Workshops help farmers, others build relationships with buyers, community
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ALPENA -- Local farmers and other small business owners gained skills to help them better connect with their communities as the Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Project held its second workshop on Thursday.
"The interest and the attendance and the value that participants are getting out of these workshops has far exceeded our expectations," said Kristine Ranger, a learning and performance consultant with the Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Project. "It just demonstrates that there's a high need and a desire by these types of businesses to connect with their consumers and build their businesses."
The event was sponsored by the Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Project and funded by a risk management grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to Ranger, a component of the grant involved the Healthy Food Project holding three workshops that would assist farmers manage their risks.
The first workshop was held in February and the second one happened on Thursday.
Thursday's workshop was led by Tricia Phelps, the CEO of Taste the Local Difference, a marketing agency that specializes in promoting local produce throughout Michigan, and was about helping farmers tell their story and form a meaningful connection with buyers.
"This one was more geared toward telling your story, learning how to tell your story and make a connection with buyers and building your brand," said Ranger.
Ranger said the goal of the workshop series is to supply those who attend with the skills they need to develop and grow a customer base and interact with buyers directly.
"How do you develop loyal customers?" Ranger said. "Where do you find your customers? Why do they buy from you? It really comes back to making a connection with customers who share your same values."
The final workshop will happen April 19 and will consist of a morning session covering how to make a good first impression for your business and a mock meet-the-buyer section in the afternoon that will allow attendees to practice the skills that they have learned.
The workshop will be held at the Alpena County Library.