CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Direct Marketing Association, a group dedicated to expanding sales opportunities for agricultural producers in the Mountain State, will hold its annual conference Feb. 2-3 at the Ramada Inn in downtown Wheeling.
According to Cindy Martel, marketing specialist for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the sessions will be valuable for those already involved in agricultural marketing and those who may be looking for a little extra money over the course of a year.
“Some presenters will discuss ways existing producers can maximize their profit through better management of their resources and by finding the best method of selling their product when the time comes,” Martel said.
“Others will talk about new marketing opportunities, such as cultivating shiitake mushrooms or blueberries.”
Other events. In addition to the educational sessions, organizers have scheduled two preconference events – a tour of the Dickenson Longhorn Farm and a chance to watch a cheese making demonstration.
Awards will also be presented for outstanding new products and emerging companies, and silent and live auctions will be conducted to benefit the Youth Award and Scholarship Fund.
Registration. Conference registration fees are $95 prior to Jan. 21, or $105 after that date, and include a year’s membership in the association, all conference materials, Friday’s dinner and Saturday’s breakfast and lunch.
Student registration rates are $60 and $70. Single-day rates are also available at approximately half the full-conference rates. Hotel room rates will be $65 a night for conference participants.
For more information call Chris Welshans at 304-527-2030, Cindy Martel at 304-469-9738, or Bill Aiken at 304-472-2080.
