According to Forbes article,
"Why Collaborating With Your Competition Can Be a Great Idea," there's a buzzword for companies who blend their priorities of innovation and cost savings, which is "Coopetition" - which means the collaboration among business competitors. In a time when every industry is pivoting, it's vital to have a reputation as someone who can play nice in the sandbox, building healthy relationships with peers and competitors alike. The ability to build relationships and working partnerships isn't a new concept, but it will look different in each industry. "Nowadays, the best partner might be your direct competitor," says Paavo Ritala, a professor of Strategy and Innovation at LUT University of Technology in Finland, Forbes continues to report.
In light of the changing market, our panelists will be discussing experiences working with competitors, ideating and inspiring others to do the same when available and appropriate. Join us at Wild Terra Cider to learn more.
Panelists:- Tracy Nicholson: Nicholson is the editor and one of the founding partners at Midwest Nest Magazine, a regionally distributed publication based in Fargo, N.D. She is originally from Fairmount, N.D., and is a Mass Communications graduate of Minnesota State University of Moorhead. Nicholson lives in West Fargo with her husband, Mike, and their two children, Elle and Quin.
- Melanie Iverson: Melanie launched her first business with her best friend, making and reclaiming furniture, followed two years later by Melanie Michelle Designs. After a series of events, Melanie took a small break from design and joined a small anti-trafficking nonprofit, raising $1M dollars to end human slavery. In 2017, Melanie and her husband, James, launched Mosaic Design + Build, where Melanie is the CEO and Lead Designer and James serves as the President and General Contractor.
- Jenessa Fillipi: Originally from Argyle, MN, Jenessa moved to the FM area to attend Minnesota State University where she graduated with a teaching degree and masters in counseling. Jenessa has worked as an elementary school counselor for the last 14 years in Fargo. Married to Jake for 18 years, they keep busy raising their 4 children. With hearts for families and complementary skillsets, she and Jake co-founded Down Home nonprofit in the fall of 2017. Jenessa’s roots run deep in faith and the belief of being boots on the ground to be of direct impact in the community she dearly loves.
