The 2009 North Carolina Seafood Marketing Workshop was held Feb. 3 and 4 at the NOAA National Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research in Beaufort. The workshop focused on helping North Carolina fishermen and seafood dealers to better understand customers and to diversify marketing techniques. The event was  a mix of short presentations and case studies focused on consumer preferences, seafood branding, free marketing opportunities, and the importance of building and maintaining business-to-business and business-to-client relationships.

Day 1

• Seafood Consumption: National and Local Preferences, Barry Nash, NC Sea Grant
• Marketing Changes in North Carolina Wild-Caught Seafood, Dr. Scott Crosson, DMF Socioeconomics Program
• Methods of Establishing and Maintaining Connections to Customers and the Importance of Business Partnerships, Dr. Rob Handfield, NC State University

Day 2

• Using the Internet to Identify Local and Regional Seafood Consumers, Sara Mirabilio, NC Sea Grant
• Developing a Brand Identity for your Seafood Business, Barry Nash, NC Sea Grant
• Advertising Free on the Web, Sara Mirabilio, NC Sea Grant (Direct Marketing Tools handout)
• Financial Analysis of your Business Idea, Brian Efland, NC Sea Grant (cost formulation; balance sheet; break even analysis)
• “Freshness from NC Waters” Marketing Assistance Program, William Small