Positive Outcomes Of College/Industry Partnerships

Acknowledgements The students and instructors of Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC) acknowledge the support and encouragement of the staff of Lakota Foods. Without their willingness to supply products and vital company information this marketing plan would not have been possible.

NICC Mission The Nebraska Indian Community College provides quality higher education and lifelong educational opportunities for Umo n ho n (Omaha), Isanti (Santee Sioux) and other learners.

Vision Components NICC is envisioned as a comprehensive Tribal College. The college is distinctive in serving diverse people. The identity of the college is framed by a substantive commitment to multicultural learning.

Project Demographics Instructors: Don Torgerson, MA, Don Bad Moccasin Long distant learning (VTC) Nine students Major Course Objective: Develop a Marketing Plan

Class Marketing Objectives Course Objectives –Implement marketing concepts and strategies into tribal agri-business –Allow students a hands-on experience –Enhance creative and critical thinking skills –Applied marketing skills –Develop a code of ethics applicable in the business environment

Lakota Popcorn Lower Brule Sioux Tribe High quality Affordable products Native American traditions and values

Hypothesis Lakota Popcorn suffers from the lack of name recognition and product distribution

NICC Marketing Plan/Lakota Popcorn Mission Statement: Lakota Popcorn produces high quality, affordable products for consumers in order to generate revenue to support economic and employment opportunities for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. We use our products to raise cultural awareness of Native American Traditions and Values.

Target Markets Casinos High distribution centers –HyVee (Iowa Based Grocery Store) –WalMart (Tri-State) Gift Shops Theaters

Consumer Survey Informal survey On and off campus 148 people surveyed Findings and Conclusion –Handout

Survey Questions Do you eat popcorn? Do you eat microwave popcorn? Do you eat butter microwave popcorn? Do you eat low-fat/sodium? Do you eat natural popcorn? Gender? Number of children eating popcorn?

Data Analysis

SWOT Analysis Strengths –Capacity to produce more products –Ownership of production –Vertical integration implemented –Centrally located –Adequate capital –Support of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

SWOT Analysis Weaknesses –Lack of brand recognition –Lack of marketing direction –Lack of marketing goals –Lack of an established distribution and retail system

SWOT Analysis Opportunities –Expansion of natural health foods –Enlarging environmental friendly packaging –Raise cultural awareness of Native American Traditions and Values

SWOT Analysis Threats –Variation in weather patterns –Strong competitions among the popcorn producers –Established competitors in the snack food industry –Cost of transportation –Consumer fickleness

Resources You May or May Not be Sleeping With Industry partnerships rarely involve faculty type partners Look outside the box for ways to utilize skilled, interested stakeholders Pursue contacts for classroom visits and regular consultations, as well as co- teaching, lectures, etc

May or May Not (cont.) Scan your environment for people who can motivate and possibly employ your students Provide support for your faculty to grow and develop

Assessment Data Attendance/Retention –15 registered –9 stopped coming by week 4 –The marketing module began in the 4 th week –Remaining 6 students maintained an average of 85% or above attendance –6 successfully completed the class

Observations High interest in the project The application of learned skills and knowledge Enhancement of group dynamics

Enhancing Group Dynamic Skills

Student Response/Learned Outcomes Hands on experience Piqued interest Opportunity to apply learned concepts and skills Ethical Practices: Personal/Business

Challenges Faced in Developing a Educational/ Partnership Connecting class objectives with the business environment Conveying the purpose of the project in a precise format Gaining mutual trust Gathering data

Future Opportunities Expand partnerships in agri-business/ business Explore Career Opportunities and Choices Student applying new found skills and knowledge Developing closer working partnerships

Thank you! Questions?