The Project! Inspired by the current movement which poses the important question – "Where does our food come from?" – I set out to plan and execute a culinary celebration which follows this growing, national trend, and did so right here in, and for, my hometown of Leesburg and Loudoun County!

The mission The mission of Farm-to- Fork Loudoun is to maintain and grow an authentic, highly publicized ‘eat-local’ initiative which drives revenue directly into the participating restaurants; and to the farmers and wineries involved.

About Leesburg The initiative took place from July 26 th through August 5 th in % Loudoun sourced food was used in a unique Farm-to-Fork Loudoun menu In 2012, 8 of the 22 restaurants were located right in Leesburg! Surveys were sent, results are fantastic!

The Leesburg participants

Media Project generated over ½ million dollars in FREE publicity, which ran in the following print media throughout the entire Metro DC Region! Capital File Magazine DC Life Northern Virginia Magazine – link here OnTap magazine Piedmont Virginia Metro DC TV included - Fox 5 (link) NBC 4 Worth the Drive segment And of course our important local media - Leesburg Today Loudoun Magazine Loudoun Times Mirror.

- What’s next The dates are set for the 3 rd annual Farm-to-Fork Loudoun, those are July 25 th – August 4th, Our challenge is funding, and I’m thrilled to have Marty MacKay with me this evening who has just joined our team as Chair of the newly formed Partnerships Committee spearheading a long term, strategic funding initiative that will allow this project to continue and most important grow to include an educational component and an exciting and fun ‘kick-off’ one week in advance, called Taste of Farm-to-Fork Loudoun! A joy to see all of you, thank you for your time.