2007-’08 directory features 173 members’ products and services

HOLBROOK, NEB. (October 10, 2007)—With holiday shopping in mind, GROW Nebraska has just released the annual full-color GROW Book for 2007-2008, its largest directory to date, featuring 173 Nebraska entrepreneurs’ unique products, as well as a growing list of GROW Nebraska retail stores carrying the quality products. 

“The Book helps us alert consumers and wholesale buyers to the abundance of Nebraska-designed and created products,” said Janell Anderson Ehrke, GROW Nebraska founder and CEO. “By purposely and carefully building a unique entrepreneurial brand for Nebraska, we hope to pave the way for Nebraska becoming known as an important entrepreneurial haven and headquarters.” 

A national movement afoot is promoting locally-grown and -produced food products, and health and beauty products as being healthier and safer for people and the environment with the added advantage that business owners maintain personal oversight of their products.

“Couple this with the fact that the many non-food products, services and tourism attractions in the GROW Book feature quality, hand-crafted and personal touches that speak to the care and detail of Nebraska’s large network of artisans, crafts persons and professionals, and it becomes even more enjoyable and meaningful to ‘Buy Nebraska’ whenever, wherever, however and for whomever we can,” said Anderson Ehrke.

All proceeds go toward further marketing and promoting the organization’s services for its growing membership database.

The best way to fully enjoy the wide variety of available products is to visit one or more of the retail stores affiliated with GROW or carrying GROW members’ products.

Sharon Walde is the manager of GROW’s retail store, Nebraska Creations, in Norfolk’s Sunset Plaza. The 5,000-square-feet store, which opened September 1 next to Herberger’s, features a wide price range of products from more than 25 Nebraska entrepreneurs and will remain open through December 31—significantly longer than last year’s November-December season. Customers will be able to sample foods and personally meet entrepreneurs whose products are available for purchase. Walde, who credits her extended season to customers’ strong interest in locally-made products and services, hopes to eventually operate the store year-round.

A charter GROW member, Walde learned about opening and managing her store by participating in consignment experiences at the first GROW Kiosk in Lincoln’s Westfield Gateway Mall, and the GROW Nebraska General Store at the Nebraska State Fair. Her involvement, which resulted in many contacts and sales leads, eventually convinced her to open Nebraska Creations with Anderson Ehrke’s help and mentoring.

The newest GROW Store is located at Hilltop Mall in Kearney. Other retailers or shops carrying GROW Nebraska products can be found:

West Point—Style Plus

Since 1998, GROW Nebraska, a non-profit organization, has focused on maximizing Nebraska's entrepreneurial spirit and building Nebraska businesses globally by providing sustainable business environments through marketing, education, business-building services and access to markets.

To learn more about GROW Nebraska or Nebraska entrepreneurs, visit the Web site: www.grownebraska.com.