Welcome to Skagit County

March 6, 2002

MARKETING FOR NEW CONSUMERS" WORKSHOP OFFERED TO COMMERCIAL FARMERS BY WSU/SKAGIT COUNTY EXTENSION AND SKAGITONIANS TO PRESERVE FARMLAND

SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County farmers will have the opportunity to participate in a one-day workshop entitled, "Marketing for the New Consumer," sponsored by WSU/Skagit County Extension and Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, March 13, 2002 at the CottonTree Inn in Mount Vernon.

"This workshop is designed to provide growers in Skagit County with new information about consumers, buying preferences, trends in marketing, product and brand development and to create an opportunity for exchange of information and ideas among farmers, market leaders, educators, and industry supporters," said Dyvon Havens, WSU/Skagit County Extension Agent.

Speakers include Laurie Demeritt, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Hartman Group of Bellevue, a firm specializing in research, consulting and marketing. She holds an MBA in Marketing and Environmental Management from the University of Washington. Her topic is "Profiling the New Consumer."

Bill Shepard, of Mind Garden Group of Anacortes will discuss developing markets and brands for the new consumer. His experience includes serving as director of marketing for brands including Chex cereals and Bumblebee Seafoods. Past positions include vice president of marketing for Cascadian Farms and COO for Fantastic Foods, and co-founder of Eco Terra Earth Friendly Foods.

The workshop starts at 7:30 a.m. and includes a lunch and discussion session. The registration fee is $10, which includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Dyvon Havens at (360) 428-4270 or Bob Rose at (360)336-3974.

For further information contact: Dyvon Havens
WSU/Skagit County Extension Agent
(360)428-4270