HOLBROOK, NEB. (March 19, 2009)-Because independent evaluation is valuable to product development, the GROW Nebraska marketing and training program is sponsoring a panel of industry experts to evaluate Nebraska-based products and provide technology training on April 16 and 17 in Hastings, Neb.

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 Nebraska CEO Janell Anderson Ehrke. "Producers gain valuable insight regarding their product's marketability, pricing and packaging, and their products consistently draw the attention of purchasing agents."

Several jurors will rate products on design, creativity, craftsmanship, price and overall impact. Jurors also may suggest possible improvements and marketing ideas.

The Product Evaluation is a training service 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 Product Evaluation brings Nebraska store owners to our jury pool. It is vitally important that we introduce them to the quality products made in our state," said Anderson Ehrke.

Thursday's agenda will include training sessions on Web site marketing-related topics, including Twitter, blogging, photography, higher search engine visibility, the three click principal, Front Page, Google Analytics, Web site resources, registering Web sites, reciprocal links, and online shopping carts.

The Friday session will include a luncheon with training on podcasting, online product descriptions, and Facebook. Sally Cohen from eGrowth Marketing will present a keynote address on search engine marketing.

The registration deadline is April 10. For more information, visit the GROW Nebraska Web site at www.grownebraska.org, call 1-888- GROWNEB (1-888-476-9632) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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 Web site at www.grownebraska.org.