfast

Welcome and Introductions

Peter Philips, Publisher, Fishermen’s News

Michael McAuley, Commissioner, Port of Bellingham

Restaurants Speak Panel Discussion

Executive chefs from local Bellingham restaurants will participate in a panel discussion sharing with attendees what they look for in wild seafood products and vendors: from species to volume to delivery, to sales calls, administrative contact and effective marketing to restaurants.

Moderator: Peter Philips, Publisher, Fishermen’s News

Panelists:
Mataio Gillis, Executive Chef, Ciao Thyme
Kevin Weatherill, President, The Markets LLC
Riley Starks, Owner, The Willows Inn
Russ Casteel, Seafood Buyer, Haggen Foods

Coffee Break and Networking

Learn from your colleagues about their successful direct marketing experiences. How to set up your direct marketing operation, effective sales techniques, how to manage harvesting, delivery and marketing…and much more.

Moderator: Pete Granger, Program Leader-Marine Advisory Services, Washington Sea Grant

Panelists:
Izetta Chambers, J.D., Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
Melinda Sweet, Owner, F/V Desire & Desire Fish Company

Randy Hartnell, President, Vital Choice Seafoods

Learn how to care for your fish, bring it ashore and sell it effectively into the retail market—whether a traditional brick and mortar building, through farmers’ markets or via the internet, the direct retail marketplace might be the place for you.

Moderator: Pete Granger, Program Leader-Marine Advisory Services, Washington Sea Grant

Panelists:
Caprice Teske, Director, Bellingham Farmers’ Market
Scott Kinley, Manager, Lummi Gateway Seafood Market

A chance to spend time one-on-one with the day's speakers and panelists to go in-depth about the topic of your choice over a working lunch.

Processing and Distribution are a vital link between the fishermen and their customers. This session will feature speakers in the processing and distribution field who will address issues related to getting the product from the net to the customer.

Moderator: Pete Granger, Program Leader-Marine Advisory Services, Washington Sea Grant

Panelists:
Tim Unger, Squalicum Plant Manager, Bellingham Cold Storage
Steve Binschus, Home Port Seafoods
Tom Durkan, Swinomish Seafoods
Bob Gudmundson, Owner, F/V Desire & Desire Fish Company

Whether you are looking to repower or looking at a new boat, looking to add processing or refrigeration or looking to expand into another fishery, we’ll assemble a panel of subject matter experts to help you choose the equipment you need to be successful.

Moderator: Peter Philips, Publisher, Fishermen’s News

Panelists:
Eric Blumhagen, Chief Naval Architect, Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc.

Rick Greenquist, Engineering and Sales, Highland Refrigeration

Phil Riise, Owner, Seaview Boatyard