Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement
A generator and source of knowledge about new-media marketing for rural and agriculture-based businesses and organizations
Our transdisciplinary, multi-institutional thought center is a generator and source of knowledge about new-media marketing. We approach problems through the lens of our home disciplines of agricultural communication, horticulture, and agricultural economics in a combined effort to enable rural and agriculture-based businesses to flourish in ever-changing environments while fostering positive changes to rural livelihood.
We saw a need for independently owned rural businesses to learn how to capitalize on new-media technologies in order to advance business goals. We set out to conduct a pilot study with a local garden center in 2012, and then pursued and secured competitive USDA funding.
The funded project’s purpose was to investigate how rural and urban garden centers currently use and implement new-media technologies and to explore how small businesses can effectively implement these technologies to improve economic success.
Based on results of this research, the team realized a national need existed, with local implications, that was not being met with current research and outreach efforts. We sought funding and support, and in 2015, officially opened our doors at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.
What started as a research effort to fill an existing gap, evolved into an outlet for research, teaching, and extension that supports the mission and vision of the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University.
We are now located at three institutions in the United States: Kansas State University (Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources), University of Minnesota (Department of Applied Economics), and the University of Florida (Department of Agricultural Education and Communication). Our homes are in the heart of agriculture country – keeping us connected to those that we serve.
This team leads the nation in establishing a reputation for new-media technology research for the betterment of small, rural enterprises.
CREE research encompasses two specific areas: academic and research services. Our team of researchers can create the perfect study for your business or organization.
We provide in-depth analytic services to organizations and businesses on a wide variety of new-media marketing platforms.
Are you looking for hands-on learning on new-media technologies? Train one-on-one with our team or schedule a workshop at your location.
As industry experts in new-media marketing, we want to share our expertise with others and inspire them to connect to new audiences and increase financial sustainability. Our focus in agriculture and rural communities makes CREE unique in the field of marketing.
1712 Claflin Road
3602 Throckmorton Hall
Manhattan, KS 66502
newmedia@ksu.edu
785.532.3504
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.