About Joan Mershon Expertise I can answer questions about visiting or relocating to western Oregon including: Portland, the coast, and the I-5 corridor down to the California border. I am not familiar with eastern or central Oregon, but would not mind looking up information for those areas.
Experience Experience in the area:
I have lived in the Portland area for over 20 years. Many of my friends claim I should work for the Travel & Tourism Bureau because of my love for the Northwest, and my knowledge of things to do and see.
Expert: Joan Mershon Date: 7/17/2001 Subject: I work for a timberland investment...
Question I work for a timberland investment company. We own forestland in Washington State and Oregon. Our Board (from Ohio) will be touring these properties in October. I would like to give them a northwestern-themed gift, not going over $100 per gift. Any ideas?
Answer Hello Nan.
A lot depends on the recipients. I'll throw out several ideas, and let you figure out which would be the most appreciated by your team.
1) Gift basket. Yeah, I know they are over done. I would hand pick the items rather than do a standard one. Here's what I would put in it..the best of Oregon:
* Jaciva's chocolates (actually rivals the finest Swiss choclates - the owner was born and trained there in the generations old family business.
* 8pack variety micro-brews (sold as a variety pack)
* bottle of wine from any of several good vinyards
* Tillamook cheddar
* cans of Jake's clam chowder (unless you can find Ivar's at the Seattle shop - it's the BEST)
* hazelnut things (chocolate covered, or salted)
* berry jam
* honey
* Siletz smoked salmon filet
* Variety pack Stash tea
2) Pendelton woolen (blanket seems most likely)
These are the old original woolen mills, many native designs. A true piece of art and history of the West.
3) Mt St Helen's glass - some in everything from paperwieghts to christmas ornaments.
4) Carved wood piece. Oregon is famous for myrtlewood...only grown here and in Jerusalem.
5) If they are going to stay in Portland for a day or two, a reservation for a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Portland would be a nice touch. Incredible views, great food, very relaxing.
Ok, so by now you are wondering where to get this stuff. Since there are so many places out there, I have only included links to places I would not hesitate to purchase something for the Queen of England from, they are really that good! Here are some links to help out: http://www.madeinoregon.com/
http://www.pendleton-usa.com/ http://www.bravoevent.com/pdx01/jacivas/
http://www.sheridanfruit.com/html/boxes.html http://www.tillamookcheese.com/index.html
http://www.portlandspirit.com/
