ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 14, 2008

PRIDE OF DAKOTA SLATES FIRST ANNUAL MEETING

BISMARCK – The first Pride of Dakota annual meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, at the Doublewood Inn, 1400 E. Interchange Ave., Bismarck.

“Pride of Dakota has now grown to more than 430 member companies,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson. “The annual meeting will give them an opportunity to network, to learn more about the Pride of Dakota program and to participate in educational programs.”

The meeting opens with presentations on the 2008-09 Pride of Dakota marketing plan, new Pride of Dakota programs, and financial assistance for member companies.

Following lunch, participants can choose among informational sessions on patents and trademarks; working with the media, booth displays and product pricing.

Also during the afternoon, experienced business professionals will be available for one-on-one consulting sessions dealing with printed sales materials, website critique, and product packaging and labeling.

Authorized by the Legislature and administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Pride of Dakota program fosters the development and growth of small businesses and especially businesses that are farm-based or rely on agricultural commodities. Pride of Dakota member companies can participate in cooperative promotion and marketing events; receive representation at local, state, regional, national, and international trade shows and educational opportunities.

More information about Pride of Dakota is available by contacting Sara Kelsch at (701) 328-4766 or sakelsch@nd.gov.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.