Aug 8, 2023

Michigan Apple Committee hosts first “Handpicked” social media summit

A group of Michigan apple growers participated in the Michigan Apple Committee’s inaugural Handpicked Social Media Summit.

The event in Coopersville, Michigan, held on Aug. 1, assembled six young apple growers to learn the latest trends and best practices across social media channels and platforms, enabling them to create compelling grower-generated content showcasing their farms’ unique stories. Ultimately, the growers will use the knowledge and expertise they gained from the experience to promote their own businesses as well as the Michigan apple industry as a whole, according to a news release.

The growers were Kyle Rasch, Betsey Coon, Elizabeth Roossinck, Madeleine Smeltzer and Laura Berenbrock.

“The Handpicked Social Media Summit allows us to cultivate brand ambassadors to represent the Michigan Apple industry online. Consumers want to meet apple growers and learn more about where their food comes from,” Diane Smith, the committee’s executive director, said in the release. “Many young growers are already active on social media. The Summit shares best practices, tips and information to enable them to best represent the industry on platforms reaching our target audience.”

Participants engaged in expert-led sessions where they learned to use social media to promote their apples, build brand awareness, and engage with customers in new and exciting ways. Tips on videography, engagement and best practices for posting were also shared with the group.

The committee plans to schedule the second yearly Handpicked Social Media Summit during the summer of 2024.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.