Under the Ground

Subscribe your agricultural business to better understand and enhance how you appear in the eyes of the customer.

Language: English

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The year 2020 changed retail forever. Consumers today want a personalized experience, and they want to know that businesses share their values. Under the Ground is a year-long, retail coaching service for business owners looking to improve their operations by:

Categorizing your customer feedback
Analyzing how customers see your space
Drawing inspiration from peers
Converting customer satisfaction to higher sales
Evaluating your employees’ customer service skills

A positive customer experience of your retail space both in-person and online is more important than ever. Under the Ground allows you to gain valuable qualitative feedback of your store, peer networking, and immersive educational experiences. Together, these tools complement a business’s sales data to reveal a comprehensive strategy for improvements and success.

Subscription Details

Receive individual consultation to set up and maintain a unique customer survey tailored to your business
Receive regular communication about how to solicit and receive customer feedback
Reserves one spot at a specialized educational immersion trip for you or any member of your staff
Provides feedback on your web presence including your website, and up to two social media accounts
Reserves one spot at four peer-to-peer networking events to see and learn from other retailers
Receive End of Year insights report of customer feedback
Attend the annual wrap up networking mixer with participants at Mid Atlantic Fruit and Veg Conference 2023 (off site)

Scholarship Information

Full scholarships are available for this program. Preference will be given to new markets, markets looking to renovate, or markets in regions with limited access to a variety of healthful foods. To be considered, fill out our survey.

Program is partially funded by the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania.

Who is this for?

Farm Markets
Nurseries
Wineries
Breweries
Cideries
Specialty food shops
Small grocery stores

What will you learn?

Improvements to consider for your retail space
Where customers see your strengths and weaknesses
Ways to provide better customer service
How to increase engagement online

Fees

Agenda

Policies

COVID-19 Statement

The following required Acknowledgement is presented to all invitees during registration for this event.

COVID-19 Acknowledgment for Participants in Penn State Extension Activities

You agree that as a condition, and in consideration, of your willing and voluntary participation in programs and activities ("Program") hosted by The Pennsylvania State University ("Penn State"):

You understand that Penn State has issued rules and precautions which follow, or may in some cases exceed, guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You agree that it is your sole responsibility to follow these protocols and acknowledge that failure to do so may result in removal from the Program.

As of July 7, 2022, this guidance includes basic health, safety, and sanitation measures (staying home when sick, washing/sanitizing hands often, etc.) in addition to wearing a face mask while in healthcare facilities and certain research facilities and labs.

Per CDC guidance, Penn State may impose additional or alternative requirements, including masking at certain locations, depending on community spread at the Program's location. You agree to comply with any directive from Penn State representatives regarding masking or other mitigation measures while participating in the Program.

You must adhere to these protocols regardless of vaccination status.
You agree you will not participate in the Program if you are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test or if you recently: (i) have been diagnosed with COVID-19; (ii) have experienced any symptom of illness which may be associated with COVID-19; or, (iii) have been in close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, is awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, or has exhibited any symptom of illness which may be associated with COVID-19 or any of its variants.
1. If you fall into any of the above categories, you may nevertheless participate in the Program if:
  1. more than five days have passed since your last close contact or symptom; and,
  2. you have tested negative for COVID-19 on or after the five-day mark.
You acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and your understanding that, even with adherence to all preventative measures, including vaccination, there is risk that you may become exposed to and/or contract COVID-19. You assume any and all risk of such exposure or infection and acknowledge that it may result in personal injury, illness, severe complications, permanent disability, and/or death.

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