Media Advisory: Making It in Michigan 2009
11/6/09
Contact: Sara Long
517-432-1555, ext. 170
November 11, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing
The third annual Making It in Michigan Conference is hosted by the Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center. Founded in 2003, the MSU Product Center helps Michigan entrepreneurs develop and commercialize high-value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture, natural resources and bioeconomy sectors. The center’s statewide network of innovation counselors provides business counseling support to Michigan residents interested in starting or expanding a business or product line.
So far this year alone, the MSU Product Center has provided business counsel to more than 500 clients through a statewide network of innovation counselors and has served a role in helping to launch 29 new Michigan business ventures. Twenty-four new jobs can be linked to these 29 new businesses, and another 85 jobs have been saved. Together, these 29 new businesses have generated close to $28 million in capital investment and put more than $186 million into the state’s economy.
9 a.m. MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (MSU) PRODUCT CENTER PRESENTS INNOVATION AWARDS
The following awards will be presented:
9:45 a.m. WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT
Keynote speaker A. Elizabeth Sloan, president of Sloan Trends, Inc., a California-based consulting firm that offers trend-tracking predictions, strategic counsel and business-building ideas for food product, supplement and food service industries, will provide insight on food trends. The consumer and product trends columnist for Food Technology magazine and trends editor for Flavor & the Menu magazine, will present “Nifty Niches and Very Big Ideas for New Consumer Products,” which will cover the latest in consumer trends and new product introductions from around the world.
Note to media: Sloan will be available on-site for interviews.
Noon to 4 p.m. MARKETPLACE SPECIALTY FOOD TRADE SHOW
The Marketplace specialty food trade show will feature 70 aspiring entrepreneurs who will be showcasing their new food products and offering free samples to buyers and conference-goers. Food buyers from across the state have been invited to meet with the vendors between 10 a.m. and noon (by invitation only, but media may attend).
Note to media: Food entrepreneurs and MSU Product Center innovation counselors will be available on-site for interviews. Click here for the names of vendors available for pre-conference interviews. anrcom.msu.edu/press/110109/110609_medialist.htm
1:15 p.m. L & L AWARDS TWO LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTS SHELF SPACE
L&L Food Centers will announce the two Michigan food product winners to receive coveted shelf space in their eight mid-Michigan grocery stores.
Note to media: An L&L representative will be available on-site for interviews.
For media assistance prior to the show, contact Eileen Gianiodis or Sara Long at (517) 432-1555, ext. 177 and ext. 170, respectively.
For media assistance during the show, contact Eileen Gianiodis at (517) 242-4753.
#sl#