PNW Fiber Connect’s
I’m Local! Campaign
Our members represent and incredibly diverse array of producers, processors, shearers, makers, artisans, shop owners, and more. All of them are based in the PNW region, and many of them are working hard to grow/produce, source, dye, and otherwise make their fiber goods locally in and from the PNW. We know that supply chain and sourcing challenges are real - that’s why it’s so important that we recognize the work our members are doing to be local.
You might see the I’m Local! Campaign posters at fiber festivals and events across the PNW. As this campaign progresses, we’ll add more information here!
Read on to understand what the definitions listed in the campaign mean to PNW Fiber Connect:
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While the materials used to make this product may not have been sourced from the PNW or even the US, this end product was created here in the PNW by a local artisan or business.
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While the materials, production, and/or labor used to make this product may or may not have been sourced from the PNW, they were sourced within the continental US and the end product sold by local PNW business.
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This means that the fiber or material used to create this product was grown in the Pacific Northwest Region.
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While the fiber/material may or may not have been sourced in the PNW, it was dyed by a local PNW artisan.
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This is a truly local product. The fiber/material in this product was produced, processed, and finished all in the Pacific Northwest!
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The producer from which this material was sourced follows humane animal & land management practices as well as socially equitable farm and/or business operations.
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The producer from which this material is sourced follows regenerative/permaculture farming practices. A regenerative farm practices agricultural circularity.
According to Wikipedia, Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems. It focuses on a holistic approach to farming that considers topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, enhancing ecosystem services, supporting biosequestration, increasing resilience to climate change, and strengthening the health and vitality of soil.
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The maker of this product engaged in closed-loop/waste recycling practices.
Zero waste practices aim to minimize waste production and promote the conservation of resources through responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products (ZeroWaste.com).
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This product comes from a woman-owned business.
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This product comes from a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color owned business.
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This product comes from a business owned by a person who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and/or as a member of the expanding Queer community and is made with boundless Love.
What does it mean to be a member of PNW Fiber Connect?
The PNW Fiber Connect chamber of commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization for the natural fiber industry in the Pacific Northwest. The Chamber’s purpose is to advocate for local fiber businesses and promote economic growth within the region.
So what does it mean to be a member of PNWFC? It means simplified access to a well networked system. It means growing relationships and community.
Members will benefit from several resources* that reside within our three operating pillars such as:
Fiber Economy Connection Stewardship:
PNW Fiber Resource Directory - A digital directory that will map out and promote local fiber related businesses and organizations, offering members a strong network in which to market their product. The Directory will also connect members to community and regional events, online resources, and more!
Fiber Business Development:
The Directory can be utilized to connect members entering the industry to potential jobs, internships, or mentorships. PNW Fiber Connect also plans to develop a Business Accelerator Program as well as host info sessions and workshops aimed toward growing Fiber Professionals.
Fiber Trades Cultivation:
PNW Fiber Connect acknowledges and aims to promote existing resources as well as collaborate to develop additional fiber industry trade pathways in order to encourage new entrants to fiber-related vocations - the more hands on fiber, the better.
Members will also have access to an e-newsletter that will:
Share PNW Fiber Connect happenings and updates
Highlight fellow members
Provide up-to-date information regarding fiber related events and educational opportunities
Share relevant legislation and news
And more!
Stay tuned for updates on our Membership Model and look out for the official Membership Launch date via our Newsletter and thank you for your interest in PNW Fiber Connect!
* This is meant as an outline that represents a sample of PNWFC’s membership offerings as we work to finalize our comprehensive Membership Handbook to be released in Fall 2025.