Marketing Updates
This page was designed to help keep you informed on WPVGA’s promotional activities that benefit our members. If you would like additional information on any of these marketing initiatives, please contact Tim Feit, WPVGA’s Director of Promotions & Consumer Education, at tfeit@wisconsinpotatoes.com.
October 2008
Welcome to Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association's quarterly marketing update! New marketing initiatives are producing measurable results! Your investment in the WPVGA is working to enhance and further the goals of every Wisconsin potato and vegetable grower, shipper, and processor. If you would like additional information on any of these marketing initiatives, please contact Mr. Tim Feit, WPVGA's Director of Promotions & Consumer Education, at tfeit@wisconsinpotatoes.com.
New Executive Director Joins WPVGA! Duane W. Maatz of Grand Forks, North Dakota has been named the new Executive Director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. Maatz began his new position with WPVGA on September 29th.
"I am happy and honored to accept the responsibility of leading the WPVGA as Executive Director," said Maatz. "There are many things to look forward to including a good staff, strong research programming, and a good base of growers and industry supporters. It's an exciting time to be a part of the Wisconsin potato industry, with many new challenges and opportunities. I look forward to working with all of the WPVGA members to advance the interests of Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers."
Produce Buyer Direct Mail Program Kicks Off! The first mailing to Produce Buyers was mailed in early September and featured a dancing cake to celebrate WPVGA's 60th birthday. The September mailing was the first in a series of nine mailings that culminates with the spring drawing for the "Wisconsin Spudster," a customized Harley-Davidson Sportster®. New this year is the addition of an interactive 'scratch and win' instant prize element to the Produce Buyer promotion being used to create additional excitement and word-of-mouth buzz throughout the promotion. Instant prizes include department store gift cards and gas cards.
PMA Fresh Summit - October 24-27, 2008 in Orlando. The new Wisconsin Spudster will be unveiled at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit in Orlando, Florida. Also being presented for the first time to trade show attendees will be the newly created Healthy Grown® shipper display with biodegradable tray packs, and the newly redesigned retail potato bin. This new bin includes the Potatoes, Goodness Unearthed industry logo and that replaces the Get the Skinny on the Healthy Potato retail bin.
New Healthy Grown® Brochure Nearing Completion. After much collaboration with statewide growers of Healthy Grown® potatoes, it was identified that they needed a new tool to help educate consumers on the health benefits and stringent "green" growing practices that are necessary to earn this very special Protected Harvest Certification. A new consumer-focused Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Potato brochure will ready for distribution in late October. If you would like copies of the new Healthy Grown® brochure, please contact the WPVGA office.
Event Updates. Visit the WPVGA Web site for more information on events.
October 7
Associate Division Meeting
WPS, Plover, 10:00 a.m., contact WPVGA (715) 623-7683
October 16
Promotion Committee Meeting
Elizabeth Inn, Plover, 1:00 p.m., contact WPVGA (715) 623-7683
October 22
WPVGA Board Meeting
Elizabeth Inn, Plover, 2:30 p.m., contact WPVGA (715) 623-7683
November 5-6 (Tentative)
Potato Research Summit
Location TBD
November 12
Auxiliary Meeting
Green Mill, Mosinee, 11:00 a.m., contact WPVGA (715) 623-7683
Mark Your Calendar to Attend!
February 3-5, 2009
Grower Education Conference
Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, contact WPVGA (715) 623-7683
Recent Media Releases That Have Generated Great Press for WPVGA. They Include these press releases:
• New Executive Director Joins WPVGA
• Wisconsin’s Potato Harvest Update
• Wisconsin Potatoes Are Hot Stuff at State Fair!
• Potatoes Are a Great Food Value –Stretching Dollars
• Announcement of 2008 Wisconsin Spudster Winner
Did You Know? Additional WPVGA press releases and national USPB industry news can be easily accessed on the Web site, by going to www.wisconsinpotatoes.com. See below on how to gain press for your business, farming operations, and consumer products.
Auxilliary Bakes Their Way Through Wisconsin State Fair! The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary booth that is run by a dedicated group of 36 volunteers had a very successful event again this year. State Fair volunteers include family members and friends of Wisconsin Potato producers.
The Auxiliary added two new features this year – a potato-eating contest and fun cutouts of "Super Spud" and friends at the booth! During the 10-day event, Auxiliary members served over 60,000 baked potatoes to hungry fair-goers.
Proceeds from the Wisconsin State Fair baked potato sales continue to support the Auxiliary's efforts to provide educational resources to Wisconsin schools as well as promote the nutritional benefits of healthy Wisconsin-grown potatoes.
USPB Kicks Off "Peel Back" Campaign. The USPB has launched a national print advertising campaign as part of its continued effort to educate consumers about the nutritional benefits of potatoes.
Get Great Press Exposure for Your Business by Sharing Photos and Stories! Help build our press library by sharing photos of your farming operations, production facilities, and staff members with WPVGA's marketing firm, Van De Yacht & Associates. Currently, the Agency is looking for photos to use on the new Web site, to accompany press releases, and to be used on future promotional materials. Help us continue to gain great media coverage for your business and the WPVGA by sharing interesting story ideas with our PR firm and gain exposure for your operation too! Contact Mr. Keith DuPuis, at keith@vandeyacht.com for more information or to submit photos. Photo credits must be provided to the Agency with all photo submissions. Photo releases must accompany all photos featuring people in the shot. Please contact the Agency for release forms.
