At a time when online shopping is dominating the retail experience, how can we make sure that local producers are not left behind and are able to access new markets, beyond their online reach? Adding to the challenge, small-batch makers, and even the larger manufacturing community, don’t always deal directly with consumers–even though more consumers want to learn about the companies behind their products.

But we are seeing an encouraging trend: retailers are acting as gatekeepers to communities of small-batch producers and larger, legacy manufacturers. Retail businesses can give consumers access to locally produced goods, and put consumers in touch with the people and companies that make them.

In this webinar, we will hear from two organizations that are working to connect consumers to place-based makers and manufacturers: Unbox Advantage and Central Coop. Both organizations are building socially-conscious companies that creatively showcase local producers. Each will discuss how, as retailers, they can champion and support local production businesses by being a vital part of the manufacturing and consumer supply chain. These companies are working to help rebrand their cities as places where local companies can thrive and grow:

• Unbox Advantage was created as a subscription box that celebrates the products, businesses, and events that make Akron unique. Their boxes are designed to inspire Akronites to shop at Akron-owned and operated small businesses, to share the locally-made products that they love, and to get out and enjoy local events in their city. It also prepares business-to-business boxes.
• Central Coop is a Seattle-based grocery cooperative that follows the solidarity model: it is democratically owned and operated by consumers and employees. They work to stock their shelves with over 400 local products, sourced from throughout Washington State. They recently concluded a study on the effects of their work supporting local producers, and will discuss its findings during this webinar.

Topics will include:

• How do you connect with local producers to make sure the relationship benefits both you and them?
• How did your organization come to identify the opportunity around working with local producers?
• How do you “sell” local producers’ stories to consumers? What tactics work the best, and what is challenging about it?
• Who are other gatekeepers for makers and manufacturers who can help them access new markets?

Our presenters will include:

• Susanna Schultz, Marketing Director of Central Coop – Seattle WA
• Chris Horne, Founder of Unbox Advantage – Akron, OH

Program will be facilitated by Erin Nelson, Executive Director of Seattle Good Business Network.