Marketing Tips, Tools & Consulting for Natural Product Retailers
askDebby.com Media Room
Media Kit
Photo:
Debby Swoboda
(300 dpi)
Logo:
askDebby.com (300 dpi)
Company Information:
Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.
Mini Bio:
75 words
Upcoming Events:
live & in-person
Photo:
Debby Swoboda
(300 dpi)
Logo:
askDebby.com (300 dpi)
Company Information:
Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.
Mini Bio:
75 words
Upcoming Events:
live & in-person
MISSION STATEMENT
Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions is committed to serving the needs of the Natural Products Industry. Utilizing experience and proven programs we partner with businesses to develop effective marketing strategies by creating vision for opportunities, offering educational support, and formulas for implementation all performed with indisputable integrity and boundless enthusiasm.
Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions is committed to serving the needs of the Natural Products Industry. Utilizing experience and proven programs we partner with businesses to develop effective marketing strategies by creating vision for opportunities, offering educational support, and formulas for implementation all performed with indisputable integrity and boundless enthusiasm.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE MESSAGE 
July 11, 2011
Ask your legislators to OPPOSE Sen. Durbin's Dietary Supplement Labeling Act of 2011 (S. 1310)
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) has introduced the Dietary Supplement Labeling Act of 2011 (S. 1310), which the Natural Products Associatoin believes would impose needless new regulations on supplement makers in an attempt to address the issue of manufacturers who mislabel their food and drink products as dietary supplements.
Among other provisions, the bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (presumably the Food and Drug Administration) to create a list of ingredients and proprietary blends of ingredients that “could cause potentially serious adverse events.” This overly broad language (no definition is offered of “could cause,” for example) takes the regulation of supplements well beyond the current, effective rules.
The bill also would direct the FDA to impose mandatory warning labels on ingredients the government decides are potentially harmful.
NPA recognizes the intent of the bill is to halt the sale of food products that are masquerading as dietary supplements, and the association has repeatedly called on the FDA to use its existing authority to act against such rule breakers. Imposing additional regulations on the legitimate dietary supplement industry is neither an appropriate nor effective way to achieve this goal
Please join us in urging Congress to oppose S.1310.
###
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2010
Stuart, FL
SEMINAR COMES TO SOUTHEAST NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO TEACHING RETAILERS HOW TO BRAND THEMSELVES WITH THEIR STORIES
SEMINAR DESCRIPTION:
What makes your business special?
Why should I shop at your store, buy your products instead of your competitors?
You know the reasons, but do your customers?
You might not realize it, but if you're in business, you have a brand.
More importantly that brand, your brand, has a value and that value can be more than all of your other assets combined.
Join TJ Miller, natural products brand specialist and Creative Director of Graphic Jam, and Debby Swoboda, industry marketing expert (askDebby.com) as we explore:
What is a brand? (hint: it’s not your logo or name)
How to find the story in your brand: “then spend as much time as you can living it and telling other people about it.”
Building a charismatic brand: you don’t have to be cheap if you’re good.
Private Label: building loyalty and profits at the same time.
Claiming Local: finding the niches that separate you from the chains & supermarkets.
Taking your brand online: staying relevant in a connected world.
SEMINAR: "Brand it. And they will come."
SPEAKERS: Debby Swoboda, founder of askDebby.com & TJ Miller, creative Director of Graphic Jam
DATE & LOCATION: Friday, December 3rd - 4:15-5:15pm
Naples 3 Room - Gaylord Palms, Orlando FL
November 1, 2010
Stuart, FL
SEMINAR COMES TO SOUTHEAST NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO TEACHING RETAILERS HOW TO BRAND THEMSELVES WITH THEIR STORIES
SEMINAR DESCRIPTION:
What makes your business special?
Why should I shop at your store, buy your products instead of your competitors?
You know the reasons, but do your customers?
You might not realize it, but if you're in business, you have a brand.
More importantly that brand, your brand, has a value and that value can be more than all of your other assets combined.
Join TJ Miller, natural products brand specialist and Creative Director of Graphic Jam, and Debby Swoboda, industry marketing expert (askDebby.com) as we explore:
What is a brand? (hint: it’s not your logo or name)
How to find the story in your brand: “then spend as much time as you can living it and telling other people about it.”
Building a charismatic brand: you don’t have to be cheap if you’re good.
Private Label: building loyalty and profits at the same time.
Claiming Local: finding the niches that separate you from the chains & supermarkets.
Taking your brand online: staying relevant in a connected world.
SEMINAR: "Brand it. And they will come."
SPEAKERS: Debby Swoboda, founder of askDebby.com & TJ Miller, creative Director of Graphic Jam
DATE & LOCATION: Friday, December 3rd - 4:15-5:15pm
Naples 3 Room - Gaylord Palms, Orlando FL
ABOUT: TJ Miller
TJ helps Natural Products companies find the story in their brand, then design it into their products and services so they can matter more to the people they want to reach.
TJ is uniquely qualified to design for the Natural Products industry. Formally trained in architecture, he has been an independent retailer, a leading store design consultant, and since founding Graphic Jam in 1996, has helped create or redesign dozens of brands for industry manufacturers, retailers, service companies and organizations. His 30 years of experience combine his deep understanding of what makes products ell with creative talents rewarded by over two dozen local, regional & national awards.
###
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.: (772) 287-9559 office
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
UPDATE:
Download seminar notes from the askDebby.com/archives page
Order Audio Tape from Network Communications SO-SO-U11
TJ helps Natural Products companies find the story in their brand, then design it into their products and services so they can matter more to the people they want to reach.
TJ is uniquely qualified to design for the Natural Products industry. Formally trained in architecture, he has been an independent retailer, a leading store design consultant, and since founding Graphic Jam in 1996, has helped create or redesign dozens of brands for industry manufacturers, retailers, service companies and organizations. His 30 years of experience combine his deep understanding of what makes products ell with creative talents rewarded by over two dozen local, regional & national awards.
###
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.: (772) 287-9559 office
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
UPDATE:
Download seminar notes from the askDebby.com/archives page
Order Audio Tape from Network Communications SO-SO-U11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stuart, FL
April 20, 2010
Stuart, FL
April 20, 2010
askDebby.com – Debby Swoboda Marketing
Solutions
Receives a 2009 Constant Contact All-Star
Award
STUART,
FL (April 5, 2010) – askDebby.com – Debby Swoboda Marketing
Solutions, Inc., today announced that it has received a 2009 All-Star Award
from Constant Contact®,
Inc., a leading provider of email marketing,
event marketing, and online survey tools for small organizations. askDebby.com – Debby Swoboda Marketing
Solutions was selected for meeting Constant Contact’s best-practice standards
for the use of Email Marketing throughout 2009.
“I’ve been using Constant Contact for staying in
touch with retailers for few years now and have found it to be a great tool for
communicating and understanding what information my askDebby.com followers are
looking. The support is outstanding and the educational tools and templates
make doing business with Constant Contact a breeze. I recommend Constant
Contact to all.”
askDebby.com – Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions,
Inc. received a 2009 Constant Contact All-Star Award for demonstrating best practices
in the effective use of Constant Contact Email Marketing in the following
areas:
· Frequency
of campaigns
· Open
rates
· Bounce rates
· Click
through rates
“Our customers work hard to build strong
relationships with their customers through email marketing and some, such as askDebby.com
– Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, truly excel in this effort,” said Gail
Goodman, CEO, Constant Contact. “We created our All-Star Awards to highlight
those customers who are passionately committed to following our best practices
as they work to improve their customer communications. We’re proud of the role
we play in helping askDebby.com – Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc., be
successful and we look forward to continuing to assist the company with its marketing
efforts.”
About Constant Contact, Inc.
With more than 350,000 customers, Constant Contact, Inc. is a leading
provider of email marketing, event marketing, and online surveys for small
businesses, nonprofits, and member associations. Founded in 1995, Constant
Contact helps small organizations grow stronger customer relationships by
delivering professional, low cost, easy-to-use online tools backed with
award-winning support, education and personal coaching. Constant Contact is a
publicly traded company (Nasdaq: CTCT) with offices located in Waltham, Mass.;
Loveland, Colo.; and Delray, Fla. To learn more, please visit www.ConstantContact.com or
call 781-472-8100.
About askDebby.com - Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.
Debby Swoboda founded Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions in 1999 as a consulting firm for Natural Product Retailers. Her passionate support of independents led her to create askDebby.com, the online resource filled with marketing tips and tools including free shelf talkers, branding labels, templates and forms, a retailer forum, TeleTrainings and more. Presently, Debby is the Executive Secretary for the Southeast Natural Products Association (Southeast NPA), is noted as an "expert contributor" to industry publications, writes a featured Marketing Tips article and presents "live" TeleTrainings (webinars) as part of Tree of Life's Knowledge Center and for other industry education partners, is currently a guest "blogger" for The Natural Foods Merchandiser, and is a guest speaker at national and regional shows. Debby serves many clients including retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and offers proven business solutions to all.
###
For more information visit askDebby.com,
or contact Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.: (772) 287-9559 office
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2010
Stuart, FL
NATURAL PRODUCTS DAY BRINGS INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS FROM 33 STATES AND DC TO CAPITOL HILL TO PROMOTE CONSUMER ACCESS AND AWARENESS OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 24, 2010) - Debby Swoboda, president of Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc and founder of askDebby.com, of Stuart - Florida, joined natural products industry stakeholders from 33 states and the District of Columbia on Capitol Hill for the Natural Products Association's (NPA) 13th annual lobbying event, Natural Products Day. Nearly 150 NPA members representing every component of the natural products industry educated members of Congress and their aides about the industry and the association's legislative priorities, all of which promote consumer access and awareness of natural products.
The annual event came at a doubly momentous time for the natural products and health industry, occurring one day after the nation's health care bill was signed into law, and two weeks after an agreement was announced between Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Byron Dorgan (D- ND) and industry proponents Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) regarding McCain and Dorgan's recently introduced Dietary Safety Supplement Act (S.3002). The original legislation would have radically rewritten the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) resulting in less choice and greater costs for supplement users.
Debby began the day in a morning issue briefing and lobbying training session, after which the attendees enjoyed a thought-provoking address from Charles Cook, respected authority on U.S. elections and political trends and publisher of the Cook Political Report. Cook spoke on the ever-changing political tide and changes affecting future elections. Debby then spent the afternoon in meetings with lawmakers and key staff members from her district and with her US Senators.
Lawmakers were asked to support the preservation of Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which protects access to dietary supplements, and to oppose S.3002 and any similar measures that threaten DSHEA. Attendees also asked for co-sponsorship of the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act (S.934, H.R.1324), which addresses nutrition standards for foods served outside school lunch and breakfast programs; and to continue support for food safety legislation that strengthens protection without adding redundant regulations to the manufacturing of dietary supplements.
Further, attendees asked their elected officials to oppose the Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Abuse Reduction Act of 2009 (S. 641), which amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose civil penalties for knowingly selling products containing DHEA to minors, and to support the Tax Equity for Dietary Supplements (H.R. 3406) bill that amends the IRS code to allow certain dietary supplements and meal replacement products to be eligible for tax exclusion for employer reimbursements of employee medical care expenses.
NPA ended the day with a packed evening reception on Capitol Hill, where nearly 300 legislators and staff networked at length with attendees. The highlight of the reception was the presentation of the NPA Congressional Champion Awards. On hand to receive their awards were Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Jon Tester (D-MT), and Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Jared Polis (D-CO). In their comments to the crowd, all expressed appreciation to the attendees for participating in Natural Products Day. Sen. Michael B. Enzi (R-WY) was also honored.
About Debby Swoboda
Debby Swoboda founded Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions in 1999 as a consulting firm for Natural Product Retailers. Her passionate support of independents led her to create askDebby.com, the online resource filled with marketing tips and tools including free shelf talkers, branding labels, templates and forms, a retailer forum, TeleTrainings and more. Presently, Debby is the Executive Secretary for the Southeast Natural Products Association (Southeast NPA), is noted as an "expert contributor" to industry publications, writes a featured Marketing Tips article and presents "live" TeleTrainings (webinars) as part of Tree of Life's Knowledge Center and for other industry education partners, is currently a guest "blogger" for The Natural Foods Merchandiser, and is a guest speaker at national and regional shows. Debby serves many clients including retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and offers proven business solutions to all.
About NPA
Founded in 1936, the Natural Products Association is the nation’s largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. The Natural Products Association represents more than 10,000 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids.
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.:
(772) 287-9559 office
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
April 9, 2010
Stuart, FL
NATURAL PRODUCTS DAY BRINGS INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS FROM 33 STATES AND DC TO CAPITOL HILL TO PROMOTE CONSUMER ACCESS AND AWARENESS OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 24, 2010) - Debby Swoboda, president of Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc and founder of askDebby.com, of Stuart - Florida, joined natural products industry stakeholders from 33 states and the District of Columbia on Capitol Hill for the Natural Products Association's (NPA) 13th annual lobbying event, Natural Products Day. Nearly 150 NPA members representing every component of the natural products industry educated members of Congress and their aides about the industry and the association's legislative priorities, all of which promote consumer access and awareness of natural products.
The annual event came at a doubly momentous time for the natural products and health industry, occurring one day after the nation's health care bill was signed into law, and two weeks after an agreement was announced between Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Byron Dorgan (D- ND) and industry proponents Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) regarding McCain and Dorgan's recently introduced Dietary Safety Supplement Act (S.3002). The original legislation would have radically rewritten the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) resulting in less choice and greater costs for supplement users.
Debby began the day in a morning issue briefing and lobbying training session, after which the attendees enjoyed a thought-provoking address from Charles Cook, respected authority on U.S. elections and political trends and publisher of the Cook Political Report. Cook spoke on the ever-changing political tide and changes affecting future elections. Debby then spent the afternoon in meetings with lawmakers and key staff members from her district and with her US Senators.
Lawmakers were asked to support the preservation of Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which protects access to dietary supplements, and to oppose S.3002 and any similar measures that threaten DSHEA. Attendees also asked for co-sponsorship of the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act (S.934, H.R.1324), which addresses nutrition standards for foods served outside school lunch and breakfast programs; and to continue support for food safety legislation that strengthens protection without adding redundant regulations to the manufacturing of dietary supplements.
Further, attendees asked their elected officials to oppose the Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Abuse Reduction Act of 2009 (S. 641), which amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose civil penalties for knowingly selling products containing DHEA to minors, and to support the Tax Equity for Dietary Supplements (H.R. 3406) bill that amends the IRS code to allow certain dietary supplements and meal replacement products to be eligible for tax exclusion for employer reimbursements of employee medical care expenses.
NPA ended the day with a packed evening reception on Capitol Hill, where nearly 300 legislators and staff networked at length with attendees. The highlight of the reception was the presentation of the NPA Congressional Champion Awards. On hand to receive their awards were Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Jon Tester (D-MT), and Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Jared Polis (D-CO). In their comments to the crowd, all expressed appreciation to the attendees for participating in Natural Products Day. Sen. Michael B. Enzi (R-WY) was also honored.
About Debby Swoboda
Debby Swoboda founded Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions in 1999 as a consulting firm for Natural Product Retailers. Her passionate support of independents led her to create askDebby.com, the online resource filled with marketing tips and tools including free shelf talkers, branding labels, templates and forms, a retailer forum, TeleTrainings and more. Presently, Debby is the Executive Secretary for the Southeast Natural Products Association (Southeast NPA), is noted as an "expert contributor" to industry publications, writes a featured Marketing Tips article and presents "live" TeleTrainings (webinars) as part of Tree of Life's Knowledge Center and for other industry education partners, is currently a guest "blogger" for The Natural Foods Merchandiser, and is a guest speaker at national and regional shows. Debby serves many clients including retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and offers proven business solutions to all.
About NPA
Founded in 1936, the Natural Products Association is the nation’s largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. The Natural Products Association represents more than 10,000 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids.
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.:
(772) 287-9559 office
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2010
Stuart, FL
LEARN WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL SUCCESS AND PROFITABILITY OF YOUR NATURAL FOODS STORE
New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media, Inc. is proud to sponsor a free seminar and workshop for Natural Product Retailers - Retailer Toolbox: The 7 Traits of the Perfect Natural Foods Store. Industry experts will share their secrets and experiences on everything from improving store design to effective marketing and consumer education to finding the best techno-tools to help efficiently, effectively, and profitably run a natural foods business.
Guest speakers include Andrew Morse, National Account Manager - eComSystems; Debby Swoboda, askDebby.com, Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions; David Williams, Vice President of Retail Solutions, Living Naturally; Greg Leonard, Tree of Life Sr. Vice President of Natural Food Sales; and Joe Sosebee, Retail Services Manager, Tree of Life.
The Retailer Toolbox: The 7 Traits of the Perfect Natural Foods Store program consists of a presentation plus two “how-to-apply-what-I’ve-learned” breakouts that is part of the Natural Products Expo West educational events on Saturday, March 13, from 3pm to 6pm at the Anaheim Convention Center room 204AB. Attendees will be able to participate in all activities within the program.
“Retailers attend many business presentations and leave not knowing exactly how to get started. That’s why I'm so excited about being part of this incredible panel and workshop,” says Debby Swoboda – industry consultant and founder of askDebby.com, “attendees will leave encouraged, reinforced, and armed with easy action tips to help them apply what they’ve learned!”
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.:
(772) 287-9559 office
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
February 17, 2010
Stuart, FL
LEARN WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL SUCCESS AND PROFITABILITY OF YOUR NATURAL FOODS STORE
New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media, Inc. is proud to sponsor a free seminar and workshop for Natural Product Retailers - Retailer Toolbox: The 7 Traits of the Perfect Natural Foods Store. Industry experts will share their secrets and experiences on everything from improving store design to effective marketing and consumer education to finding the best techno-tools to help efficiently, effectively, and profitably run a natural foods business.
Guest speakers include Andrew Morse, National Account Manager - eComSystems; Debby Swoboda, askDebby.com, Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions; David Williams, Vice President of Retail Solutions, Living Naturally; Greg Leonard, Tree of Life Sr. Vice President of Natural Food Sales; and Joe Sosebee, Retail Services Manager, Tree of Life.
The Retailer Toolbox: The 7 Traits of the Perfect Natural Foods Store program consists of a presentation plus two “how-to-apply-what-I’ve-learned” breakouts that is part of the Natural Products Expo West educational events on Saturday, March 13, from 3pm to 6pm at the Anaheim Convention Center room 204AB. Attendees will be able to participate in all activities within the program.
“Retailers attend many business presentations and leave not knowing exactly how to get started. That’s why I'm so excited about being part of this incredible panel and workshop,” says Debby Swoboda – industry consultant and founder of askDebby.com, “attendees will leave encouraged, reinforced, and armed with easy action tips to help them apply what they’ve learned!”
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.:
(772) 287-9559 office
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2009
St. Augustine, FL
CONTACT: Trish Diggins
Communications Manager Tree of Life
904-940-2182
PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR TREE OF LIFE ANNOUNCED
Tree of Life’s parent company, Royal Wessanen nv, announced today that they have reached an agreement to sell the company’s natural and specialty food distribution businesses in North America, including Tree of Life U.S. and Tree of Life Canada, to Kehe Food Distributors, Inc. based in Romeoville, Illinois. An early 2010 closing date is expected.
Earlier this year, Wessanen announced plans to investigate divesting their North American businesses in order to realign their business portfolio and focus their future business development on their European companies. Wessanen purchased Tree of Life in December of 1985 as their entry
into the rapidly growing natural and organic food business in the United States. Wessanen provided the financial resources that eventually allowed Tree of Life to become the first nationwide distributor of these products to natural food stores and supermarkets. While the company has enjoyed much
success, Tree of Life senior management is enthusiastic about what the purchase of the company by Kehe will mean for the future.
“This is a good fit for Tree of Life,” said Tree of Life President and CEO Richard Lane. “Kehe has been a long time distributor of natural and specialty foods and their commitment to excellence mirrors our own.”
“This is a partnership that benefits both of our companies,” said Troy Benscoter, Senior Vice President of Supermarket Sales. “Together we will continue to improve the services that we provide to our retail customers and suppliers.”
Download Tree of Life Press Release
Download letter to Natural Foods Retailers from Greg Leonard - Tree of Life Sr. VP. Natural Food Sales
Quote from Debby: "For many, many years Tree of Life has been an active Education Partner of askDebby.com and Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions. Both of our companies believe in supporting the success of the independent natural product retailer. There are no plans for that to change."
December 23, 2009
St. Augustine, FL
CONTACT: Trish Diggins
Communications Manager Tree of Life
904-940-2182
PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR TREE OF LIFE ANNOUNCED
Tree of Life’s parent company, Royal Wessanen nv, announced today that they have reached an agreement to sell the company’s natural and specialty food distribution businesses in North America, including Tree of Life U.S. and Tree of Life Canada, to Kehe Food Distributors, Inc. based in Romeoville, Illinois. An early 2010 closing date is expected.
Earlier this year, Wessanen announced plans to investigate divesting their North American businesses in order to realign their business portfolio and focus their future business development on their European companies. Wessanen purchased Tree of Life in December of 1985 as their entry
into the rapidly growing natural and organic food business in the United States. Wessanen provided the financial resources that eventually allowed Tree of Life to become the first nationwide distributor of these products to natural food stores and supermarkets. While the company has enjoyed much
success, Tree of Life senior management is enthusiastic about what the purchase of the company by Kehe will mean for the future.
“This is a good fit for Tree of Life,” said Tree of Life President and CEO Richard Lane. “Kehe has been a long time distributor of natural and specialty foods and their commitment to excellence mirrors our own.”
“This is a partnership that benefits both of our companies,” said Troy Benscoter, Senior Vice President of Supermarket Sales. “Together we will continue to improve the services that we provide to our retail customers and suppliers.”
Download Tree of Life Press Release
Download letter to Natural Foods Retailers from Greg Leonard - Tree of Life Sr. VP. Natural Food Sales
Quote from Debby: "For many, many years Tree of Life has been an active Education Partner of askDebby.com and Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions. Both of our companies believe in supporting the success of the independent natural product retailer. There are no plans for that to change."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2009
Stuart, Florida
Natural Product Manufacturers Join askDebby.com in Supporting Retailers’ with Customizable Shelf Talkers
In response to many retailers’ requests, an exciting new addition is coming to the askDebby.com Manufacturer’s Customizable Shelf Talker Library in late March 2010. The new roll out contains shelf talkers and templates from retailers’ favorite natural product manufacturers. These select vendors wish to support natural product retailers’ marketing endeavors and sales success, plus be a part of the Education Partnership Program with askDebby.com.
Retailers who would like to see customized shelf talkers from their favorite manufacturers added to the askDebby.com library can fill out a form on askDebby.com. Retailers should continue to visit the site as the library grows.
Many retailers view the free downloadable shelf talkers as a hidden treasure. A retailer at a show in New Jersey recently asked Debby, “How come nobody ever told me about these? This is just what I needed. Thank you!”
What’s especially effective about askDebby.com shelf talkers is that a retailer can customize them with their added store branding and messages such as: “come to our upcoming event for samples,” “special today only,” “visit us on twitter,” “enter to win product,” etc.
Shelf talkers are the number one resource chosen from askDebby.com.
Also askDebby.com wants to make life easier for retailers by having one place to go to get the shelf talkers they need to help drive sales and product and service awareness. Read Debby’s recent blog post too about how shelf talkers increase awareness that results in sales: http://blog.askdebby.com/2009/10/29/instore-signage-influenences-shopping-choices.aspx
Debby Swoboda founded Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions in 1999 as a consulting firm for Natural Product Retailers. Her passionate support of independents led her to create askDebby.com, the online resource filled with marketing tips and tools including free shelf talkers, branding labels, templates and forms, a retailer forum, TeleTrainings and more. Presently, Debby is a board member for the Southeast Natural Products Association, is noted as an "expert contributor" to industry publications, writes a featured Marketing Tips article and presents "live" TeleTrainings (webinars) as part ofTree of Life 's Knowledge Center and for other industry education partners, is a guest "blogger" for The Natural Foods Merchandiser, and is currently a guest speaker at national and regional shows. Debby serves many clients including retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and offers proven business solutions to all.
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact
Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.:
(772) 287-9559 o
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
November 20, 2009
Stuart, Florida
Natural Product Manufacturers Join askDebby.com in Supporting Retailers’ with Customizable Shelf Talkers
In response to many retailers’ requests, an exciting new addition is coming to the askDebby.com Manufacturer’s Customizable Shelf Talker Library in late March 2010. The new roll out contains shelf talkers and templates from retailers’ favorite natural product manufacturers. These select vendors wish to support natural product retailers’ marketing endeavors and sales success, plus be a part of the Education Partnership Program with askDebby.com.
Retailers who would like to see customized shelf talkers from their favorite manufacturers added to the askDebby.com library can fill out a form on askDebby.com. Retailers should continue to visit the site as the library grows.
Many retailers view the free downloadable shelf talkers as a hidden treasure. A retailer at a show in New Jersey recently asked Debby, “How come nobody ever told me about these? This is just what I needed. Thank you!”
What’s especially effective about askDebby.com shelf talkers is that a retailer can customize them with their added store branding and messages such as: “come to our upcoming event for samples,” “special today only,” “visit us on twitter,” “enter to win product,” etc.
Shelf talkers are the number one resource chosen from askDebby.com.
Also askDebby.com wants to make life easier for retailers by having one place to go to get the shelf talkers they need to help drive sales and product and service awareness. Read Debby’s recent blog post too about how shelf talkers increase awareness that results in sales: http://blog.askdebby.com/2009/10/29/instore-signage-influenences-shopping-choices.aspx
Debby Swoboda founded Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions in 1999 as a consulting firm for Natural Product Retailers. Her passionate support of independents led her to create askDebby.com, the online resource filled with marketing tips and tools including free shelf talkers, branding labels, templates and forms, a retailer forum, TeleTrainings and more. Presently, Debby is a board member for the Southeast Natural Products Association, is noted as an "expert contributor" to industry publications, writes a featured Marketing Tips article and presents "live" TeleTrainings (webinars) as part of
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact
Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.:
(772) 287-9559 o
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2009
Stuart, Florida
Don’t Be Left Behind in the World of Tweeting, Blogging and Online Customer Connections: Marketing Expert Breaks It Down Into Usable Steps at Seminar
Join industry marketing expert Debby Swoboda, founder of askDebby.com, during an upbeat “tip” filled presentation that introduces retailers to the new tools for marketing and PR at the SOHO Expo, presented by the Southeast Natural Products Association. Swoboda’s seminar, “The New Tools of Marketing & PR,” will be held at 10:45am Friday, December 4, 2009, in the Miami Room at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Florida.
Swoboda’s seminar shares industry examples of how these new tools work, plus teaches retailers how to:
• Blog and tweet directly to interested customers
• Create and distribute PR targeted to today’s online media as well as ones targeted directly to consumers
• Prepare simple communication action plans to help get you started and help manage your time
With today’s interactive websites, podcasts, videos, tweets, blogs, and online media rooms, consumers are able to obtain product and service information well before entering a store. “How do you currently share your expertise and connect with consumers directly who are looking to learn?” asks Swoboda. “Could your communication plan need a slight face-lift? Come to my seminar, and we’ll have fun exploring new and exciting approaches that you can take!”
Goody bags will be distributed to the first 75 attendees at the seminar plus one lucky winner at the seminar will win an autographed copy of David Meerman Scott's book: The New Rules of Marketing & PR". Be sure to also visit Debby in the Gaylord Palms convention hall her askDebby.com booth 220 during the SOHO show on Saturday and Sunday (Dec 5 7 6) to gather more valuable information and marketing support.
Debby Swoboda founded Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions in 1999 as a consulting firm for Natural Product Retailers. Her passionate support of independents led her to create askDebby.com, the online resource filled with marketing tips and tools including free shelf talkers, branding labels, templates and forms, a retailer forum, TeleTrainings and more. Presently, Debby is a board member for the Southeast Natural Products Association, is noted as an "expert contributor" to industry publications, writes a featured Marketing Tips article and presents "live" TeleTrainings (webinars) as part ofTree of Life 's Knowledge Center and for other industry education partners, is currently a guest "blogger" for The Natural Foods Merchandiser, and is a guest speaker at national and regional shows. Debby serves many clients including retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and offers proven business solutions to all.
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact
Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.:
(772) 287-9559 o
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
November 24, 2009
Stuart, Florida
Don’t Be Left Behind in the World of Tweeting, Blogging and Online Customer Connections: Marketing Expert Breaks It Down Into Usable Steps at Seminar
Join industry marketing expert Debby Swoboda, founder of askDebby.com, during an upbeat “tip” filled presentation that introduces retailers to the new tools for marketing and PR at the SOHO Expo, presented by the Southeast Natural Products Association. Swoboda’s seminar, “The New Tools of Marketing & PR,” will be held at 10:45am Friday, December 4, 2009, in the Miami Room at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Florida.
Swoboda’s seminar shares industry examples of how these new tools work, plus teaches retailers how to:
• Blog and tweet directly to interested customers
• Create and distribute PR targeted to today’s online media as well as ones targeted directly to consumers
• Prepare simple communication action plans to help get you started and help manage your time
With today’s interactive websites, podcasts, videos, tweets, blogs, and online media rooms, consumers are able to obtain product and service information well before entering a store. “How do you currently share your expertise and connect with consumers directly who are looking to learn?” asks Swoboda. “Could your communication plan need a slight face-lift? Come to my seminar, and we’ll have fun exploring new and exciting approaches that you can take!”
Goody bags will be distributed to the first 75 attendees at the seminar plus one lucky winner at the seminar will win an autographed copy of David Meerman Scott's book: The New Rules of Marketing & PR". Be sure to also visit Debby in the Gaylord Palms convention hall her askDebby.com booth 220 during the SOHO show on Saturday and Sunday (Dec 5 7 6) to gather more valuable information and marketing support.
Debby Swoboda founded Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions in 1999 as a consulting firm for Natural Product Retailers. Her passionate support of independents led her to create askDebby.com, the online resource filled with marketing tips and tools including free shelf talkers, branding labels, templates and forms, a retailer forum, TeleTrainings and more. Presently, Debby is a board member for the Southeast Natural Products Association, is noted as an "expert contributor" to industry publications, writes a featured Marketing Tips article and presents "live" TeleTrainings (webinars) as part of
For more information visit askDebby.com, or contact
Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions, Inc.:
(772) 287-9559 o
debby@askDebby.com
twitter.com/askdebby
linkedin.com/DebbySwoboda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2009
St. Augustine, FL
LEARN HOW TO TURN YOUR MISSION INTO ACHIEVEMENT AND PROFIT BY ATTENDING A NEW TREE OF LIFE SEMINAR: THE 7 TRAITS OF THE PERFECT NATURAL FOOD STORE
Tree of Life’s annual Customer Appreciation Events are launching a new free seminar created for Natural Food Store retailers – The Seven Traits of the Perfect Natural Foods Store. Industry experts share their secrets on everything from improving store design to effective marketing to finding the best techno-tools to help efficiently, effectively and profitably run a natural foods business.
Guest speakers include Jon Evans, CEO, eCom Systems; Debby Swoboda, askDebby.com, Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions; David Williams, Vice President of Retail Solutions, Living Naturally; Greg Leonard, Tree of Life Sr. Vice President of Natural Food Sales; and Joe Sosebee, Retail Services Manager, Tree of Life.
The seminar will launch at the first Tree of Life Customer Appreciation Event of 2009 on Sunday, August 9, at 8 am at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida. Other presentations will be held in Dallas, Texas on August 15, and Indianapolis, IN on August 22.
“Retailers attend many business presentations and leave not knowing exactly how to get started. That’s why I am so excited about being part of this incredible panel,” says Debby Swoboda – education partner with Tree of Life, “attendees will leave encouraged, reinforced, and armed with easy action tips to help them apply what
they’re learned!”
For more information about attending these seminars, contact your Tree of Life Territory Sales Manager or call Customer Care at 800-223-2910 or Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions at (772) 287-9559.
Tree of Life is a leading marketer and distributor of natural, organic, gourmet, specialty, and multicultural food products to natural/health food stores, supermarkets, independent grocers, and specialty/ethnic stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.
For more information about Tree of Life, visit our web site at www.treeoflife.com.
August 4, 2009
St. Augustine, FL
LEARN HOW TO TURN YOUR MISSION INTO ACHIEVEMENT AND PROFIT BY ATTENDING A NEW TREE OF LIFE SEMINAR: THE 7 TRAITS OF THE PERFECT NATURAL FOOD STORE
Tree of Life’s annual Customer Appreciation Events are launching a new free seminar created for Natural Food Store retailers – The Seven Traits of the Perfect Natural Foods Store. Industry experts share their secrets on everything from improving store design to effective marketing to finding the best techno-tools to help efficiently, effectively and profitably run a natural foods business.
Guest speakers include Jon Evans, CEO, eCom Systems; Debby Swoboda, askDebby.com, Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions; David Williams, Vice President of Retail Solutions, Living Naturally; Greg Leonard, Tree of Life Sr. Vice President of Natural Food Sales; and Joe Sosebee, Retail Services Manager, Tree of Life.
The seminar will launch at the first Tree of Life Customer Appreciation Event of 2009 on Sunday, August 9, at 8 am at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida. Other presentations will be held in Dallas, Texas on August 15, and Indianapolis, IN on August 22.
“Retailers attend many business presentations and leave not knowing exactly how to get started. That’s why I am so excited about being part of this incredible panel,” says Debby Swoboda – education partner with Tree of Life, “attendees will leave encouraged, reinforced, and armed with easy action tips to help them apply what
they’re learned!”
For more information about attending these seminars, contact your Tree of Life Territory Sales Manager or call Customer Care at 800-223-2910 or Debby Swoboda Marketing Solutions at (772) 287-9559.
Tree of Life is a leading marketer and distributor of natural, organic, gourmet, specialty, and multicultural food products to natural/health food stores, supermarkets, independent grocers, and specialty/ethnic stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.
For more information about Tree of Life, visit our web site at www.treeoflife.com.