Director of Community Engagement, shares the Co-op's plans for expansion to Burlington's South End and ... Pay with cred
2016vsfafallmeeting.eventbrite.com
REGISTRATION & NETWORKING On the Trail to Find New Customers
Presented by Allyson Myers of Lake Champlain Chocolates
Tips for today’s trail map: How to find the right hiking partners (prospects), assess their fitness for the climb (qualification), set out on the trail (attempting the sale), get lost and frustrated on the trail (objections along the way), form a weekly climbing club (becoming their preferred partners, build loyalty and reach the summit! Gen Shift and the Vermont Brand
Presented by Jay Jacobowitz, Owner of Retail Insights
Are 17-year-olds driving changes in food culture? If you don’t think so, think again. Our youngest, Gen Z, first born in 1997, are the most ethnically diverse generation in our history, comfortable with global cuisine, and demanding high quality, fresh prepared foods. They will influence food choices Millennials make. Are you a Vermont food producer? Ever thought about how you can leverage the Vermont brand? Learn about rapid changes in food culture likely to affect Vermont retailers and the as-yet-untapped branding opportunity for Vermont food producers.
NETWORKING BREAK
Quick announcements by VSFA of new members & sponsors. Marketing the State of Vermont
Presented by Phil Totora & Steve Cook of the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing
Vermont Department of Tourism Deputy Commissioner Steven Cook and Communications Director Philip Tortora discuss their various strategies to promote the state and attract visitors to Vermont. From producing various digital marketing campaigns, the VermontVacation.com website and videos, to cooperative media buys and grant matching programs, to attaining earned and social media attention, they share insights on their department’s efforts to market Vermont’s attractions. New VSFA listserve
Presented by Heather Winther of Vermont Specialty Food Association
How to use our NEW VSFA Listserve to bring you closer to your fellow members, view past postings for relevant information and features that allow you to receive messages immediately or as a daily or weekly summary. Short demonstration of features followed by Q & A.
LUNCHEON
Cultivating Local Change: Growing the Vermont Co-op Culture
Presented by Allison Weinhagen of City Market
City Market in Burlington is one of the largest single store food co-ops in the United States in terms of sales and they’re expanding from one to three stores in the next year. Allison Weinhagen, City Market’s Director of Community Engagement, shares the Co-op’s plans for expansion to Burlington’s South End and Old North End. How does the Co-op support local farmers and food producers now? Allison will offer some stories of the Co-op’s Farmer and Producer Loan Program and increases in local food purchases through their Prepared Foods department. She’ll also share the Co-op’s vision for the future and increased support of Vermont’s local food system. SCORE, Small Business Advice for Growing
Presented by Michael Thompson, 8– year veteran of the SCORE Association
How experienced members of your local communities can help you start and grow your small business. During his 45 year career in business, Michael worked for several food processing companies and was responsible for the launch of Breton Crackers in the USA and 25 other countries around the World. His focus is on marketing and international sales development and he’ll use real examples from his own experience to explain how you can grow your business and your brand.
MORE CONTINUED ON BACK
Understanding the roles of Distribution and Brokers and how they can benefit growth
Presented by Aurise Randall of Associated Buyers & Rick Brown of Vermont Roots/Sales Authorizations, LLC Most small manufacturers start out selling directly to retailers. However, at some point, this becomes difficult to manage and can inhibit growth. Many larger retailers often suggest the help of a broker for sales and a distributor to handle orders, shipping and servicing. This discussion is meant to help understand roles, pros, cons and how it all works.
Show off your products! If you would like to share some of your product to be incorporated in the luncheon menu, breaks or 9 speaker gift bags, please let us know what the item is before Friday, October 21st by emailing
[email protected]. The venue will do its best to include them in the menu. Confirm if you will have your item sent to the VSFA offices no later than Friday, October 28th or brought directly to the venue. Please let us know if you are coming the night before (Monday, October 31st) and would like to join other VSFA members and guests that are arriving early for an informal dinner. Overnight accommodations are available at the Holiday Inn. To reserve a room, call the Holiday Inn directly by Friday, October 28th at (802) 863-6363. Special rates are available to VSFA guests, $109/night + tax.
TICKET TYPES:
$15 New Member (after 9/1/2016) - $35 Member - $50 Prospective Member COMPANY MAILING ADDRESS PHONE
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EMAIL FOR CONFIRMATION
ATTENDEE FULL NAME & TICKET TYPE ATTENDEE FULL NAME & TICKET TYPE ATTENDEE FULL NAME & TICKET TYPE Pay with credit card on Eventbrite or over the phone at (802) 839-1930 or mail this document & a check made out to VSFA to 148 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
