Discover How to Promote Regional Flavors on Feb. 21

DONNELLSON, Iowa — Local community leaders, entrepreneurs and partners of Southeast Iowa’s local food system will learn strategies for regional branding, increasing agri-tourism opportunities and promoting local foods, arts and recreation  at the Great River Regional Flavors Discovery Day on Thursday, Feb. 21. The Discovery Day will be held at the Pilot Grove Savings Bank Community Room in Donnellson from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The Great River Region Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance Project is hosting along with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and other area organizations.
 
Event speakers have expertise in regional branding strategies for rural communities, marketing and merchandising for local food entrepreneurs, marketing strategies for agri-tourism and designing stakeholder partnerships within a region.  Leslie Schaller, Appalachian Center for Economic Networks; Marsha Laux, value added agriculture specialist, and Andy Larson, small farms specialist, with ISU Extension and Outreach, are presenters.
 
“These great speakers will share how other regions have had success with regional branding and how entrepreneurial networks in Southeast Iowa can use similar strategies to increase business and tourism, and showcase the resources of Southeast Iowa,” said Alex Merk, GRRETA program coordinator.
 
Registration is required for the event, and is available at www.grreta.org/events.html  or by calling 319-835-5116. The cost for attending is $20 and includes lunch.
 
The Great River Region Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance Project is supported by a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant to the Lee County Economic Development Group and collaborating organizations and chambers, small business and entrepreneurial development professionals, ISU Extension and Outreach, and local food system support networks from Lee, Henry, Louisa and Des Moines counties in southeast Iowa.

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