Burning Plan: Norcross, presented in partnership with NEX Labs and the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber, officially launched Thursday, September 18, with Denise Zannu’s presentation on her an artisanal soap and bath products company, Black Mermaid Soaps. At Burning Plan, an entrepreneur or team is given the chance to present their full business plan. An expert panel and the audience then brainstorm solutions to gaps in the plan.
Expert panelists for the evening were: Ed King, Chief of Strategy for MaxMedia; Terry Tucker, COO and General Counsel and the Georgia Center for Opportunity; Don Neder, Owner of Speedpro Imaging. The panel along with 51 audience members addressed the central Burning Plan question: how does Black Mermaid successfully move from a B-to-C model to a B-to-B model? The panel and audience suggested strategies for relationship development with key influencers in her industry and for differentiating the company through brand story.
Sponsors for the evening included the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber, the Norcross Business Association, and the City of Norcross. Additionally, the Georgia Centers of Innovation Agribusiness division presented Black Mermaid with a Silver-level Georgia Grown membership, the marketing and economic development program of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Audience comments from September 18, 2014:
I talked to a group in the audience afterwards who commented that “the spirit of community and generosity” in the room was great and gave them great hope for the growth of the economy! – Kim Dorough, Director, Member Services, Southwest Gwinnett Chamber, Audience Member
Being a participant in the Burning Plan was a phenomenal experience! Not only did I gain confirmation that my company is moving in the right direction, but more importantly – I received sage advice on business strategies that I can begin to implement right away! Reading a book – $35. Taking a business seminar $150. Being in the Burning Plan – PRICELESS!! – Denise Zannu, Black Mermaid, Presenter
Upcoming Burning Plan Events:
Burning Plan: Norcross – Thursday, October 23, 2014, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (in partnership with the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber), Norcross Community Center, 10 College St., Norcross, GA, 30071. Register
Burning Plan: Midtown – Tuesday, October 28, 2014, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (location TBD), featuring the creators of Split, a behavior-focused customer relationship management (CRM) solution aimed at revolutionizing the dining industry. Register
