IFWTWA gets Oregon Chocolate in Matt Damon's bag

IFWTWA Press Trip and Conference Chairs Maralyn D. Hill and Michelle M. Winner have long realized the value of committment and connection.

They make it a priority to form lasting relationships with the CVBs , Tourism Bureaus and Press Trip hosts around the world. It is a valuable relationship both entities have nurtured during the trip planning phase sometimes for over a year or two! So why not stay in touch? As Maralyn says: "We develop a strong loyalty to our hosts when they are representing such outstanding talent/product and continue to do all we can to keep promoting them. They invested time, effort and money in us, and we want to make sure they get all the publicity they can."

A scant two weeks ago, Maralyn 's associate Joan Joffa, a great friend of the IFWTWA and one of the stellar product placement reps. that fill the IFWTWA "Conference at Sea" goodie bags, asked if the IFWTWA knew of some specialized product for the recent Matt Damon fete in Hollywood.

Well the rest was easy. Both Maralyn and Michelle immediatly contacted Sue Price at SOMARK PR and she took the lead it and ran with it. They were delighted that Sue responded to this opportunity for Southern Oregon and her clients so rapidly and contacted Joan. Sue also organised the production schedule and shipping to Joan in what is best described as a "quick and dirty" turn around!

As Maralyn says so eloquently,"Joan Joffa is a gem for supplying gifts for exceptional occasions--Inaugural to Oscar parties. Her events prove to be exceptional investments for those she selects to use. Congratulations to Southern Oregon for seeing the need to market." Sue also commented that Joan waived the usual placement fees for product and Southern Oregon.

Yes, congratulations to all of you! The story was covered by The World newspaper business reporter Nate Traylor and you can read at
http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2010/03/29/news/doc4bad9f3087ab0094329940.txt

Michelle M. Winner, Vice President and Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Homemade Confections of Medford Oregon Won Again

2010 Winner for the second year in the Oregon Chocolate Festival.

Category: Best Chocolate Candy (Best Marriage of Chocolate and Candy)

Best: Homemade Confections – English Toffee

Judith and all of her hard work has paid off again. I'm sharing this with our IFWTWA members because those of us on the 2010 Conference at Sea had the opportunity of tasting this delicious treat.

Judith makes English Toffee with bittersweet chocolate and hand roasted almonds. This is Homemade Confections signature product.

Her Peanut Brittle is made with hand roasted peanuts and sweet cream butter which is cooked until light, airy and crisp!

Homemade Confections Gourmet Dessert Topping is another favorite made from bits and pieces of English Toffee, Peanut Brittle, milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts and semi-sweet chocolate covered cashews. I've folded this into cheesecake and sprinkled some on top. It is also great on ice cream.

Judith always welcomes custom orders and challenges. She is great to interview.

You can call her at 541 690 9751 or
e-mail: homemadeconfections.medford@yahoo.com

Judith Galindo, Owner

Homemade Confections

2010 Oregon Chocolate Festival Winner
2009 Oregon Chocolate Festival Winner

www.homemadeconfections.org

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where & What in the World

Charleston Cookies

Charleston Cookie a chocolate lovers delight
Charleston Cookie Company had a sweet surprise for me on our" IFWTWA 2010 Conference" cruise in the Caribbean recently. Returning to my stateroom after a late night of wine, stellar food and song I noticed the perfectly packaged cookie on my pillow tied with a bow and a note that said " Sweet dreams."

I'm addicted to chocolate but I am discerning. I pulled off the gold ribbon and took a small bite. The cookie was a soft chocolate sandwich of cake-like circles stuffed to it's edges with a ganache- type smooth chocolate filling. Although it was the wee hours, I immediately call the steward for a glass of milk. Somewhere in the south Atlantic near the Bahamas in my cozy Eurodam stateroom I sipped a cold glass of milk with a perfect cookie. Some things are just classics.Visit www.Charlestoncookie.com for product line and availability. Photo by Maralyn Hill.

Chocolate and More Chocolate

Chocolate is a new perk of travel writing.

The Tandem Tasters, Maralyn Hill and I, thoroughly enjoyed our autumn journeys along the wine trail in Southern Oregon with the International Food & Wine Travel Writer's Association. We tasted wine, cheese and, of course, delectable chocolate from some of Oregon's 20 plus chocolatiers.

Our enthusiasm for this part of the world, the people and the earth-friendly products led to many glowing articles about Oregon.

Our efforts have brought us back to the charming city of Ashland for the annual Oregon Chocolate Festival. This time as chocolate and pastry judges, as well as travel and food writers.

Some of the many perks of travel writing? Chocolate is good enough for us.

Culinarily yours,

Brenda C. Hill and Maralyn D. Hill
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association
The Tandem Tasters
Books By Hills
Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel; Success, Your Path to a Successful Book; Cooking Secrets the Why and How...; and Winner and Final Chairman.
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