Source  NCDA&CS, 2/15/10

Turning a small or part-time value-added food business into a full-time business is a big step, but a new marketing series is designed to help food entrepreneurs decide if it is a move that makes sense for them.

 “Food Marketing in the Real World” will take place April 20, “Making Media Work for Your Food Business” will be held Aug. 10, and “The Secrets of Marketing and Selling Success” will be held Nov. 16. The registration period will open Feb. 1 for the April 20 workshop, July 6 for the Aug. 10 event and Oct.11 for the Nov. 16 workshop.

Workshops are being hosted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Western N.C. Ag Center in Fletcher.

The workshops will cover a variety of topics, including creating a competitive advantage, understanding the difference between sales and marketing, knowing when to make the move from part-time to professional, marketing to food service and retail, and understanding the financial considerations of expanding a business.

Each workshop costs $30, which covers materials and lunch. The deadline for each workshop will be the week prior to the event date. Space is limited to 40 people, and interested participants are encouraged to register early once the registration period opens.

For a registration form for the April 20 workshop, go to www.ncagr.gov/markets/agbizmarketing.htm, or call Annette Dunlap in the NCDA&CS Marketing Division at (919) 733-7887.