Ladies & Gentlemen, last night Market was open! We held Consumer Product Innovation & Locally Made Market where we showcased and highlighted different resources and ways to increase your products reach and scope, let's get into what you might've missed!
Ladies & Gentlemen, last night Market was open! We held Consumer Product Innovation & Locally Made Market where we showcased and highlighted different resources and ways to increase your products reach and scope, let’s get into what you might’ve missed!
The first session, Starting from Square One was a training program designed by Cortex Innovation Community to support early-stage and first-time business owners. The session, titled Fostering Growth Through Mentorship featured industry experts such as Issac Hardwrict, Marc Bowers, Michael Kehoe, and Tom Krenning, who shared their knowledge and experiences on building successful businesses. From culinary directors to business coaches, these speakers provided invaluable guidance on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Another engaging session was led by John Chen, President & Co-Founder of The Neighborhood Innovation, who discussed his work in the community and his successful advocacy for growing locally-owned businesses, particularly in Dutchtown. Chen’s insights shed light on the importance of supporting and nurturing local businesses, which play a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering vibrant communities.
Following that, we had Adrian Moore, Sr. Director of Merchandising Enablement & Supplier Diversity at Schnucks, host, Navigating Supplier Diversity at Schnucks. Where she offered valuable insights on entering the Schnucks market or expanding existing product lines. With her expertise, participants learned about crucial strategies and steps to connect with Schnucks, maximizing opportunities for growth and exposure within the market. Moore’s talk provided actionable guidance for businesses seeking to establish or enhance their presence in this prominent retail space.
A great introduction, to product and brand alignment was How To Create Your Aligned Product with Anna Ortiz-Aragon, Founder of Align with Anna, who emphasized the importance of product and brand alignment for businesses. She showcased how finding synergy between your products and the values and beliefs of your target audience can lead to greater success and customer loyalty. Attendees gained valuable insights on creating a strategic approach to product development that resonates with their target market.
One of the highlights of the event was the session titled CPG Tech Stack: Selling Products Online led by Erick Lutenegger and Ed Morrissey. They delved into the world of e-commerce and shared strategies for growing product-based companies in the digital age. With a focus on online selling, their session provided attendees with practical tips and tools to leverage technology and reach a wider customer base.
Lastly, Marc Bowers took center stage to host Makers Innovation – Creating St. Louis Makes in which he shared his experiences and insights in building a community of makers in St. Louis. With passion and enthusiasm, he delved into the challenges he encountered while kickstarting an ecosystem of creators and the strategies employed to overcome them. Attendees gained valuable knowledge on how to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and create a thriving community of makers.
As we wrap up this write-up, we are excited to announce our next gathering, #HEALINGSTL: Radical Solutions to Our Wicked Problems This upcoming event will bring together industry experts who will share innovative approaches and insights on tackling some of the biggest challenges faced by our community. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for more updates on this thought-provoking event that aims to create solutions and foster positive change.
