@moneygrips @eldravl

Born in a small mountain town in the Appalachian mountains, Burleson (he/him) is eager to preserve heirloom ingredients to ensure the history of food in the Appalachian mountains. With his very seasonal and vegetable forward menu highlighting the farmers and purveyors of the region. Along with his inspiration from travels abroad, he brings forward a very casual yet elegant approach to New American cuisine.

@burgergangburgergang @motheroceanmarketavl

Chef Chris (he/him), AKA “Burger Boi” is an experienced and entertaining chef with deep roots in Asheville. Known for his work as chef/partner of The Malvern, Hot Dog Curator at The Barksdale and co-founder of the Montford Pull Up. An Asheville native, he is a product of the AB Tech Culinary Program and a former instructor at Green Opportunities. Winner of food competitions: Asheville Wing War, Asheville Battle of the Burger, Smiling Hara’s Tempeh Taco Challenge, Stu Helm’s Punk Rock Hot Dog Competition and the FRS WHACKED! Mystery Basket

@cleanwaternc

Veronica Oakler (she/her) has practiced law and policy for over 10 years, concentrating on environmental, land use, and real estate issues with her number one passion being water resources. She has written laws requiring pollution notification in the oil and gas sector and comprehensive spring watershed safeguards, as well as helped government agencies meet their legal and regulatory environmental duties. Clean Water for NC focuses on threats to community environmental health, quality of life, and social justice.

@river.link

Renee Fortner (she/her) (M.S. Biology). As an avid paddler, home gardener, and naturalist, she is continually reminded how the environment around us and our daily lives are affected by access to clean, abundant water. Through her role at RiverLink, she works to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our water resources and leads projects that mitigate the impacts of climate change and human activities on our waterways.

@avlgreenworks

Dawn Chávez (she/her) has more than 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management in the environmental field A native of the Bronx, she has lived and worked across the country in many different communities, from wilderness outposts to small towns to large urban centers. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about equity issues, environmental protection and the intersection of the two.

@newbelgium_avl

We were born on a bike. The rest is history. For almost 30 years we have crafted beers while proving that business can be a force for good.

@plebavl

Loosely inspired by the Roman plebeian community who worshipped the gods of agriculture, fertility, and viticulture we too seek to represent cultivators past and present who brought grapes to glass – farmers, harvesters, winemakers.

@noble_cider

Founded in the new 'Craft Brew Mecca' of Asheville and North Carolina's apple country, Noble brings together a rich local history of agriculture with this region’s exciting craft beverage industry. We make a variety of things...mead, spritzers, wine, and cider of course!

@drinkbuchi

Buchi’s mission is to use our company, our kombucha, as a conduit for social change. We are a dynamic tribe of change-makers who believe that healthy guts, happy hearts, and open minds are directly linked. If you want to understand who we are and why we pour our hearts and souls into this adventure, take a moment to journey with us.

@grind.avl

Coffee is our unifier to start, grow, and support businesses, owners, and networks to build black wall street. We pride ourselves on providing organic, high-quality coffee products. We work with local dairy suppliers and bakeries to source the freshest, highest quality offerings.

@devilsfootbrew

Farm-To-Can Craft Soda. We pride ourselves on working with Organic Roots & Fruits to create a healthier, more flavorful non-alcoholic experience for everyone in our communities.

@mountainvalleywater