Founded in 1942, Inspirators is a food industry based organization with over 200 members. We provide a venue for local industry professionals to network, collaborate, mentor and learn more about the industry.
We meet seven times a year sharing regional industry updates and highlight the business of one of the customers we serve.
Inspirators is tightly aligned with Portland State University's Food Industry Leadership Center, whose graduates do internships and launch careers in the Food Industry.
We value local charities and have raised almost $1.25 million for donations to organizations like the Portland Police Sunshine Division, JOIN, Transition Projects, scholarships for Portland State students and others.
Our Charities
Portland Police Sunshine Division & Issy's Kids
Sunshine Division has been providing emergency food and clothing relief to families in the greater Portland area in partnership with the Portland Police since 1922. Sunshine Division relies solely on donations from the community. www.sunshinedivision.org
Issy's Kids, founded by Issabelle Hoyt, allows Portland Police officers to take children in need shopping for new school clothes & supplies as part of their Shop With A Cop community outreach program.
Join exists to support the efforts of homeless individuals and families to transition out of homelessness and into permanent housing. www.joinpdx.org
Transition Projects
Transition Projects has been providing support and relief to the most vulnerable people in the Portland area since 1969. Services include temporary shelter, emotional support, and assistance transitioning to stable housing. www.tprojects.org
Our Partners
Portland State University Food & Retail Leadership Program
The Center for Retail Leadershi offers courses, programs, conferences, forums, seminars and internships to current industry employees as well as talented students interested in developing careers in food industry management. Inspirators raises money for annual scholarship opportunities for PSU students.
The NWGA serves as the spokesperson for the Northwest's grocery industry by promoting the common interests and issues of its membership by providing current communications, leadership and member services.