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10. Growing Your Business 1 day Conference On November 2, 2007 the MSU Product Center will host its first conference on entrepreneurship and innovation for the food, agriculture, and natural resources business community at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. Titled "Growing Your Business", the conference will feature keynote speaker Barry Moltz, author of the popular book, You Need to be a Little Crazy - the Truth About Starting and Growing Your Business. Concurrent breakout sessions throughout the day will allow participants to focus on one of four specialty tracks (entrepreneurship, marketing, food products, bioeconomy). Exhibits and demonstrations during lunch are designed to encourage networking and to celebrate entrepreneurs and their successes. The day concludes with a panel discussion by state leaders on the status and future of the agricultural economy. We anticipate 250-300 participants from across the state which will bring agri-entreprenuers, Product Center partners, government representatives, and University colleagues together for a day focused on growing Michigan's economy. The event also marks the 5 year anniversary of the Center. Please review the attached brochure for more information or visit our website: www.productcenter.msu.edu/conference <http://www.productcenter.msu.edu/conference> . Registration is by mail or fax only. Deadline for the early registration discount is October 15th. Seating is limited to 300 so register early! We hope to see you on November 2nd! Karen Sproul Coordinator - External Partners MSU Product Center for ANR 101 Farrall Hall East Lansing, MI 48824-1324 Tel: (517) 432-8751 Fax: (517) 432-8756 E-mail: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> www.productcenter.msu.edu <http://www.productcenter.msu.edu/> Below is the agenda for the day; We hope that you attend if interested.Friday, November 2, 2007 7:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Kellogg Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 7:30 -8:30 Continental Breakfast and Registration 8:30-8:45 Welcome Remarks - President Lou Anna Simon (invited) 8:45-9:45 Keynote Speaker: Barry Moltz You Need to be a Little Crazy: The Truth About Starting and Growing Your Business 9:45-10:00 Break 10:00-11:00 Concurrent Session 1 1. Marketing 2. Bioeconomy 3. Food 4. Business 11:00-11:15 Break 11:15-12:15 Concurrent Session 2 1. Marketing 2. Bioeconomy 3. Food 4. Business 12:15-1:30 Networking Lunch and Exhibitor Display 1:30-1:45 Awards Recognition 2:00-3:00 Concurrent Session 3 1. Marketing 2. Bioeconomy 3. Food 4. Business 3:00 -3:15 Break 3:15-4:30 The Entrepreneurial Future for Michigan's Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Chris Peterson, Director, MSU Product Center and Nowlin Chair for Consumer-Responsive Agriculture Panel Discussion featuring: David Hollister, President and CEO, Prima Civitas, Tim Young, President/Chef, Food For Thought, and Dick VandeVusse, President, Ag Solutions, Inc. 4:30-4:45 Conference Conclusion CONCURRENT WORKSHOP SESSIONS 10:00-11:00 Concurrent Session 1 Track 1 Marketing Major Market Trends Facing the Agri-Food System Dr. William Knudson, Product Center, Product Marketing Economist Family size, disposable income, an aging population, rising obesity, and ethnic diversity are just a few of the factors affecting the food system. This workshop will discuss the market trends that are shaping the future of the agri-food system. Track 2 Bioeconomy What's New in the Bioeconomy? Dr. Steve Pueppke, Director, MSU Office of Biobased Technologies One of the leading experts in Michigan will discuss what the bioeconomy means to our state and what the future might look like as we move ahead using renewable resources as a source for energy, chemicals and manufacturing materials. Track 3 Food Basics of Food Processing Dr. Kirk Dolan, MSU Food Science and Human Nutrition; Cathy Martin, Michigan Department of Agriculture Gain an understanding of the importance of proper food processing, the rationale for each technique in regard to food safety, and the responsibilities of the food processor. Track 4 Business Resources for Entrepreneurs Representatives from MDA, SBTDC, and the MSU Law Clinic The most challenging part of owning your own business is finding the expertise you need to break down barriers. This panel discussion of industry experts will help participants recognize where to go for help. 11:15-12:15 Concurrent Session 2 Track 1 Marketing New Product Development and Market Ideas Dr. Getachew Abate, Product Center, Product Market Analyst; Mike Score, Product Center Counselor Learn about product development trends in the food and beverage sectors, both in the global marketplace and in the U.S. using market research tools such as Mintel and the Global New Product Database. Track 2 Bioeconomy The Story of Cellulosic Ethanol Dr. Venkatesh Balan, MSU Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Learn the science and potential of ethanol produced from this intriguing renewable resource. Track 3 Food Ins and Outs of Food Commercialization Dr. Janice Harte, MSU Food Science and Human Nutrition; Dr. Bruce Harte, MSU School of Packaging Taking a recipe from your kitchen to commercial production is a challenge. Learn about standardized formulation and how packaging plays a role in food integrity, safety and marketing. Track 4 Business The Business Survival Toolkit: What Should be in Yours? Barry Moltz, Business Coach, Angel Investor, and Serial Entrepreneur Successful entrepreneurs must rely on teamwork, a sales culture, and an analysis of timely financial records. Learn more about this and Barry's top 10 list of essentials every thriving new business must have. Compare this to what's currently in your own business survival kit. 2:00-3:00 Concurrent Session 3 Track 1 Marketing MarketMaker - A New Way to Find Customers Dar Knipe, University of Illinois Be among the first to learn about an interactive website that is coming to Michigan which will connect food producers, distributors, buyers and sellers to their specific consumer markets. Geographic mapping plus demographic data help focus marketing efforts to consumers who are most likely to use your product. Track 2 Bioeconomy On-Farm Alternative Energy Systems Dr. Lynn Hamilton, MSU Department of Agricultural Economics & Mark Seamon, Product Center Counselor Learn about the business opportunities in these two key areas which can support economic development and help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Track 3 Food All Foods Are Not Created Equal Representatives from USDA, MDA, MSU Food Science and Human Nutrition Learn from a panel of experts about the special considerations required during food processing of meat, dairy and fruit/vegetable products. Product trends, licensing and regulations will also be highlighted. Track 4 Business Entrepreneurial Networks Dan Wyant, President & CEO Edward Lowe Foundation Successful entrepreneurs know the importance of building a team and relying on others. Consider strategies for creating your own social network and hear some of the lessons learned from the programs offered by the Edward Lowe Foundation, known for their support of stage 2 companies. Growing your business Featuring Nationally Recognized Author and Speaker Barry Moltz Author of "You Need to be a Little Crazy: The Truth about Starting and Growing Your Business" 12 In-depth workshops on: Marketing The Emerging Bioeconomy Food Business Sponsored by The MSU Product Center Presents Come celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit! Discount for early registration before October 15, 2007 80 Agriculture Hall Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer If you areNov. 2nd, 2007 Growing your business - Registration Form Friday, November 2, 2007, 7:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Michigan State University Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI 48824 Fees and Payment Early registration: $95 per person by October 15, 2007 $80 per additional person from same company Late registration October 16, 2007 - October 29, 2007 $125 per person (no discount for additional attendees from same company) Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and complimentary CD of all the speakers' presentations. Three ways to register: o Mail form with check, payable to MSU. Mailing address: Nancy Creed MSU Product Center 202 Agriculture Hall Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Mail form with credit card information. Fax form with credit card information. Fax number: 517-432-1800 Attn: Nancy Creed Credit card information: o VISA o MasterCard o American Express Card number:__________________________________ Expiration Date:__________ Name as it appears on card: _____________________________ Special needs: If you have any special access or dietary requirements or any other special needs, please indicate here. ________________________________________________________________________ _________ ________________________________________________________________________ _________ You are encouraged to bring business cards to take advantage of the valuable networking opportunities. For more information Phone: (517) 432-4608 Email: [log in to unmask] Web: www.productcenter.msu.edu/conference.htm Attendee Information Name____________________________________________________________________ __ Company name (if applicable) _____________________________________________________ Street__________________________________________________________________ City________________________________ State__________________ Zip______________________ Phone_______________________________Email___________________________ Additional participant(s) from the same company: Name_______________________________ Name___________________________ Phone______________________________ Phone___________________________ Email______________________________ Email___________________________ Cancellations: Registration fees will be refunded, less a 20% administrative fee, if cancellation is received by October 30th. To assist us in allocating space, please check which sessions you plan to attend in the appropriate Track. It in no way obligates you to attend only those sessions checked. LODGING: If overnight accommodations are required, please contact the Kellogg Center Hotel and Conference Center directly at: 517-432-4000. A block of rooms has been reserved at a special rate under the name "Product Center Growing Your Business Conference" for the night of November 1st. Prices range from $89 to $109/night plus tax. This block must be reserved by Oct 2. How will entrepreneurship shape the future of Michigan's Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Businesses? This engaging topic will be addressed in two ways during the conference's final session. Product Center Director, Chris Peterson will present scenarios for Michigan's entrepreneurial future. Then a panel of industry leaders will respond with their own visions of Michigan's future. David Hollister, President and CEO, Prima Civitas Foundation, will give an entrepreneurial support organization's view; DickVandeVusse, President, Ag Solutions, Inc., will give a bioeconomy entrepreneur's view; and Tim Young, President/Chef, Food For Thought, will give an agri-food entrepreneur's perspective. For more information Phone: (517) 432-4608 Email: [log in to unmask] www.productcenter.msu.edu/conference.htm The MSU Product Center was established in 2003 by Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, and MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Project GREEEN provides major funding. The Product Center is a unit of the Department of Agricultural Economics. Product Center Mission We create networks of resources and we deliver services to support the development of new ventures, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurial communities. We strive to spark business innovation and economic development in agriculture, food and natural resources through collaboration, knowledge and best practices. Vicki Morrone Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist Michigan State University C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems 303 Natural Resources Bldg. East Lansing, MI 48824 517-353-3542 517-282-3557 (cell) 517-353-3834 (fax) For information on organic agriuclture produciton please visit: http://www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu/ P Please consider the environment before printing this email If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html