I have an idea for a board game with a working prototype. How do I take it
from idea, to manufacturing, to store shelves?

Hello.

There's a great web page with wonderful advice on this very subject:
"Manufacturing or Marketing Your Own Game"
http://beach.silcom.com/~tomjolly/design.htm

You might also consider buying this book:
"The Game Inventor's Guidebook"
http://www.collect.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=Krause&category%5Fname=Comics+%26+Games+Bookstore&product%5Fid=GIH

Here's a website with a list of companies that will manufacture your game:
http://www.discovergames.com/printer.htm

---------
search strategy:
"market your own game"

Good luck!

Tom Jolly suggested you go to Essen / Gen Con / Origins. As these are
not until the Summer, there is an event worth trying in February, in
Nuremberg, Germany.

The web site for the show is:
  http://www.spielwarenmesse.de/index.php?id=171&L=1

Alternatively, the web sites for the conventions he mentions are:
  http://www.gencon.com
  http://www.genconuk.com
  http://www.originsgames.com
  http://www.merz-verlag.com/spiel/e000.php4

Note: It is worth spending time on a clear and simple set of rules.
Then get others to try the game with you watching and making notes but
not saying anything. It'll show up any gaps in the rules.

Ratty