Biz Beat 7-18-2013

The nonprofit Emerald Empire Hempfest is back for its 11th year for three days beginning Friday, July 19, at Maurie Jacobs Park in Eugene, across the footbridge from Valley River Center. The alcohol- and drug-free festival features live music, food booths, educational exhibits, a hemp fashion show and new product demonstrations. This year’s theme is “The Walls of Cannabis Prohibition are Coming Down.” Volunteers are still needed. Call Dan Koozer at 517-0957 or see EmeraldEmpireHempfest.com.

A new Eugene field office for the NAACP of Lane County has been set up at 120 W. Broadway and the hours of operation will be from 11:30 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Eric Richardson, president of the county chapter, says the organization has a six-month lease and will be looking for a more permanent home at the end of November. When asked if the office needs any donations of office equipment, funds or more volunteers, Richardson said, “Any offer of assistance will be considered.” Phone number is 484-1119 and email is president@naacpLaneCounty.org. 

Former Eugene resident Paul Scott of Plug In America is returning to Eugene to give a lecture on the need to transition from oil to renewable electricity as the energy source for personal transportation. The lecture will be at 5:30 pm Friday, July 19, at the main meeting room at EWEB. Scott lived in Eugene from 1975-1998 and then moved to Santa Monica to work in the film industry. He is now involved as an activist and advocate for solar energy and electric cars. He markets electric vehicles and also lectures on their benefits. “Lane County residents spend $700 million every year filling their tanks with gasoline and diesel, of which 90 percent leaves Lane County,” he says. “Electric vehicles will be a powerful boon to the local economy.” See pluginamerica.org.

BOWTECH Archery is opening its factory pro shop for bow hunters to meet experts and check out the latest equipment from 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, July 20, at 90554 Pacific Hwy. Jim and Eva Shockey of the TV shows Jim Shockey Hunting Adventures and The Professionals plan to be at the event. 

Sundance Natural Foods at 748 E. 24th Ave. has gained national recognition as one of the Top 12 Right to Know Grocers in North America. The award recognizes the efforts by Sundance to identify and eliminate genetically modified foods from its shelves and bins. General Manager James Mattravers says the store was honored for “promoting progressive and responsible food politics, for being at the forefront of our industry in resisting GMOs and chemical agribusiness and for educating our community and customers on these issues.”

Star Gate Books at 1374 Willamette St. is organizing an evening event with Hopi elder Leroy Lewis from 7:30 to 10 pm Wednesday, July 24, at the Saraha Buddhist Center, 40th and Donald in south Eugene. Lewis is an elder in the Flute Clan and will be talking about ancient Mayan codices that were hidden in a cave for more than 600 years. “The codices also confirm that the Hopi, Mayan, Q’uero and Tibetans are indeed related,” says Alan Stein of Star Gate. Tickets are $20 in advance at Star Gate, $25 at the door. See stargateeugene.com or call 342-8348.

River City Coffee Company at 69th and Main in Springfield is under new ownership as of July 5 and remodeling is under way. New owner is Byron Parra and daily operations are managed by Mark Lumpkin. River City offers locally wood-roasted coffee by Caffé Pacori, along with teriyaki chicken lunches and dinners. Find River City on Facebook.

The next Emerald FEAST (Financing Eugene Area Sustainable Talent) will be from 6 to 8:30 pm Thursday, July 25, at First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St. Diners purchase a meal for $15 to $25 and vote to donate the evening’s proceeds to one of several small businesses and start-ups that pitch their projects. The FEAST has given away $2,900 so far in six events.