Mystic Rhoads Productions The 2019 Russ’s Market Best Local Product Award

Mystic Rhoads Productions The 2019 Russ’s Market Best Local Product Award

by | Apr 15, 2019 | GROW Blog

Mystic Rhoads Productions

The 2019 Russ’s Market Best Local Product Award

Kearney, Neb. – Congratulations, Mystic Rhoads Productions! On April 3, 2019 at GROW Nebraska’s MarkeTech Conference, Adam Rhoads, from Mystic Rhoads Productions, accepted a trophy for the 2019 Russ’s Market Best Local Product Award. GROW Nebraska, an educational 501©3 nonprofit, and Russ’s Market teamed up to identify the best local company in the state, that sells products in its stores and excels in marketing and promoting that product.

This was the second year that the award was presented. In 2018, the first Russ’s Market Nebraska Best Local Product Award went to Cooper’s Best Flour, which manufactures all-whole-wheat pancake and biscuit mixes made from wheat milled in Nebraska.

 “After reviewing the list of Nebraska products, our category managers said Mystic Rhoads stood out,” said Marty Jarvis, Director of Marketing for Russ’s Market. “We look for the one who works the hardest to sell their product and who works the best with us. Do they work with our category managers and department directors? Do they do things to help the product sell? It’s not just one thing. We have worked well with Adam for years.”

Mystic Rhoads Productions came to life in 2003 through the efforts of two U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers serving rural communities in the great parish of Trelawny, Jamaica. During this stay, they gained an in-depth understanding of the people, culture, and environment of Jamaica. Their love for the area and desire to see it flourish was the motivation behind MRP’s creation. Now based in Lincoln, NE, MRP works to provide positive educational opportunities, healthy lifestyles and an appreciation of the natural environment to the communities it serves. From scholarships and school supplies to community gardens and volunteer support, MRP is dedicated to the simple task of improving the world. They’re no ordinary charitable organization. Yes, they rely on donations, grants and community support. But, they like to make things happen on their own too. That’s why they’ve created a line of products that funnel profits back to charitable causes. You buy, and they give. 100%.

Both GROW Nebraska and Russ’s Market are committed to helping develop Nebraska companies and promoting them. Russ’s Market is proud to be a Nebraska company. They started in Lincoln in 1964. This award fits perfectly with their Nebraska pride and heritage.

“GROW Nebraska is thrilled that Russ’s Market stores selected Mystic Rhoads as the 2019 Best Nebraska Local Product,” said CEO, Janell Anderson Ehrke. “Working with Adam and his team is a pleasure and they represent the true spirit of a Nebraska Entrepreneurial business that gives back to the community. Russ’s Market and their commitment to helping smaller local businesses is also a great example of being a great Nebraska company that is driven to help build our economy.”

Russ’s Market has been a member of GROW Nebraska since 2009. B&R Stores, Inc., was founded in 1964 by Russ Raybould. During the past 55 years, the company has grown to include 20 stores under several banners including Russ’s Market, Super Saver, and Apple Market located in Nebraska and Iowa.

GROW Nebraska is a nonprofit membership organization, serving over 400 Nebraska small businesses. The organization provides market access, education, and training to launch and connect Nebraska businesses to the global marketplace. GROW Nebraska’s educational programs and scholarship opportunities are funded in part by federal and state funding, along with generous support from foundations and individual donors.

Back by Popular Demand: A Google Trainer Returns to MarkeTech

Back by Popular Demand: A Google Trainer Returns to MarkeTech

by | Mar 20, 2019 | GROW Blog, MarkeTech Conference 2019

Back by Popular Demand: A Google Trainer Returns to MarkeTech

In the fast-changing world of social media and technology, it can be hard to keep up with the latest and greatest methods for reaching customers and making sales.

GROW Nebraska is here to help with the 2019 MarkeTech Conference on Wednesday, April 3, at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

Facebook and Google Advertising, SEO, boosting business with LinkedIn, cybersecurity and voice-activated search (like Amazon Alexa) are just a few of the topics that will be presented by professionals from Nebraska and across North America at this premier marketing and technology conference.

Keynote speaker Amanda Bond will travel to central Nebraska all the way from Canada to share her secrets for converting Facebook fans into customers. She has helped clients successfully create multi-million dollar product launches using Facebook ads. At MarkeTech, she will explain how to create revenue using both organic (non-paid) and paid methods.

 

Back by popular demand will be presentations from Google. Dave Meyer of Minnesota, a speaker with the Grow with Google program, will explain how customers find businesses online and how businesses can promote their online presence using a free business listing, search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and online advertising. He will also discuss how Google Analytics and Google Trends can help businesses.

Meyer will also present “Using Data to Drive Growth,” which will give marketers tools to help understand customer behavior online. He will teach attendees how to identify business goals and incorporate data into a marketing plan.

Meyer has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications and has presented digital marketing topics to thousands of people across the United States and Canada. His company, BizzyWeb, helps hundreds of clients Generate Buzz Without Getting Stung!

In addition to these national speakers, Nebraska professionals will present workshops as well:

  • Kelly Medwick, EVP of Business Development for Firespring in Lincoln, will present “5 Ways to Optimize Your Online Messages for Voice Search.” Her presentation will help attendees learn how voice search is changing the digital landscape, examine SEO/keyword strategy and develop a plan to implement easy, quick changes.

 

  • Brent Pohlman, CEO of Midwest Laboratories in Omaha, will present “How LinkedIn Can Work For You and Provide You With a Huge ROI.”

 

  • Ryan Kulhanek, owner of Interactive 360 Virtual Tours based in Minden, will discuss “Web Presence, Google and Multimedia.” His presentation is intended for anyone who is interested in increasing website traffic or business awareness through images and multimedia content.

 

  • Blake Peshek, owner of Provident Promotions in Hastings, will share tips for video and multi-media marketing strategies. He will explain how to create video content that is appealing to your target audience, how to convert viewers into customers and how to build a personal and professional brand through video.

 

  • Kelley Peterson, video president and nonprofit creative director for KidGlov, will discuss “Brandraising – How to Channel Marketing’s Rule of Seven.” She will share how to use a combination of indirect and direct communication channels to advance your brand and bring in dollars.

 

  • Todd Herges, Client Services Advocate at Intellicom in Kearney, will present CyberSecurity 101.

 

There is still time to register for MarkeTech. Early bird pricing has been extended until March 23. Register and see a full conference agenda at https://marketechconference.com/

Are Poor Images Holding Back Your Business?

Are Poor Images Holding Back Your Business?

by | Mar 19, 2019 | GROW Blog, MarkeTech Conference 2019

Are Poor Images Holding Back Your Business?

Do you have a great product or service but can’t figure out why sales are slow?

The problem could be poor quality marketing images or a lack of images on your Google presence.

Ryan Kulhanek, owner of Interactive 360 Virtual Tours based in Minden, will present “Web Presence, Google and Multimedia” at one of the break-out sessions at GROW Nebraska’s MarkeTech conference on Wednesday, April 3.

“Lots of small businesses may be good at what they do, but they take their marketing images for granted,” Ryan said.

View Conference Agenda >

His presentation is intended for anyone who is interested in increasing website traffic or business awareness through images and multimedia content. He said quality images and photos should be a top priority, not an afterthought.

Ryan specializes in creating 360-degree multimedia tours for business promotion. He has traveled across the state and country creating 360 images for hospitals, colleges, fitness clubs, hotels, museums, resorts and sporting venues. See examples on his business website (http://interactive360tours.com/)

Many of his clients are large businesses, but Ryan said he has a passion for helping small business owners as well. After all, he is one, too. Ryan started two businesses right out of college and is still growing both of them. His other business is Rockit Event Pros, which rents inflatables, climbing walls and other adventure equipment for community and business events.

At MarkeTech, Ryan will share tips and resources for creating professional-quality images on Google and Google Street View. Ryan said statistics show that Google listings with quality images are viewed longer and more often than those without.

Ryan will conclude his presentation with a Q & A session to promote discussion and ideas from other business owners attending.

The early-bird registration deadline for MarkeTech is March 23. Now is a great time to join GROW Nebraska to receive the best conference rate of $49 for GROW Nebraska members and $199 for non-members. The price increases to $149 for members and $299 for non-members after March 23. Register here.

Register for MarkeTech

Registration Open for Premier Marketing & Technology Conference

Registration Open for Premier Marketing & Technology Conference

by | Jan 31, 2019 | GROW Blog

Registration Open for Premier Marketing & Technology Conference

The premier marketing and technology conference is coming to Kearney again this April.

GROW Nebraska’s MarkeTech conference features the latest information on trends in social media, digital marketing, cybersecurity and more. The event takes place Wed., April 3, at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney and is open to business owners, marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, media and others interested in learning about marketing and technology.

MarkeTech draws hundreds of attendees each year from Nebraska and surrounding states.

This year’s keynote speaker is Facebook advertising guru Amanda Bond. She will share her secrets for converting Facebook fans into customers. Amanda, who is from Canada, owns the The Ad Strategist and is the creator of The StrADedy System. Entrepreneur Magazine calls her a “Facebook advertising genius” due to her unique mix of creativity and her vast analytical experience—from analyzing hundreds of millions of client ad impressions.

The MarketTech conference also features booths with a vast array of information and resources for small and large businesses, such as insurance, banking and loans and website development.

Register Now

Registration for MarketTech is now open, and early bird discounted pricing is available until March 3. Now is a great time to join GROW Nebraska to receive the best conference rate.

  • The conference price is $49 for GROW Nebraska members and $199 for non-members. The price increases to $149 for members and $299 for non-members after March 3.

The fee includes full conference registration, continental breakfast and lunch, three breakout sessions, two keynote speakers, conference swag and VIP After-Party Access at McCue’s Nebraska Taproom.

Register at https://marketechconference.com/registration/