Fabulous News for February

GROW Vine Newsletter
February 2014

Introducing... GROWNebraska.org!

MarkeTECH Sponsors GROW Nebraska is constantly encouraging its members to keep their websites fresh and updated. This month we are proudly introducing our new website as we practice what we preach, following our own recommendation about websites. The new website is mobile compatible and will soon house all entities of GROW Nebraska's online platform. Designed by Auburn teenager, Brent Comstock, the innovative site will be easier to navigate.

Visit GROWNebraska.org Here >>

Read More Here >>

eCommerce Success - JB's Fatboy

MarkeTECH Sponsors JB's Fat Boy, Lincoln, NE has become an overnight sensation on the social media platform Reddit. Through an online posting, they've been contacted by 27,000+ potential new customers for free samples, and news stations have contacted them with interest in the story.

JB's Fat Boy also recently learned they have been selected by online eCommerce giant Amazon to become an official vendor. Erin Malzer, Chief Marketing Officer said, "While we've been selling for over a year on Amazon through GROW Nebraska, we are excited to now become an official Amazon vendor."

Part of the GROW Nebraska eCommerce growth platform includes the opportunity for members to participate in online stores as a way to create additional national and international markets. In 2013 over 88% of the sales in the GROW Nebraska online stores were from outside Nebraska helping to strengthen local businesses and the state's economy. Currently GROW Nebraska offers eCommerce through online stores with BuyNebraska.com, eBay and Amazon.

Read More Here >>

2014 GROW Nebraska Trainings

MarkeTECH Sponsors Need help understanding eCommerce or want to know more about marketing? These and other topics will be highlights of GROW Nebraska trainings during 2014.

February 19 -The first training of the statewide series is open to the public and will be Wednesday, February 19 in Nebraska City during Entrepreneurship Week. Limited seating still available. For more information or to register, click here.

February 20 – Lunch and Learn Call – noon CST – Topic Professional Labels for Your Product – this event is open to the public – for more information, click here.

March 20 - GROW Nebraska's State Capitol Open House 1:30 – 4:00 pm in Room 1023 of the State Capitol – this event is open to the public.

June 11 - Western Nebraska MarkeTECH workshop. Watch for more updates.

August 13 - Central Nebraska MarkeTECH workshop. Watch for more updates.

Nov. 19th - Northeast Nebraska MarkeTECH workshop. Watch for more updates.

If your community or organization would like to sponsor a training in your area, please contact us at info@grownebraska.org.

Thanks for Investing in Nebraska Business!

Sponsors make many of the educational and business assistance programs of GROW Nebraska possible. Their support reduces fees participating members pay to attend seminars and workshops, helps market GROW Nebraska programs, and allows the program to continue to innovate to meet member needs. We are very thankful for the ongoing support received from entities like the Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Rural Enterprise Assistance Program (REAP), Nebraska Tourism Commission, and Nebraska Public Power District. For a full list of sponsors please click here.

This month we are proud to welcome new sponsor Omaha Public Power District.

If you or your organization are interested in investing in Nebraska entrepreneurs, please contact us at info@grownebraska.org.

The Best Deals - GROW Getter

For this week's GROW Getter, you can save big on Hilger's Agri-Natural Popcorn! For a limited time only, buy six bags of hulless popcorn and get two free. Deal ends at midnight on February 20.

Buy Now >>

Want to get the inside scoop on upcoming deals? Like GROW Nebraska on Facebook here!

Which Road Will You Take?

Check out this month's video "Which Road Will You Take?" As part of GROW Nebraska's ongoing educational focus, videos are prepared periodically featuring topics of interest and member stories. See the full selection here.

Learn More >>

Dr. Oz Brings Sales for GROW Member

When Dr. Oz talks, America listens. That's good news for Grain Place Foods in Marquette, Nebraska. One of the many products produced by Grain Place Foods is Hulled Barley, and Dr. Oz recently educated his viewers on this product. You can read more about the health benefits of hulled barley here.

This has led to a spike in sales for Grain Place Foods because they were proactive in listing their products on GROW Nebraska's eCommerce site, eBay and Amazon stores. Over 450 orders have been received on GROW Nebraska's Amazon and eBay stores for Grain Place Foods since the show aired! You can get in on the action too.

Buy Hulled Barley >>

Lunch & Learn

The "Lunch and Learn" series is a great way to expand your business knowledge without even leaving your desk. You simply call in and listen to the presentation with a time allotted for questions at the end. This month's topic is Professional Labels for Your Product. Presenter John Rood from Nebraska Digital will walk through what you need to know to get professional, printed labels. Don't think you can afford them? Think again! Join us to learn more. The Lunch and Learn series is open to the public. You will need to register to receive the call-in information. Lunch and Learn calls are held the third Thursday of each month.

Register Now >>

Welcome New Members

GROW Nebraska is a membership-based organization and truly values the current 300+ members. Some members use GROW Nebraska programs to launch independently successful ventures. Many other members have continued to participate in the GROW services for five years or more. There are even some charter members who have been members for the fifteen years GROW Nebraska has been in existence.

GROW Nebraska would like to welcome these new members from January. Be sure to learn more about them and our other members by visiting our web site.

GROW Nebraska is committed to sustainable business practices. Please print only when necessary, and recycle.

GROW Nebraska's Mission is to create sustainable economic development by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through promotion, market access and education.

GROW Members: Please feel free to share the GROW E-News with colleagues, peers, and others who may not be familiar with GROW and its services.