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4th Annual Buy Michigan Now Fest
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Conference Creates Big Opportunities

by Lisa Diggs

Imagine getting the opportunity to spend quality time with your fellow entrepreneurs, learn from industry experts, and market your products to grocers from throughout Michigan. Now imagine all of that rolled up in one day and you have Making It In Michigan, a conference produced by the MSU Product Center, taking place in Lansing on October 26, 2010.

 
For those not familiar with the MSU Product Center, it is an incredible resource for entrepreneurs looking to develop and commercialize high value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture and natural resource sectors. Whether your business is up and running, or still an idea in your head, the counselors at the Product Center can help you take your vision further by tapping into the vast expertise available at Michigan State University.
 
For example, if you have a product in mind, but aren’t sure how to commercially produce it. If you’re not certain you have enough of an understanding of food safety and the laws surrounding it, they can help.  Perhaps your issue is creating accurate nutritional labels, gaining a clearer understanding of available distribution channels, or good old fashioned marketing.  The MSU Product Center has a bevy of experts ready to help strengthen your business and our economy.
 
For the third year in a row, they are taking that expertise out to business owners at this conference and marketplace.  The conference portion includes several learning opportunities. The educational sessions cover strategies in recipe expansion, choosing the right co-packer, improving overall food safety, marketing and finding the ideal customer for your product.  
 
Meanwhile the marketplace is a trade show area with exhibition booth space available. The idea is to give entrepreneurs a chance to get to know one another and look for collaborative opportunities, as well as to market their products or services. 
 
This event has grown over the years.  The first trade show had 30 vendors, and this year organizers hope to have 150 all showing Michigan’s diversity of products. To make the marketplace even more productive, this year they have connected with the Michigan Grocers Association who will hold their conference on the same day, same location and use the trade show as the afternoon activity for members to find new products for their stores.
 
According to event organizer, Matt Birbeck “Our show is becoming a great opportunity for Michigan food businesses to connect with buyers around the state looking for Michigan products and solving their localization programs. If you are looking to be on a retail shelf then this is the day for you.”
 
The event takes place October 26th at:
Lansing Center
333 E. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI  48933
Phone: 517-483-7400
 
I’ll be there, and I hope you will too.  To learn more, register as an attendee, or become an exhibitor, visit www.makingitinmichigan.msu.edu.
 

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