Sisters-based Laird Superfood is a dynamic health-based company with big dreams and the energy to make them happen. Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Luan Pham worked with Jeanette Pilak, the executive director of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) to craft a creative and unconventional sponsorship.

In keeping with Laird’s innovative thinking, they are inviting quilters to compete in the Laird Superfood Sport of Quilting Challenge. Pham describes Laird Superfood as an “energy company,” with products that deliver energy sustainment to optimize coffee, tea, and food.

Seeing the quilting community in an athletic light may seem like a stretch, but Pham understands that endurance and concentration are key ingredients in creating and finishing a well-crafted quilt.

“Quilting is time-consuming and arduous,” said Pham. “It requires creativity, time, and talent. We recognize that beyond world-class athletes, quilters need energy as well. It allows them to be more focused. We want to be part of that story. We like being in areas that are unexpected, but once people think about it, they can see that it makes perfect sense.”

Contestants are invited to interpret symbols and logos that present Laird Superfood to the world and how they relate to the Sport of Quilting. Laird Superfood provides clean, nutrient-dense products for optimal performance and healthy living.

The 2019 Sport of Quilting Challenge is open to all quilters. Submissions must include designs that incorporate the Laird shaka symbol, which embodies themes and elements critical to the Laird brand. Though there is no literal translation or meaning for the shaka sign, it is most commonly used to convey the aloha spirit as a hand signal of greeting or thanks.

The challenge was originally introduced on April 28 for a June 2018 deadline. The response from interested quilters was overwhelmingly positive, but they needed more time to respond to this creative endeavor.

Quilt registration for next year’s contest is due on May 1, 2019. Registration will open on the SOQS website (sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org) on February 1, 2019. Complete contest criteria are available on the website.

Pham is looking forward to a long-term relationship with the quilt show and the entire Sisters community.

“The SOQS is such a huge event in Sisters. We want to be part of the festivities and conversation. The contest takes everything that embodies Laird product benefits, which promote good health. Our company focuses on optimal performance through healthy living. We see a place in the quilting world too.”

Currently Laird Superfood has 70 employees working in Sisters. Plans are for that number to climb dramatically. Two new factories are in production, with a third opening in 2019.

“We bought property adjacent to the current factory and plan to grow and employ up to 300 to 500 people within five years,” said Pham. “Our vision is to grow the company through local power. We plan to make the company a global player in the natural food space. We’re growing local to go global.”