Conde Cox
Conde first discovered the Rogue Valley in 2001 when he and his family relocated to Jacksonville from Austin Texas. He is currently a resident of Ashland: a foodie, organic food aficionado, wine snob and James Beard Award Nominee (for his wine writing). He is also a former wine writer and regular monthly columnist for Portland Monthly. As a volunteer, Conde is proud of his work as a clean air activist. He co-founded Rogue Valley Citizens for Clean Air which was organized in 2003 to successfully combat the Oregon DEQ’s pro-industrial polluter bias. At 68 years old, he is a 44-year business litigation lawyer (Austin, Portland, and Ashland). And, he is a 50-year golfer, an-ebike enthusiast and a devoted fly fisherman. Conde’s wife of 39 years, Trish Bowcock, is dedicated to the Rogue Valley with a history of her own. Conde is, and has always been, a big supporter of the Co-op. He currently serves on the Co-op’s Finance Committee. His service and experience on the Co-op Finance Committee largely explains his decision to run for the Board of Directors. Conde says, “being blessed with the opportunity to live anywhere in the world, Ashland is the best choice.”
Why do you want to serve as an AFC Board Director?
AFC is important for the Ashland community. It is also important for local organic growers and for local do-good/do-right organizations. And it is about to address important choices relating to a possible physical facility expansion.
What experience, education, training and/or skills make you particularly qualified to serve on the AFC Board of Directors?
I have served on the AFC Finance Committee over the last few months. I have worked with many organizations, as a lawyer and as a board member and as a committee member, evaluating expansion and financing options, which is now before the AFC board. I support in my everyday actions organic agriculture and AFC in particular. I have substantial legal and financial experience with various sized businesses.
What key opportunities do you think AFC faces?
AFC has a rare opportunity to address and to move forward with renovation/expansion choices, given its impressive and substantial recently accumulated available cash obtained through recent PPP loan forgiveness and ERC tax credit refunds.
What is your experience/history with natural and organic foods?
My spouse and I purchase and consume mostly organic foods. I have acted as legal counsel and as a longtime friend of many organic food growers. One of my oldest friends owns Rolling Hills Farm, a regular long-term supplier of organic peaches to AFC. I formerly lived in a house on that farm.
