North Carolina Offers Food Businesses a Lesson in Social Media

For most agribusinesses, a “tweet” usually comes from a chicken coop. At the July 28 seminar “Making Media Work for Your Food Business,” however, North Carolina food companies are invited to learn how new media tools such as Twitter and Facebook can improve business.

The workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Donald W. Eaddy Building at 4300 Reedy Creek Road. The training and networking event is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Marketing Division.

The seminar will cover a variety of marketing and public relations topics, including social networking, Web site building, traditional and new media relations, event promotion and the legalities of online food marketing. Scheduled speakers include Tom Price, who helped promote regional radio celebrities John Boy and Billy’s grilling sauces, and Kipp Bodnar, a Raleigh-based public relations executive who specializes in social media marketing.

“As a farmer, I’ve seen agriculture grow and change in response to new research and technology advances, and the Internet has become a valuable communication tool for agribusinesses,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Any North Carolina food company wanting to expand its marketing plan and grow its business will find something useful at this event.”

Cost is $35, which includes breakfast, lunch and workshop materials, but early registration forms postmarked by July 1 can take advantage of a discounted fee of $30. Space is limited to 40 people. The workshop agenda and registration form are available online at www.ncagr.gov/markets, or by calling Annette Dunlap at 919-733-7887. Registration deadline is July 21.