Hello!
It is wonderful to meet you!
I am Heidi Berkman — lover of people, making connections, supporting business and non-profit leaders, organic ideas, travel, flowers, champagne, letter-press stationery, fountain pens, knitting, needlepoint, and having fun while at work and home!
Let’s dream, plan and grow something extraordinary together!
With thirty-two years of hospitality, retail, marketing and non-profit experience, I have pursued my passion for thinking big and cultivating new ideas. My superpowers are best put to work through helping others solve challenges; by providing connections and solutions as well as inspiration for action.
If you would like help breathing life into your idea, event or business, I would love to get in touch.
For Work
Let’s meet for a cup of coffee, tea or a glass of something sparkly (like champagne) and talk about your ideas and how I can support you in your work or play. Whether you wish to focus on a specific topic; plan an event or initiative, I look forward to providing you and your team with encouragement and inspiration.
Professional Portfolio
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After several years of working within hotels and restaurants, I caught the hospitality bug and have always said it runs in my veins. This instilled in me a desire to design and create unique experiences in whatever setting or position I find myself in.
I have often wondered how the threads of my past experiences such as event planning, business ownership and founding a non-profit organization all tie together. The answer is: each has taught me how to work with a variety of individuals as well as teams in their contributions of time, treasure and talent as they make an impact in the communities we live and work within. It’s all about PEOPLE and there are so many wonderful opportunities to work and play as well as give back TOGETHER!!
While I never pursued a formal MBA degree, I believe that my willingness to take risks, think big and try new things led me to purchase, own and sell a business; create unique events for corporations and non-profit entities, culminating in founding and leading a non-profit organization.
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A non-profit that provided fresh flower bouquets, bringing beauty and joy to hospice patients and their caregivers. Over thirteen years, the organization donated close to 300,000 bouquets with over 136,000 volunteer hours. The organization was headquartered in Portland, Oregon with projects in Central Oregon (Bend) where founded and had affiliates in Sacramento and San Francisco.
As founder, I created partnerships (floral & hospice); recruited and trained volunteers (and later employees); raised awareness and funds to support the organization; served as Board President.
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Groundbreaking and grand opening events for Facebook (Meta) Data Center, Tetherow Resort, Suttera and other Central Oregon businesses (2008-2010)
Program Manager for Oregon State University in partnership with Cornell University - continuing education for hospitality professionals (2011-12)
Event Chair: Bend Venture Conference (2004-2010)
Director of Marketing, The Shops at The Old Mill District (2005-2007)
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Retail store selling hand-painted canvases, fibers and accessories. Finishing and framing services. Owned/operated with eight part-time employees and five independent contractors. Sold for profit to customer.
More to come!
Stay tuned for future events, workshops and experiences inspired by the things I love and my desire to share them with others in a meaningful way! Exciting new things are coming Fall 2023! Click the button below to receive the latest updates right in your inbox.
If you have an idea or concept you would like to explore in the meantime, please get in touch—we can brainstorm and throw spaghetti at the wall together on our way to making a plan!
For Fun
I grew up in Portland, Oregon and now split time between Lake Oswego and Bend, Oregon when not traveling elsewhere.
My family unit consists of a husband, mother, sister, bro-in-law and two nieces as well as extended family along the west coast. No fur babies at the moment, although a dog or two will join the family sometime in the future!
I get my energy from spending time with people, one-on-one as well as in a group!
During my free time, I enjoy:
Knitting
Needlepoint
Reading
Walking on a beach
Admiring a sunset
Early mornings with quiet and coffee
Toasting the day with a sparkling coupe of champagne
Trying new restaurants and hotels
Playing with flowers
What’s most important to me in the work I do and the time I give:
Working with/for people I respect and admire.
Staying curious and thinking big.
Helping others find the resources and solutions they need.
Being the best cheerleader while encouraging others in their endeavors.
Make a difference in the lives of others.
For Good
Philanthropy
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The Bloom Project (2007-2020)
Oregon Hospice & Palliative Care Association (2018)
The Brian Henninger Foundation (2005-2018)
Humane Society of Central Oregon (2006-2010)
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Honorary Council - Friends of Hopewell House (2022-present)
Opportunity Knocks Facilitator (2014)
Dove Lewis Westie Walk (1998-2018)
Bend Film (2003-2004)
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40 Under 40 (Cascade Business News - Bend, OR)
Edward E. Rosenbaum Hospice Life Award (Pacific NW Hospice Foundation)
“Heart, strategy, commitment, and excellence are all words that immediately come to mind when I think of Heidi. She is one of the few people I’ve known and worked with who can go from big strategy thinking to micro details, with systems and procedures in mind.
When Heidi commits to something, you can be assured she is ‘all in’ and will bring her best, whether she’s working with boards, leadership staff, volunteers, or managing across many groups inside (and outside) an organization.
Heidi is a connector and facilitator of ideas, strategies, and solutions. She is a true partner in whatever project is in front of her.”
Kathy Lynch Hostetler, Hostetler Group
Media Coverage
Slow Flowers Podcast: The Bloom Project’s Heidi Berkman and the healing influence of flowers
On the Dot Woman: Heidi Berkman: She’s Bringing Joy to Hospice Patients
Cascade Business News: Heidi Berkman, Founder of the Bloom Project
Portland Business Journal: Nonprofit remakes discarded blooms into beautiful bouquets for hospice
Let’s connect if you would like to:
✧ Start a new venture or effort!
✧ Brainstorm a solution and/or develop creative opportunities for your business or organization.
✧ Work together to create or strengthen the culture of your company or organization.
✧ Plan a unique event that is memorable and meaningful.
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