HOLBROOK, NEB. (October 24, 2005)—Members who participated in this year’s GROW State Fair Store gained new appreciation for running the store from set-up to take down. In addition to selling their products to a wide-reaching market, they gained firsthand experience in displaying products, making credit card transactions, and networking with other GROW members.

“When there were only a few members, I could set up the displays and run the store on my own,” said GROW Nebraska CEO and Founder Janell Anderson-Ehrke. “But now that it’s reached 200, we need every person to become more involved in our projects. In turn, members are reaping the rewards of learning and growing beyond the single opportunity of selling more products.”

Ehrke turned to several long-time and rookie GROW members for their help with displaying products in a cohesive design that didn’t emphasize individual vendors.

Rosemary Thomas of Rosemary’s Porcelain Art has displayed her hand-painted wares since the first GROW Nebraska State Fair Store opened in 2003.

This year, she set-up her own display for the first time and mentored other GROW members.

“I met people who had never displayed before and didn’t know all that was involved in the set-up process,” Thomas said. She personally talked with each member about the best locations for their products.

Carla Voss of Seven Pines Crafts helped Thomas decide where items should be go. In addition to displaying her own products, she also helped arrange products for members who couldn’t come.

“It was neat to take a clutter of products and build a display in two days. I’ve never worked so hard in my life,” Voss said. “I think it’s great for so many people to be involved. I feel like I’m really helping the organization. The more people, the more variety, and the better we can all be.”

While it was Kristine Houston’s second year for selling her Cryin’ Creek Candles at the State Fair, she was new to displaying them.

“I’d never set up my own products before,” Houston said. “which was quite a learning experience.”

James Gustafson of Purjava agreed that the State Fair Store experience was highly valuable.

“You aren’t going to get that kind of exposure for that investment anywhere,” Gustafson said. Because he worked at the store, Gustafson was able to network with other GROW members and discover mutual contacts.

(Although GROW members receive emails about the success of other members, they often don’t have the opportunity to meet face to face because they are so spread across Nebraska.)

Another project that incorporated practical experience is the 2005-2006 Buy GROW Nebraska Gift Guide. The publication represents 140 member businesses and is available just in time for the holiday season.

Participating members not only got involved with the guide’s marketing opportunity, but also learned about digital photography, copy writing, and layout.

Several GROW members collaborated with Nebraska Digital of Lincoln which offered them a special discount price.

“This was the first time that some members had ever worked with a professional photographer,” Ehrke said, “and they seemed very pleased with the results.”

Members who took their own digital photos learned about resolution, lighting, and product placement.

“Some members wanted to photograph all of their products, but we encouraged them to feature just one because simplicity is so much better when advertising through photos,” Ehrke said.

Members were emailed information about basic digital photography, as well as specific requirements for print-quality photos. Each photo was then checked for quality and resolution by Erin Duffy, GROW Nebraska web master and art director.

Catalog Coordinator Kristi Bose worked with members to hone copy- writing skills and make the guide a true advertising piece, not just a directory.

“Writing ad copy is difficult because you have to say so much with a limited number of words,” Bose said. They received grammar lessons, discussed the value of listing prices, and worked with a limited list of words to create an attractive publication.

GROW members also chose the layout. Nebraska Life Magazine’s Senior Designer Camille Kirchhoff created two layouts, which GROW members viewed and voted on.

Ehrke is pleased with the direction the organization is moving. “GROW Nebraska’s goal has always been to help entrepreneurs and businesses ‘GROW’ their businesses and reach new markets in whatever ways we can,” Ehrke said.

A program of Central Plains Foundation Inc., GROW Nebraska helps maximize the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and build Nebraska businesses globally by providing sustainable business environments through marketing, education, business building services, and accessing markets.

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, cell: 308-962-6767,

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