Artisan Craft Distilling

Berle “Rusty” Figgins, Jr., an experienced viticulturist, winemaker and master distiller, was educated at home and abroad.  After receiving an education in viticulture and enology in Australia, Mr. Figgins served a successful career in the wine business here in his native Washington, and is noted for being the first to introduce Syrah to his hometown of Walla Walla and make wine from it at a commercial winery.  After earning his Diploma of Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in London, he used his knowledge to establish licensed distilleries in Mattawa and Ellensburg.  His company, The Ellensburg Distillery, produces award-winning brandy from Grant County-grown grapes and also whisky from malted barley and other local grains.  He is mentoring on several new start-up distillery projects and he is convinced that small-batch, hand-crafted spirits may become the “next big thing” in beverage alcohol production.  A consummate artisan, Figgins is a passionate lecturer on the subject of craft-distilled spirits and he recently won the Best Spirit trophy from a leading competition, the NorthWest Wine and Spirits Summit.

Deanna Burnett Keener is employed by Green River Community College as the Director of Small Business Assistance Center program for South King County.  She is a cum laude graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, and the Puget Sound Leadership Institute. Deanna won the State Star Award from SBA in 2003 for outstanding accomplishments in developing jobs and growing entrepreneurs for the region.  She is a certified instructor for the highly acclaimed NXlevel curriculum for both standard practice businesses and the growing segment of value added businesses within the agricultural community. Deanna has partnered with WSU Small Farms, Puget Sound Fresh, and WSDA to grow market share for local sustainable farms and to find funding and grants to support their objectives. Deanna and her husband Brian are owners of Spyder Lake Winery in Edgewood, Washington and are currently looking to expand their operations.

Deanna has been an active member of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, serving as an Ambassador for four years and on the Board of Directors for three.  Deanna is currently on the board of 21 Acres a sustainable nonprofit organization providing education and sustainable farm practices in Woodinville Washington.  Deanna was appointed to the Fairgrounds Advisory Board by the King County Council to support development of the properties and sits on the White River Valley Historic Museum Board.

Prior to joining Green River Community College Deanna was employed by Sterling Savings Bank, where she won the  Banker of the Year awards three years times.  She attributes her commitment to community service to the role modeling of Mayor Peter B. Lewis, former Vice President and Manager Sterling Savings Bank, Auburn.  Deanna is a life time resident of the Auburn Valley. She is dedicated to seeing the community grow in directions that support a strong economy and a quality of life that reflects family values.

Kirk is a skilled business advisor and business educator who helps business owners gain insight into their marketing, numbers, and operational processes.
He received his degree in Public Administration from the University of Hawaii. He has experience as a business banker and is a Certified Business Advisor with the Auburn Small Business Assistance Center.
Since 2001 the Small Business Assistance Center has assisted over 2,500 businesses, helped create or save over 500 jobs, and helped businesses in our area secure over $62 million in funding.
Areas of Specialization:
Business Startup, Business Funding, Marketing Strategy & Development, Financial Analysis & Strategy, Operational Process Improvement