We’re looking for cookie program “best practices” we can share during the sessions from those who know a thing or two about how the cookie crumbles! Do you have a:

• Tried-and-true booth set-up
• Plan for reaching repeat customers
• Promotion idea to encourage businesses to support the program
• Operation Gratitude and Gift of Caring Promotional Ideas
• Successful Cookie Booth Ideas
• Creative Marketing Strategies

 Troops are invited to submit their best practices and other creative ideas to Mary Broomfield, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at mbroomfield@gsmwvc.org.

Submission Deadline: Jan. 9, 2008

Plus, we’d like to share booth displays your troop has created promoting the Cookie Program and Operation Gratitude and creative marketing plans. Please deliver displays to Mary Broomfield at the Council Office and e-mail marketing plans to mbroomfield@gsmwvc.org by Jan. 9, 2008.

Troops who submit a display will be entered into a special drawing for a troop prize (Visit the GSMWVC Web site for further details…). Displays will be available for pick up the week after the event. Cookie University presenters will recognize three displays and marketing plans for their effectiveness and creativity (Troops recognized will receive the 2008 Booth Sales Patch or 2008 Marketing Plan Patch for each troop member participating in the cookie program).

Girl Scout Cookies are not only an American Tradition, but also the leading entrepreneurial program for girls. Let’s help girls reach their fullest potential through this year’s program, themed “Make It A Hit!” Whether on the stage or behind the scenes, girls learn that hits don’t just happen. They’re made through imagination, rehearsal, commitment, teamwork, and the sharing of every person’s unique talents.

Below is sneak peak at Cookie University sessions...

SMART COOKIES
A marketing plan is a great tool you can use to organize your thoughts, identify and grow your customers, and execute a spectacular cookie selling season. Learn how to create a marketing plan just like the pros. What a great way to build business and leadership skills!

COOKIE FAQ’S
While Girl Scout Cookies are a time-honored American tradition, the public is often unaware of how the program supports Girl Scout programs and activities, how the cookie program is health-conscious with zero trans fat per serving and a sugar-free option, and how (what began as a local event in Oklahoma in 1917) the cookie program is now the leading business and economic literacy program run by and for girls. Girls will learn tips for answering the most FAQs about the cookie program and will hear from a nutrition expert about trans fats (all Girl Scout Cookies this season are zero trans fat per serving), how to read a nutritional label, and more.

COOKIE BOOTH & MORE HOW TO
Did you also know that nearly everyone who is asked to buy Girl Scout Cookies does buy and that a high percentage will buy more if asked more than once? Approaching that busy-looking customer about purchasing a box of cookies can be frightening, yet the skills and confidence gained in the process will last a lifetime. Girls will learn unique cookie boothing concepts and other ideas to apply to their personal and troop marketing plan.

COOKIES AND YOUR COMMUNITY
The Cookie Program offers Girl Scouts and the public an opportunity to give back to their community. Gift of Caring is an optional service project in which Girl Scout Troops select a nonprofit organization to support through donations of cookies. Customers can purchase cookies to be donated to the nonprofit the troop has selected, including Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit that sends care packages to soldiers stationed overseas. Girls will learn more about this program and how to promote it.

For more information, please contact Mary Broomfield, Marketing and PR Director, at (626) 445-7771, ext. 313, or mbroomfield@gsmwvc.org.