04/17/2026
With thanks to for covering the story of Finnriver‘s continued effort to rebound from pandemic impacts, to make good on our mission, and to continue connecting people to the land that sustains us! I (Crystie) got quoted using the word ‘absurd’ about our mission, in the midst of my interview. I hope from context it was clear to everyone that what I was really trying to say was that as a profoundly mission driven endeavor, there are a lot of challenges reconciling the economic constraints and bottom line realities with the aspiration to center care for community and planet. There’s been enormous heart at work in the forming of Finnriver; nothing about that is absurd!
With special appreciation to Finnriver CEO Amanda Oborne, who’s helped us navigate a founders’ transition through complex times and is working tirelessly to help Finnriver stay grounded and growing well. In any story about Finnriver, it’s critical to honor the role of the incredible crew of people who show up every day to make this place. Here’s some of Amanda‘s words about that:
“Finnriver is its people. A place like this doesn’t emerge from a business plan. It becomes what it is through the accumulated life energy of everyone who has shown up, season after season, to pour drinks and pour themselves into the work.
I think of Andrew Byers, who has been part of Finnriver for 13 years and is now a co-owner. That kind of sustained commitment is what transforms a farm and a brand into something that actually belongs to a community. Andrew is one of many who have woven their care, creativity, and craft into what Finnriver is.
Of course a place is never just its founders, leadership or mission statement. It’s the conversations at the bar, the knowledge passed between harvests, the institutional memory carried by people who stay. Every person who has worked here, volunteered, shown up with their family — you are Finnriver too! Thank you to all who visit, work, create, dance, farm or write (thanks to Scott and The Beacon for the interest!) at/about Finnriver.”
You can read the Beacon story at: www.jeffcobeacon.com/finnriver-stays-true-to-its-absurd-mission-through-bumpy-times/
