Designing product sale programs for our council gives us the opportunity to do some new things that support girls, troops, and Girl Scouting throughout our jurisdiction.  Direct girls to the ABC website to vote on the recognitions for the 2009 program!

1. Who will be the vendors for our product sales?
2. What will be the cost of cookies?
3. What about Cookie Dough?
4. When will the Product Programs be held?
5. Will we still have cookie cupboards?

After taking into consideration program, recognitions, price, materials and support, the CRC approved Ashdon Farms/QSP for the Girl Scout Fall Product Program and ABC Bakers for the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

Troops and groups have long relied on proceeds from the Girl Scout cookie Program as a significant source of funding for their activities.  For the 2008-2009 Cookie Program, cookies will retail for $4 per box.  For some areas this is an increase of 50 cents and for others it will be the same price.  The proceeds from the cookie program will help pay for troop/group trips, service projects, troop activities, camps and camp staff, council publications, volunteer training, financial assistance and much more.

Girls will be able to earn "Cookie Credit" based on the number of packages sold.  "Cookie Credit" may be used to pay for things like council sponsored program events, membership dues, shop merchandise, summer camp and Girl Scout Destinations.

Due to the varying dates of United Way blackout periods, the dates for the Fall Product Program will be staggered for Girl Scouts in all regions of the council.  The fall program dates are as follows: Dexter Region (September 15 - October 6); Cape Girardeau and Springfield Region (October 3 - October 20); Joplin Region (October 17 - November 10); Jefferson City Region (October 24 - November 10).

Dates for the Girl Scout Cookie Program have not been finalized.

Distribution of products will be designed to be as efficient as possible.  Obviously the broad jurisdiction presents challenges, but product sale program vendors are working carefully with every new council to plan for changes in the sale and procedures.