There will be an organizational meeting for the West Virginia Made Association on Friday evening, Sept 10, 2010 at Lakeview Resort, Morgantown from 6:30-7:30 following the first day of the WV Made Trade Show. All interested persons are invited to attend. (Lakeview Resort is located a few miles east of Morgantown off Exit 10, I-79)
The WV Made Association is forming to create sustainability and provide management for an annual trade show for WV artists/craftsmen/food producers. We are planning for the WV Made Trade Show to grow to be a viable and vibrant venue for WV producers to reach wholesale markets; we hope it will be the first of many. (See About Us below)
In order for this to happen it is now time for the people most likely to benefit to become involved and embrace the idea making it truly a people’s organization. If you are interested in seeing this type of event continue, please attend this organizational meeting.
For more information contact Martha Ballman with Preservation Alliance at info@pawv.org or call 304-345-6005. Visit the Association website at www.wvmade.org or find us on Facebook search "West Virginia Made".
West Virginia Made: an association of producers of fine crafts and specialty food products and the organization, students and individuals who appreciate and support this creative industry.
About us: West Virginia artists and gourmet food producers have requested support to establish a trade association with component website and wholesale trade show. West Virginia Made Association began as a joint effort between West Virginia State University and West Virginia Preservation Alliance. Tamarack Foundation has joined the collaboration in providing training and support services.
While many volunteer-based local organizations exist, there is no statewide association meeting the business needs of full-time artists and producers.
Mission: We envision a grass roots association that will bring professional networking and support services to producers of fine crafts and specialty food items throughout West Virginia. Within this vision we hope to:
· Establish a wholesale trade show to provide an exciting new venue for artists and producers to sell their work to retailers.
· Provide an association website that will help members connect with opportunities to wholesale their work in retail outlets within or outside of West Virginia.
· Develop member services to enhance business skills including workshops and webinars. Possible topics include marketing, pricing, merchandising, product development, and various other networking opportunities.
Member Services:
· Membership includes placement on the association website with a photo and description of the member’s work and a link to the member’s business website.
· Opportunity to participate in association events including shows, exhibits and workshops.
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