Friday, October 15, 2010

Community Potluck Discusses SAVOUR Strategic Plan and the Need for Committee Formation, Community Involvement

SAVOUR Muskoka’s first fall community networking potluck on Wednesday, October 13 was a great success!

Held at the Community Living South Muskoka branch, this evening event featured a variety of local chefs, farmers, culinary artisans and community members from around the Muskoka area and showcased a wide variety of locally inspired dishes from participants.The potluck-style event also allowed participants to mingle with various food and beverage producers in the region, share ideas about local food use and learn about SAVOUR Muskoka’s efforts in promoting the use of locally grown products.

SAVOUR Muskoka General Manager James Murphy also gave a short presentation discussing recent projects, events and efforts in promoting the growth and use of local food.

As many know, SAVOUR Muskoka is a not-for profit organization that relies on a volunteer Board of Directors from the community to help govern various initiatives. One of the central issues discussed at the potluck event was the development of a strategic plan and the need for various committees within the organization to help drive and direct these initiatives into place. As discussed, the formation of committees would allow for a variety of benefits within the SAVOUR organization, including streamlined feedback to the Board of Directors and assistance in the development of rich, methodical plans to move SAVOUR forward. Committee discussions would also elevate time at the board level, making for more efficient, focused discussion and decision-making.

Suggested committees within the organization include:

Membership Committee
Events/Marketing Committee
Farm Committee
Chef Committee

SAVOUR recognizes that restaurants, food and beverage businesses, farms and other local food producers in the area are a vital part of our communities. The need for community representation in our organization and on our committees, thus, is crucial to the success of future development of Muskoka as a culinary tourism destination.

If you would like to volunteer to become part of a committee for the organization, or if you would like to get involved with SAVOUR efforts in other ways, please contact Sarah Copfer, Membership Representative by emailing admin@savourmuskoka.com or by calling (705) 646-7118.