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PJC to host conference on business leadership
Staff Report
Published August 25, 2009
Author John Grubbs — “Leadership Among Idiots: A Survival Guide for the Rest of Us” — will keynote a free conference Thursday, Aug. 26 sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Paris Junior College and the Paris Small Business Development Center.
“What’s Next: Exploring Growth Strategies for Your Business” features 10 workshops. The conference is from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Bobby R. Walters Workforce Training Center on Clarksville Street. Participants should use the west entrance.
Participants must register by contacting the Paris Small Business Development Center at
903-782-0224 no later than noon Wednesday, Lunch and refreshments will be provided along with door prizes.
“This is a unique opportunity to research avenues to improve, grow and expand your business all in one day made possible through funds from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development,” said Pat Bell, director of the Paris Small Business Development Center. “Don’t miss this probably once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore these business expansion options and talk to the experts in each field.”
Following is a list of workshops along with presenters.
• Financing Options — panel including Herb Austin, U.S. Small Business Administration Dallas district director, speaking and taking questions on SBA’s guaranteed loan programs including 7a and the new ARC loans for small business; Judy Loden, vice president, Greater Texas Capital Corporation, speaking and taking questions on SBA’s 504 guaranteed loan program; and Adella Cantu, loan officer, Accion Texas;
•Government Contracting — The U.S. Government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. If you are not currently selling your products or services to the government, this workshop will tell you what you need to do to get on bidders lists and begin selling to the government;
•International Business — The world has grown smaller with advanced technology and communications. Opportunities bound in the international marketplace, but navigating the maze can be tricky. Lorraine McCord, director of the International SBDC and Kelly Kemp, director of Business Development for the Ex-Im Bank of the US, will give you information to help you begin exporting to or importing from countries around the world;
•Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights — Jim Berish, director of the Technology Assistance SBDC, will show you how to patent your new invention, trademark your name, and copyright your original material to protect your great ideas from others;
•Social Networking and Podcasts — The world of marketing has changed dramatically with the development and evolution of the Internet. To reach new markets, businesses must use the media potential customers are using. If you’re not familiar with podcasts, Facebook, Twitter, and other “social networking” mediums, this workshop will show you how you can use these advertising methods to promote your goods and services to potential customers the world over.
•Going Green in Your Business — Kimberley Jardine and Dana Weddle, Enterprise Excellence SBDC, will show you free and low-cost changes you can make to boost your business bank account.
•Buying a Franchise — Mike Ingram, franchise Consultant, FranNet of Dallas/Fort Worth. Franchising is not just about fast food. When you find the right franchise for you, you can reduce the risk of business ownership by leveraging a proven, predictable system and support structure. Learn how to select, research and buy the right franchise for you;
•Franchising Your Business — Mike Ingram, franchise consultant, FranNet of Dallas/Fort Worth. Do you have a successful business you would like to duplicate in other locations? If so, you may want to package and sell your business concept as a franchise. Learn how to legally become a franchisor and promote your franchise to potential buyers.
•QuickBooks: Tracking a Lean Operation — QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software tool with many capabilities you may not be taking advantage of to manage your business. Learn how to run QuickBooks reports to help you trim the fat from your business operation and increase your profits.
• Credit Utilization and Concerns — You have the great business plan and the marketplace in which it will thrive. However, will your personal credit history keep you from realizing your goals? This workshop will present information on credit, the credit history report, the reports correlation to the score and tips on improving your score.
Workshops will last 1 hour 15 minutes, and four time slots will be available. If you would like to take advantage of more than four workshops, you may register additional employees from your business to attend. Lunch and break refreshments will be provided to all attendees as well as handouts from workshop sessions.
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