According to the 2002 United States Department of Agriculture Census, Indiana had 3,205 farm with direct sales valued at $17,968,000. That's a lot of carrots!

Recognizing that sellers and direct-to-consumer producers need to seek new ways to market their farm products, Purdue Extension and the Purdue New Ventures Team put together "Marketing Made Easy," a day-long seminar to assist them in creating a successful marketing plan.


When: March 18, 2008, from 9-4


Where: Marshall County Extension Office in Plymouth, Indiana


Cost: $20; additional members from the same operation or family are $10. Cost includes handouts, refreshments, and Indiana Resource Guide for Agritourism


Schedule:
8:30-9:00  Registration

Program: It Begins with You
9:00-9:15  Welcome and introductions
9:15-9:30  Marketing 101: What is it, really?
9:30-9:45  Creating your Marketing Action Plan
9:45-10:30  Locally Grown...Organic...Why Buys What? 
                    By Kris Parker, Purdue Extension Educator in Economic and Community Development, Porter County
10:30-11:00  Break
11:00-11:15  Creating your Elevator Statement
                      By Kelly Easterday, Purdue Extension Educator in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kosciusko County

Program: A Promotional Campaign that Results in Sales
11:15-12:15  Garden of Image
                      By Lisa Munniksma, freelance writer and marketing consultant
12:15-1:00  Lunch
1:00-2:00  Build Better Buzz: Word of mouth marketing
                  By Lisa Munniksma, freelance writer and marketing consultant
2:00-2:15  Break
2:15-2:30  Indiana Market Maker program
2:30-3:30  Where are you Going and How will you get There?
                  By Jennifer Dennis, Purdue Extension, via IP video
3:30  Review your Marketing Action Plan


Check out full details and registration info in the Marketing Made Easy brochure.


Registrations are due by March 12! Contact Kelly Easterday at 574-372-2340 or keasterday@purdue.edu.