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. 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]
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

 

 

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/

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