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Western Dairyland Business Center
February 2009 Newsletter |
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Greetings!
For the month of February, we have a lot of events packed into a short amount of time! And, a lot of changes!
On February 12, the Women's Business Network will hold its first meeting at its new day and time -- 2nd Thursday of the month, noon-1pm.
Also on February 12, the Jackson County I&E Club will hold its first meeting at its new location -- the Black River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, 6:30pm.
On February 19, the Buffalo/Trempealeau County I&E Club will hold its first meeting at its new location -- the Western Dairyland Annex Building in Independence, 6:30pm.
On February 25, in honor of National Entrepreneurship Week, consider attending our "7 Steps to Starting a Business" class, 2-5pm.
And, of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention our biggest event of the year -- Online registration is now open for the 6th annual Women's Business Conference!
For more information on any of these events and more, continue reading below or feel free to contact me directly at kbriggs@westerndairyland.org.
Sincerely,
Karman Briggs
Business Center Manager |
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 Online Registration for the 2009 Conference is
now open!
Don't miss out on the fun! Attend the 6th Annual Women's Business Conference and register online today.
*Early Bird registration until April 1st.*
https://womensbusinessconference.u2-web.com/registration.html
Early bird rate = $39.
The event targets women entrepreneurs who are starting, expanding, and/or working to improve their businesses.
There is still room for sponsors and/or exhibitors!!!
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 Free Women's Business Networking Meeting
Meetings Now Held on the
2nd Thursday of the month!
Thursday February 12th, noon to 1 p.m.
418 Wisconsin Street, Eau Claire
"Succeeding in the World of Retail"
by Lorraine Dixon of Cadeaux Gifts
The world of retail may not be an easy place to be in tough economic times. At the February 12th TEAM meeting, learn how Lorraine Dixon of Cadeaux Gifts has successfully stood out in the crowd. By identifying a niche market, collaborating with colleagues, and hand selecting unique products from within the United States as well as importing from her native Canada, Lorraine has continued to grow her retail store in the Eau Claire downtown. Meetings are free and open to the public. Bring your own lunch and plenty of business cards to share!
March 12, 2009:
"Creating a Mutually Beneficial Experience for UWEC Interns in Your Small Business" by Staci Heidtke, UWEC Internship Coordinator.
Interns are not just for big business! Today's UWEC students are emerging with very specific skill sets and your small business may be the perfect place for them to gain real world experience while presenting a fresh point of view for you. At the March 12th meeting, Staci will detail not only how to hire paid and un-paid interns from UWEC, but how to create an experience that will be mutually beneficial to the intern and the employer - starting with identifying an appropriate role and/or project for the prospective intern.
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7 Step Business Class
Learn the Basic Steps in Building a Successful Business Plan
What to start your own business, but don't know how? The Western Dairyland Business Center is hosting an event to teach participants how to start a business by assembling the pieces of a business plan on Wednesday, February 25, from 2 to 5 pm at the Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin Street, Eau Claire.
Topics covered include feasibility, proving your market, funding your business, writing a business plan, marketing, business legal structure and more.
*If you attend this event you can apply for FREE, one-on-one assistance from Western Dairyland's Business Development Specialists to determine the feasibility of their business idea and identify sources to prove their market. Business Development Specialists may also help with the preparation of business plans and financial forecasts which could be presented to lenders.*
Tuition is $25 and class materials are included. Scholarships are available for eligible individuals
For more information or to register, go to www.SuccessfulBusiness.org or call 715/836-7511, ext. 174.
SPACE IS LIMITED, registration and payment must be received by Monday, February 23. Arrangements for persons with special needs will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
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The next Jackson County I&E Club meeting is Thursday, February 12 at our new location at the Black River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at 120 N. Water St., Black River Falls. Meetings will continue to be held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30pm. This month's topic is Internet Marketing strategies and trends. Attendees are encouraged to bring both questions and suggestions for what has worked or not worked for your particular business and industry.
The next Buffalo/Trempealeau County I&E Club meeting is Thursday, February 19th at our new location at the Western Dairyland Annex Building located at 23122 Whitehall Road, Independence. Meetings will continue to be held at 6:30pm on the third Thursday of each month. This month's topic is Website Basics. Attendees will learn how to establish a presence on the Internet, from reserving a domain name to finding a Web host. An online presence is important for every business, however, for many start-up's, hiring a professional is not an option. If you have more time than money, you can easily establish the building blocks yourself to build a basic Website for your business.
These two clubs are FREE to attend and open to anyone in Western Wisconsin who would like to learn from experienced professionals and discuss their ideas with other local inventors and entrepreneurs.
 Network with other I&E Club members outside of the monthly I&E meetings through our NEW online LinkedIn Discussion Group! To join, click here and you will then be directly connected with other I&E Club members and supporters. Looking for a prototype manufacturer? Need help with some marketing? Feel free to initiate discussions or simply post to ongoing discussions.
For more information on either I & E Club call: Karman Briggs at 800-782-1063 or 715-836-7511, ext. 174 You can also email IandE@WesternDairyland.org
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News and Events
 WSPE's 38th Annual Event "2009 Governor's New Product Award" applications are due February 16, 2009. As a Governor's New Product Award entrant: � Your company competes to be named the 2009 GNPA winner in the mega, large, medium or small company employment categories. � Four Best of State winners will compete in the 2010 National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) New Product Awards for national recognition. Since 1993 Wisconsin has won the top award sixteen times. � Each entrant receives a GNPA Certificate signed by the Governor recognizing your economic contributions to Wisconsin. � Each entry is publicized through WSPE. The Governor's Office via the Department of Commerce will distribute a press release of the competition results to all Wisconsin media outlets on the Department of Commerce's press list. � All entrants and guests will be invited to attend the Governor's New Product Awards Banquet, Thursday evening, April 23, 2009 at Lambeau Field's Legends Club Room, Green Bay, WI. Over 100 people are expected to attend the awards banquet. Click below to access application: http://www.wspe.org/docs/2009GNPACallForEntries.pdf
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SPEECHCRAFT-Presented by Chippewa Valley Toastmasters
Did you know that the most common fear is speaking in public? Is that one of your fears?
Regardless of what your job is, interacting and communiticating with others effectively is essential. Set yourself a part from the rest and improve on your speaking abilities by joining SPEECHCRAFT.
What is SPEECHCRAFT?
- A program to help you develop your presentation skills
- Experienced Toastmasters present the fundamentals of public speaking
- You will learn through practice to speak in enjoyable and non-threatening atmosphere
Increases Performances in:
- Conducting and participating in business
- Motivating people
- Interviewing for jobs
- Selling ideas or products
- Solving problems
This is a SIX WEEK session held every Thursday for only $25.
For more information visit: www.toastmasters.org
The Six Week Session starts February 19th.
You can also contact Robert Wall at 715-855-0189
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Wisconsin Restaurant Expo 2009
-Meet members of other well-known industry associations that will be meeting at the Expo and making purchasing decisions for their businesses.
-Connect with F&B executives that don't have time for the traditional sales call.
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