AgMap is an online directory of Pennsylvania’s agricultural producers for use by customers, farmers and local businesses. AgMap was developed by Penn State University and
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to promote agricultural enterprises in Pennsylvania.
AgMap provides a free webpage for each business to list
a description, post photographs or logos, and make a list of the products they sell. The products automatically get entered into a database. The database allows customers (retail or wholesale) to search for the products within a county or geographical area. For example, a customer might enter “Hanging Baskets” in “Erie” County and find a list of
all AgMap registered businesses that sell hanging baskets in Erie County. Once the customer selects a business, they can go to the business’ AgMap webpage, and a map will help them find the business!
Do you already have a website? One of the great features of AgMap is that it allows you to make a link between your AgMap page and your own website! Look at AgMap as another way for customers to find you!
So, how can you get on the Map? All that you need is a computer with internet access. Go to http://agmap.psu.edu and easily set up an account. Then you can write a business description and even add photographs or logos of your company!
AgMap’s other features include free classified ads, easy access to Penn State Publications, recent Ag-related newspaper articles and tools to monitor the number of hits that your page receives. AgMap even has a direct marketing tool. Customers who visit your page can subscribe by entering their email address, and then you can send newsletters, sales notices or coupons to the customers by email.
PENNSYLVANIA PREFERRED® MARKETING TOOLS
By now, many of you have heard or seen advertisements for the Pennsylvania Preferred® Program, but do you know how it applies to your business? The program, available through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, helps to pro-mote all Pennsylvania agricultural businesses including green industry products. The program actively markets the Pennsylvania Preferred® brand to increase consumer recognition through printed ads, billboard, and radio and television commercials. Greenhouse and nursery products can carry the Pennsylvania Preferred® label if they meet the criteria outlined on the Pennsylvania Preferred® website. Likewise, garden centers, nurseries and farm markets can be licensed in their entirety if they meet the criteria. Like AgMap, Pennsylvania Preferred® provides an online search directory to help consumers find your business. JoAnna Gresham of the PDA said, “Our website has received more than 500,000 hits in a month during peak periods, so being searchable on our online database is quite a benefit!”
The Pennsylvania Preferred® program can provide the advantage of branding. Many green industry businesses are following the trend to develop their own branding, but for many businesses, developing and printing labels and signs with company branding may be cost prohibitive. The state-wide promoted Pennsylvania Preferred® brand represents high quality standards, a commitment to Pennsylvania farmers and, most importantly, plant materials that were selected and grown to thrive in Pennsylvania soil and weather conditions. Like other branding, the Pennsylvania Preferred® brand gives your nursery products and displays a look of organization and uniformity. Only persons or businesses that have applied, are approved and have signed a licensee agreement can use the Pennsylvania Preferred® logo; membership is free. Pennsylvania Preferred® members can take advantage of free POP (Point Of Purchase) materials, including price cards, stickers, plant tags, banners and more. You can learn more about joining Pennsylvania Preferred® at www.papreferred.com.
BRUSH UP ON BUSINESS SKILLS FOR FREE!
Often people start in the ornamental production business because they love working with their hands, nurturing the plants and watching them grow. While loving our jobs and taking pride in what we grow is what gives us satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, selling and managing are what will secure the continuity of our business. The Pennsylvania Preferred® website features links to two resources for free, online courses for the small business owner in many business skill development areas. You can find the links at the bottom of the Pennsylvania Preferred® homepage, www.papreferred.com. Click on the statement: PA Preferred Member Resources: Free Online Marketing Courses. Follow the link and you will be taken to
a page with two more links: The Pennsylvania Institute for Food Marketing Education and Research (PIFMER) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Both sites contain free online, self-paced courses. They are available 24/7, so you can take advantage of them on snowy days at 1:00 p.m. or on sleepless nights at 3:00 a.m. One note, because of the animated technology of the online presentations, DSL or faster internet service is recommended.
• The PIFMER website is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and is focused primarily on food crops, although the courses may be interesting to any business owner. Course titles include: Introduction to Foundations of Marketing, Entering International Markets, Food Security Risk Assessment and more. See the complete course listing at http://pifmer.org/education/course.php.
• The SBDC website contains courses and tools for small business owners in any type of enterprise. The extensive course categories include: Accounting, Finance, Small Business Tax, Legal, Marketing, Sales, Operations and Management and many more. Each category includes many course offerings at several skill levels including beginner (SmallBizU) and two intermediate levels (Virtual Advisor). The lessons contain animated slides and are audio-narrated. To keep it interesting and provide a little practice, many lessons include interactive case studies.
The site also includes tools to develop your business plan, strategic plan or disaster plan, as well as online consultation services. Access the SBDC courses at http://kutztownsbdc.org/course_listing.asp.
The Kutztown SBDC is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and cosponsored by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
