News Summary
A group of business students from Newberry College has collaborated with Voodoo Brewing Company to assist in launching its new location in Newberry. The partnership provides students with real-world experience in consulting, addressing key business challenges related to consumer behavior, marketing strategies, and employee retention. The students’ analysis culminated in formal presentations to Voodoo Brewing’s representatives, showcasing their strategic insights aimed at supporting the brewery’s local launch. This collaboration highlights Newberry College’s commitment to experiential learning and engagement with local businesses.
Newberry, SC – A group of business students from Newberry College have partnered with Voodoo Brewing Company to assist in the launch of its new location in Newberry. This collaboration provides students with practical experience while supporting local business initiatives.
Voodoo Brewing Company, which is currently renovating its future site in Newberry, tasked the students with addressing multiple business challenges as part of their local launch strategy. The consulting project involved teams of four to five students who utilized their research skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities to develop effective solutions.
As the semester progressed, students presented their findings and recommendations to representatives from Voodoo Brewing, marking the culmination of their project. Dr. Carl Wells, a professor of business at Newberry College, pointed out that this initiative bridges the gap between classroom theory and its real-world applications.
The consulting effort focused on five key areas essential for Voodoo Brewing’s successful local entry:
– Analysis of Consumer Behavior: Investigating demographic trends and purchasing habits to tailor offerings.
– Customer Acquisition and Loyalty: Strategies for attracting and retaining customers, including loyalty programs and inclusive experiences.
– Employee Retention: Emphasizing a positive workplace culture, competitive compensation, and professional development opportunities.
– Financial Analysis: Evaluating the economic impact of converting the historic facility for business use.
– Marketing Strategies: Recommendations for social media campaigns, local business partnerships, and events to generate buzz.
The project was structured in five distinct phases, enabling students to refine their approach:
– Initiation Phase (Jan. 27–Feb. 3): In this phase, students met with Voodoo representatives to gain insights and prepared an initiation paper outlining the project’s purpose.
– Problem Framing Phase (Feb. 10–17): Teams drafted and submitted problem statements and objectives to clearly define the project goals.
– Research and Analysis Phase (Feb. 17–Mar. 30): Students conducted detailed research on their designated topics and summarized their findings.
– Testing and Ideation Phase (Apr. 7–14): This phase focused on testing proposed solutions, which were then developed into comprehensive proposals.
– Presentation and Final Submission Phase (Apr. 28–May 13): The students delivered formal presentations to Voodoo Brewing, outlining their final recommendations.
The owner of Voodoo Brewing, Kevin Rekiel, expressed appreciation for the professionalism exhibited by the students and acknowledged the depth of their analysis. The brewery plans to incorporate many of the students’ insights into its business model as it moves forward with the Newberry location.
This collaboration exemplifies Newberry College’s commitment to experiential learning by engaging students in hands-on projects that have a tangible impact on the local community. Throughout the consulting process, Voodoo Brewing maintained close communication with the students, providing valuable context and feedback on their proposals.
The new Voodoo Brewing location is not only set to bring a unique dining and drinking experience to Newberry, but it also aims to enhance the local community by operating as a locally owned and operated franchise. The business intends to offer “world-class beer, hand-crafted cocktails, and elevated pub fare,” contributing to the area’s growing economic landscape.
Anticipations are high for both the students and the community as they look forward to the positive influence of Voodoo Brewing’s new establishment, marking an exciting chapter for Newberry College and its business students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Aquarium Hosts Monthly Networking Event
Networking Event at South Carolina Aquarium
NOAA Warns of Busy Atlantic Hurricane Season Ahead
Republicans Push Through Tax Cuts and Border Security Plan
Local Developments: Aquarium Networking Event and Brewery Expansion
Newberry, SC Welcomes New Location of Voodoo Brewing Company
Voodoo Brewing Company Expands to Newberry and Lexington
Voodoo Brewing Company Expands to Newberry and Lexington, SC
The U.S.-China Trade Truce: Diverse Perspectives Emerge
Newberry City Council Approves Funding for Tourism Projects
Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: Newberry College Business Students Partner with Brewery
- Wikipedia: Business Education
- Post and Courier: Voodoo Brewing Expansion
- Google Search: Voodoo Brewing Company
- WCPO: Dirty Dining Report on Breweries
- Google Scholar: Local Business Strategies
- Cola Today: New and Coming Soon Businesses in Columbia SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Consumer Behavior
- Newberry Observer: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Coming to Noh
- Google News: Community Impact of Businesses
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
