Nebraska products critiqued for quality

HOLBROOK, NEB. (March 29, 2006) – Independent evaluation is a valuable part of product development. The GROW Nebraska marketing and training program is convening a panel of industry experts to evaluate Nebraska-based products for marketability and quality on Friday, April 21, in Holbrook, Nebraska.

The event is open to all Nebraska businesses.

“This event targets business-owners who want to market and sell products made or designed in Nebraska,” said GROW Director Janell Anderson Ehrke. “Producers gain valuable insight regarding their product’s marketability, price and packaging, and evaluated products consistently draw the attention of purchasing agents.”

The Product Evaluation analyzes marketability, originality, pricing and packaging. Five jurors will rate each and every product on design, creativity, craftsmanship, price and overall impact. The jurors also may suggest possible improvements and marketing ideas.

Jurors for the April 21 event include Tami Krueger of Scheels Corporation, Omaha, Neb; Linda Shaw of L Shaw Gallery, Kearney, Neb; Kathy Neil of Art on the Farm, Cozad, Neb., and other jurors to be announced. GROW Nebraska member Alison Osborne of Ali-O Jewelry, Hastings, Neb., will serve as a peer juror. Tory Duncan of LIPS Printing Service, Kearney, Neb., will assess labeling and packaging.

“The Product Evaluation brings Nebraska storeowners to our jury pool. It is vitally important that we introduce them to the quality products made in our state,” said Anderson Ehrke.

The day will include a luncheon, open to members and non-members, with training on “Adding e-Commerce to your Web Site”. Jeff Reynolds, co-director of the Rural Enterprise Assistance Project will present a keynote address on “Improving Rural Business Success.”

The Product Evaluation is required for business-owners who want to participate in GROW Nebraska markets or retail events. Producers are not present in the room during the evaluation so that jurors can candidly assess all products.

The sign-up deadline is April 17. To receive a Product Evaluation Packet, call 1-888- GROWNEB (1-888-475-9632), or email Janell Anderson Ehrke at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

You also can download a Product Evaluation packet and training agenda at

http://www.growneb.com/jury/home.php.

A program of Central Plains Foundation Inc., GROW Nebraska helps maximize the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and build the global reputation of Nebraska businesses by providing sustainable business environments through business-building marketing and education. To learn more about GROW Nebraska or Nebraska entrepreneurs and businesses, visit the GROW website at: www.grownebraska.com.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janell Anderson Ehrke at 888-476-9632