‘Hyper-localism’ topic at UPEI’s Local Market Challenge, February 5
Students in UPEI's executive-style Master of Business Administration program will explore the topic ‘hyper-localism' at the third annual Local Marketing Challenge, Saturday, February 5 from 9 am-1 pm at Don and Marion McDougall Hall in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium.
The Local Marketing Challenge is the final project of the Marketing Management course in the MBA Program.
'Hyper-localism' refers to the emerging consumer trend known as the local market. During the event, student groups will present marketing plans for a local market opportunity that they have identified. In past years, the challenge focused on local food, but this year the topic range has been broadened to include any product or service that is targeted at the local PEI market.
Tim Carroll, associate professor at the UPEI School of Business, says, 'In marketing, we teach that businesses should follow consumer preferences instead of doing what they want to do. If local goods and services are a consumer preference, it really has the potential to change our market system.'
Seven student teams have been working diligently to identify their local market opportunities-some are strictly conceptual while others are actually in the developmental stage with local businesses. Presentations will include: Comfort Zone: A natural insect repellent; PEI Fresh Express: An online grocer; Cultural Catering: Ethnic food catering; Urban Beehives-Beekeeping; Fresh@Home: Full service food supply and delivery; Outfront Screens: Window and door screens; and North Cape Locally Grown Organic Baby Food.
All are welcome to attend the presentations and view displays from 'buy local' organizations such as Dairy Farmers of PEI, PEI Potato Board, Island Abbey Foods, Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce, PEI Business Development, and Department of Agriculture. From 11:00 to 11:30 am, ADL will host a "local food" break featuring its award-winning local cheeses and milk.
For more information, contact Grace McCourt at (902) 566-6474 or email mba@upei.ca.
Launched in September 2008, the executive-style MBA program allows students to pursue their graduate studies while they continue to work. It uses an integrated approach, peer-to-peer learning and an emphasis on developing global perspectives to prepare graduates to act as leaders and innovators in the changing business environment.
