Get a recipe for success in the food industry from West Virginia University Extension Service and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Business and food safety experts from across the state will offer classes as part of a two-day workshop on Tuesday, April 17, and Wednesday, April 18, at the WVU State Fair Building in Fairlea, W.Va.

“We want to teach people how to maximize their profits and successfully operate a business,” said Litha Sivanandan, WVU Extension food safety and preservation specialist. “This workshop can help prepare you for the hurdles, legal and otherwise, that new and potential business owners might face.”

Topics will include everything from developing a business plan and applying for loans, to determining prices, registering trademarks and buying insurance. Certifications, inspections, labeling requirements, responding to emergencies and marketing will also be covered.

Classes are geared toward business owners, producers, farmers, micro- and home-based businesses, farmers’ market vendors, restaurateurs.

Participants will also learn about resources like the WVU Business Incubator, which provides guidance in areas such as accounting, marketing and web development.

The program is being sponsored by the Greenbrier County Community Educational Outreach Service, in full partnership with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the WVU Extension Service and the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.

The workshop is intended for business owners, producers and farmers, micro and home-based businesses, food vendors, restaurateurs, farmers market vendors, and Extension educators. The fee for the two-day program is $50.

For registration and more information, contact Kay Davis at 304-647-7408, kay.davis@mail.wvu.edu; or Beth Fluharty at 304-293-8588, beth.fluharty@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

mb 4/2/12

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Communications
Office: 304-293-8735, Cell: 304-376-1829, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

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