Here lately my commutes have been set to the soundtrack of NPR rather than my favorite local radio station, K104.  NPR has been a preset since the day I turned 35 (as required by the law of aging), but now it monopolizes my hoopty’s stereo and I’m a more informed writer, better marketer and all-around more aware human being because of it.

This morning I heard Steve Inskeep saying something about a new grape variety and my ears perked up (FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY NERD ALERT!).  Turns out that researchers from Cornell University’s agricultural breeding program have created two new wine grape varieties that they’ll be releasing next year.  In order to promote these fruits’ debut, Cornell is holding a naming contest and the deadline for submissions is Monday, August 6^th.  By this point, I’m tuned in with BOTH ears and already brainstorming names while driving and drinking (Starbucks).

I immediately thought – what a great way to get people interested and personally invested in two of over 7,000 grape varieties.  And not only is the contest a great idea, they’ve made it VERY easy to participate with just two rules and a simple email submission process (bruce.reisch@cornell.edu).  Who says agricultural breeding researchers aren’t marketing savvy?  And they got their story on NPR, so it seems they also have a knack for PR!

Now, back to brainstorming – I plan on winning this thing!

Posted by The Health Nut (Brock Nemecek)

Tags: Brock Nemecek, Cornell University, K104, NPR, Steve Inskeep

Posted Thursday, August 2nd, 2012 at 4:28 pm and is filed under All, Culture & Creativity, Marketing Tools & Trends.