2010 Winner, Better Business Bureau of North Alabama Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
2010 Alabama Women's Business Center of Excellence
2007 Non-Profit of the Year
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| Women's Business Center of North Alabama
May 2011 Newsletter
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Newsletter Sponsored by
www.services-sps.com |
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A Message from Joanne Randolph, President and CEO
Resiliency is clearly a trait that is woven deep into the fabric of our community in North Alabama. In the face of unprecedented weather in the past month, our community has grown stronger in supporting one another and helping those in need with recovery efforts. From all of us at WBCNA, we offer you and your family our thoughts and prayers as we all work to get back to normal.
Resiliency is essential in every path we take, whether rebuilding from a storm or building a small business. We know that small business owners will be the leaders in rebuilding our communities across North Alabama and across the entire state. WBCNA stands ready to provide you with the assistance and resources you need to do so. - Please note that we are working to reschedule all events and appointments that were missed due to the storms.
- Please continue to check WBCNA's online calendar for updated event information.
If you have a unique story about how your small business took action to help the recovery efforts in the local community, we want to hear about it! We firmly believe that positive stories are both energizing and infectious. We want to hear about your leadership and share your story with others.
Thank you for your continued support; it is because of both our clients and supporters alike that we're here as your WBCNA.
Sincerely,
Joanne Randolph
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May Lunch and Learn
"Outlook for Small Business in Alabama"
Sponsored by:
Friday, May 20, 2011
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
(last half hour reserved for networking)
Speaker: Honorable Phil Williams, State Representative, District 6
The WBCNA has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville-Madison County to present monthly Lunch & Learns. The topic for May's Lunch & Learn is "An Outlook for Small Business in Alabama" and our speaker is the Honorable Phil Williams, Alabama State Representative, District 6. The Lunch & Learn session is sponsored by Bethel University.
Representative Phil Williams was appointed the Chair of the Speaker's Commission on Job Creation in February 2011. This commission consists of a select group of business leaders tasked with identifying opportunities to boost private sector job growth through changes in state laws and policies. The Speaker's Commission on Job Creation had a simple, but formidable mission: to develop creative, achievable and immediate job creation policy recommendations that can be considered by the Legislature in the Regular Session. Speaker Hubbard asked that a final report be delivered to himself, Governor Bentley and the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism by April 15.
Upon his appointment, Representative Williams stated "I thank Speaker Hubbard for creating this Commission because we truly need input from all segments of the business community," Representative Williams said. "I want to work with business leaders on the front line to find out what we can do as a Legislature to help them grow and create new jobs. Recruiting new industry is important, but small businesses remain our biggest job-creation engine and we must find ways to help them succeed. It is up to us as lawmakers to support legislation that will create a positive environment for businesses large and small."
On May 20, 2011, Representative Williams will speak at the WBCNA Lunch and Learn to provide the Madison County and North Alabama area a report on the commission's findings and the outlook for small business in Alabama.
Representative Williams was elected in a special election in 2009 to represent House District 6 in Madison County. He was born and raised on a small farm in Alabama, graduated from The University of Alabama in Huntsville with a degree in International Business, and speaks fluent French.
Representative Williams has been involved with the development of small businesses for most of his career through recruiting economic and industrial development to Alabama.
After working with contracts negotiations in the Small Business and Contracts offices as a Contract Specialist with the U.S. Army, Phil co-founded several businesses:
- 3D Research Corporation
- Synapse Wireless, and
- Soldier 1 Corporation
Representative Williams' volunteer activities include:
- Serving as a Director of the Alabama Archives Board for Alabama History
- Mentoring, without pay, to small businesses in the Huntsville area
- Serving as an active board member of Huntsville's Heritage Foundation
- Participating in the Madison County/Huntsville Leadership Program, including fund raising so that any "at-risk" young person in Madison County would have the fees to prepare for and take the GED test.
Phil and his wife, Lisa, live in Huntsville with their son.
The Lunch & Learn will be held at the Chamber of Commerce Auditorium at 225 Church Street in downtown Huntsville. A map with directions can be found on the website.
Reservations are required. The cost is $20 for WBCNA clients and Chamber members. Please call 256-535-2038 for the discount code prior to registering online. Cost for all others is $25. Credit card payment is required at the time of online registration. Reservations can be made online via our calendar at www.wbcna.org.
Registration/Cancellation Policy: Lunch registrations and/or cancellations must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday before the Lunch & Learn. If you are unable to attend and do not cancel by the deadline, you will be responsible for payment.
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SBA Disaster Assistance Procedures
After declared disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires, SBA disaster loans are the primary form of Federal disaster assistance for owners of private property. SBA disaster loans generally cover uncompensated losses. By law, SBA cannot duplicate benefits received from insurance, grants or other recoveries. SBA disaster loans are for permanent, long-term recovery.
In order to learn more about SBA Disaster Assistance, please click here to download a presentation from the SBA.
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| NEW! Veteran's Business Assistance Center
 WBNCA Announces the Establishment of the Veteran's Business Assistance Center (VBAC) Presented by: 
Our nation's Veterans are the embodiment of leadership, service and perseverance. It is only natural that many of these individuals are taking steps towards becoming entrepreneurs in their civilian life and professional careers.
To better serve the needs of the growing number of Veterans who want to start a new business or expand an existing one in North Alabama, WBCNA established the Veteran's Business Assistance Center (VBAC). The VBAC provides critical training and resources to Veterans in our region who are starting or growing small businesses that contribute to our community's economic growth and job creation.
"We are coaching more and more Veterans who want to own their own business," says Joanne Randolph, President & CEO of WBCNA. "We have already reached out to Veterans who are successful business owners and they have generously offered their support in helping other Veterans get started and to grow." Business coaches who have already offered their services are:
- Larry Anderson, President of ALATEC, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
- Joe Fitzgerald, President of Decision Sciences Company and Founder of Honor Flight
- Ron Klein, CEO of Belzon, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
- Rob Kuehn, President & CEO of Silver Eagle Consulting, a Veteran Owned Small Business
- Kris McGuire, CEO of Victory Solutions, Inc., a Service Disabled Veteran and Woman Owned Small Business
Randolph also recognized the leadership commitment and support of Redstone Federal Credit Union (RFCU) in the establishment of the VBAC. "Redstone Federal Credit Union offers tremendous resources and assistance to Veterans and all small business owners. As our partner, they will serve a critical role in connecting WBCNA clients with resources to grow."
John Cook, AVP Business Services for RFCU remarked, "The value that the Women's Business Center of North Alabama brings in providing knowledge for starting a business, as well as providing numerous opportunities to make and build relationships with industry leaders is well established and well known. It is our pleasure at Redstone Federal Credit Union to support the WBCNA and its commitment to the outreach of veteran-owned businesses in our community.
Cook continued, "We are pleased to be a part of enabling this important group of businesses to be successful in generating revenue, operating profitably and adding jobs to the local economy. One of our main missions at Redstone is to expand access to loaned capital for small businesses, making it easier for them to start, expand and grow. Redstone Federal Credit Union is well positioned to assist veteran-owned businesses because of its commitment to delivering a wide range of business financial service solutions and it being a highly active SBA lender in Alabama."
While the WBCNA has been coaching and training Veterans for years, we are enhancing these offerings to better serve the Veteran entrepreneurial community in North Alabama. The following services are being offered to all U.S. Military Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reservists, National Guard Members, and Active Duty business owners and start-up entrepreneurs in North Alabama:
- One-on-one business coaching by successful Veteran business owners
- Business training (starting a business, writing a business plan, marketing, accounting, etc.)
- Access to financing (up to $500,000 available through the SBA Patriot Express Loan Program for qualified borrowers.)
- Certification Assistance
- Networking opportunities and business matchmaking
- Website resources for Veterans
- Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Training
Most of these services are free and only minimal fees are charged for training (GI Bill benefits may cover entrepreneurial training costs). Entrepreneurs can also access small business resources available from RFCU by visiting their business solutions site.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 256-535-2038. WBCNA is conveniently located at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce at 225 Church Street.
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Smart Ideas for Small Businesses
Source: NAWBO
Author: Alan Parker
As the economy has only just started to recover, many small businesses are still looking for guidance to help get them through these tough times. There are countless books and websites available for small businesses, and many of them are often valuable resources. However, small business owners habitually forget to look to some of today's largest business leaders for successful ideas-many of which can be replicated on a much smaller scale to help their business grow to the next level.
Here, we take an in-depth look at a few well-renowned CEOs who have brought philanthropy and sustainability to the forefront of their company to do just that.
Sustainability
It seems like almost every corporation is taking up practices that exhibit their commitment to the convergence of corporate enterprise and green technology. To this end, CEOs Klaus Kleinfeld of Alcoa and Dow Chemical's Andrew Liveris have developed and are applying sustainable business models to their companies. These models influence the types of products and services a corporation offers to their customers, as well as the day-to-day functioning of the corporation itself. For example, Kleinfeld and Alcoa submitted a 2009 report that organized the corporation's three areas of concern (sustainable resources, sustainable products and sustainable operations) and since then, Alcoa has cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million metric tons, devoted more than $34 million into the communities where Alcoa plants are located and created an expected business model for 2050 with respect to the corporations' long-range sustainability goals.
Dow and Liveris are following a similar path. Dow is currently partnered with the International Olympic Committee as the official sponsor of the Olympics until 2020. Liveris has shown scientific, business and special interest parties how his dedication to green science and sustainability is not only beneficial to the environment and humans, but actually integrates with business to bring about unprecedented discoveries and profits. Later this year, they plan to release a Powerhouse solar shingle that can potentially replace standard asphalt roofing shingles and assist in powering households and businesses.
Now, how does all of this apply to your business? First, by taking a hard look at your company's day-to-day operations and determining ways to save energy and cut back on waste, you, too, can end up saving substantial amounts of money that can be reinvested in the company. Second, by providing green products and services, which can usually be offered at a premium, you gain authority and credibility within your community. To further this credibility, look for opportunities to join local and statewide "green accreditation" programs, which help set efficiency and other environmental goals for your company. Rather than making a huge, sweeping change, be practical and take just a few minutes to review your company's products and operations. Small internal changes can often yield significant results.
Philanthropy
While sustainability has been steadily gaining popularity within the last few years, one of the oldest practices in corporate America is that of philanthropy. Two of America's earliest CEOs, John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, donated enormous percentages of their wealth to start foundations, universities and libraries. Today, it is tough to compare anyone to the philanthropic ways of Bill Gates. Through the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, more than $27 billion was given to charity as of 2007, and more recently, Gates has pledged to give more than half of his wealth away to philanthropic causes.
If you have the financial means, sponsoring local charities and helping with fundraisers are good ways to show you care about the community and are an active member of it. Yet, donating time can be just as important, as you can reap the same rewards by volunteering-not to mention the number of studies that show giving to charity promotes your own happiness and well being! Charity events often bring whole communities together, which provides networking opportunities to meet new customers and clients and gives you the chance to make a memorable and positive first impression.
Overall, these are not groundbreaking ideas by any stretch of the imagination, but by following and applying a few of these guidelines to your small business, there is vast potential to build strong relationships in your community, look more enticing to customers and have an overall positive impact on your company. |
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Quick Reference for SBA Loan Programs
The SBA offers a wide variety of loan programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Understanding the resources available is an important first step in securing the funds needed for growth. Use this quick reference guide from the SBA for an at-a-glance look at SBA loan programs, loan amounts, use of proceeds, loan maturity and more!
Click here for the SBA Loan Program Quick Reference Guide.
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| SBA Lending Initiatives for Underserved Communities
Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage Programs increase the number of lower dollar loans being made to small businesses and underserved communities.
Lenders who participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration's Preferred Lender Program can approve loans through the agency's new Small Loan Advantage program beginning Feb. 15. At the same time, the agency will begin accepting applications from community-based, mission-focused lenders who are interested in making SBA-guaranteed loans through the new Community Advantage program.
Both the Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage programs were announced in December as part of the agency's efforts to increase the number of lower dollar loans being made to small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
"Businesses in underserved communities, including minority and women-owned as well as businesses in rural areas, have been among the hardest hit by the recent economic downturn," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "These two new Advantage initiatives can provide critical support to help these businesses and entrepreneurs get much needed financing to start and grow, which will translate into more jobs in these communities."
Built on what the agency refers to as its "Advantage" platform, both Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage offer a streamlined application process for SBA-guaranteed 7(a) loans up to $250,000. Advantage loans will come with the regular 7(a) government guarantee, 85 percent for loans up to $150,000 and 75 percent for those greater than $150,000.
Starting Feb. 15, any of the 610 financial institutions across the country in the SBA's Preferred Lender Program (PLP) can approve loans using the new Small Loan Advantage process. Under PLP, which includes most of the agency's highest volume lenders, SBA delegates the final credit decisions to these lenders.
Additionally, on Feb. 15, SBA will begin accepting applications from financial institutions who are interested in becoming Community Advantage lenders. Through Community Advantage, the agency will expand the points of access small business owners have for getting loans by opening SBA's 7(a) loan program to "mission-focused" financial institutions, including Community Development Financial Institutions, SBA's Certified Development Companies and SBA's nonprofit microlending intermediaries. Community Advantage will leverage the experience these institutions already have in lending to minority, women-owned and start-up companies in economically challenged markets, along with their management and technical assistance expertise, to help make their borrowers successful.
SBA and U.S. Department of Commerce studies have shown the importance of lower-dollar loans to small business formation and growth in underserved communities. With that in mind, the two new loan initiatives - Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage - are aimed at increasing the number of lower-dollar SBA 7(a) loans going to small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities. The agency's most popular loan product, 7(a) government-guaranteed loans can be used for a variety of general business purposes, including working capital and purchases of equipment and real estate.
Community-based organizations interested in becoming Community Advantage lenders should contact the closest SBA district office.
Source: http://www.sba.gov/news Release number 11-11
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10 High Impact Marketing Ideas Under $10
Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) Invites You to Participate in a Special Training Event on Wednesday, May 11 at 1pm CST
Join WIPP for this special presentation on low-cost marketing ideas.
- Learn 10 cheap and low-cost ways that big companies use to grow BIG!
- Learn how to S-T-R-E-T-C-H your marketing dollars!
- Discover how to WOW your customers and never be forgotten.
- Learn the small-budget marketing secrets of the Rich and Famous Business Owner - how many of the guru's got started and STILL grow their businesses!
Course Instructor: Nancy Michaels, CEO and Founder, GrowYourBusinessNetwork, Inc. and Co-Founder of TheBusinessSkinny.com
Click here to register.
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National Small Business Week May 18-20
SBA Salutes Small Businesses that Drive America's Economy The nation's top entrepreneurs will be honored at the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week events May 18-20 in Washington, D.C. Under the theme, "Empowering Entrepreneurs," a series of events and educational forums will mark the 58th anniversary of the agency and the 48th annual proclamation of National Small Business Week.
More than 100 outstanding small business owners from across the country will receive awards while gathering for three days at the city's Mandarin Oriental Hotel. They will meet with top administration officials, congressional representatives and national business leaders. The highlight of the celebration will be the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year.
Men and women also will be recognized for their involvement in disaster recovery, government contracting, and their support for small businesses and entrepreneurship, and awards will be presented to SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, including the year's top SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center and Women's Business Center.
Interested parties can register online at www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com where additional information is available. The event will also be webcast live at the web site.
"Small business owners and employees across America are proving their resiliency as they continue to drive the nation out of recession through economic growth and job creation," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "National Small Business Week gives us an opportunity to honor their achievements and the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and determination that makes them the engine of our economy and our nation's economic recovery."
Click here to read the entire SBA release. |
Calling All Volunteers!
The WBCNA is planning on hosting another Direct Selling Expo in September 2011, but we're calling it the "Home-Based Business Expo" so it will resonate with the general public. Anita Eno, Team National, has agreed to chair the event. As a reminder, the mission of the expo is to connect companies who have business opportunities (like Mary Kay, Silpada, and Amway) with individuals who are looking for them. This is a great venue for those in the direct selling industry who are trying to build their organizations and promote their products or services. Many of clients, and millions of Americans, are already in the industry or looking into it.
We are looking for volunteers who would like to help us with this event. If you have any interest, please send us an email at info@wbcna.org.
What is Direct Selling? Direct selling is the sale of a consumer product or service, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location, marketed through independent sales representatives who are sometimes also referred to as consultants, distributors or other titles.
Just about any product or service can be purchased through direct selling somewhere in the world. Many people think of cosmetics, wellness products and home décor as products that are often sold through direct sales, but add to that countless other product categories including kitchen products, jewelry, clothing, organic gardening supplies, spa products, scrapbooking supplies, rubber stamps and much, much more. For more information, check out the Direct Selling Association (DSA) website at www.dsa.org. For direct selling general FAQs, click here. |
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QUICK LINKS
WBCNA Services
More About Us
About our Training
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UPCOMING WBCNA EVENTS
AND WORKSHOPS
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HUNTSVILLE
How to Find Money for Your Business In Any Economy- Sponsored by RFCU- May 10
Business Opportunities Matchmaker- Sponsored by Northrop Grumman and Systems, Products and Solutions- POSTPONED to August 11
QuickBites with QuickBooks- Huntsville- May 17
MORGAN COUNTY
Time Management- May 12
Business Plan Workshop- May 24
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NETWORKING
OPPORTUNITIES AND WORKSHOPS ACROSS
NORTH ALABAMA
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MADISON COUNTY
Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours- May 5
Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce New Member Luncheon- May 10
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WHO IS A WBCNA CLIENT?
Our clients are women and men in North Alabama who want to start or grow a business.
Our clients are our most important stakeholders.
Our clients are not dependent on us; we are dependent on them.
Our clients are not an interruption of our work; they are the reason for it.
We are not doing our clients a favor by serving them; they are doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to serve them.
Adapted from the words of Mahatma Gandhi
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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Stephanie Sellers at WBCNA, 225 Church Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801, or by phone at 256-535-2038 or email info@wbcna.org
 The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organizations high standards of ethical business behavior.The BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability Reports, charity BBB"Wise Giving" Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust,the BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints.
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FREE Business Plan Review from WBCNA!
The WBCNA Business Plan Review Committee is comprised of bankers, entrepreneurs, lenders, accountants, and others who can review your business plan and offer suggestions on how to make it stronger. The need for business planning and a business plan for a new venture cannot be overemphasized. It forces entrepreneurs to consider every facet of the business and places decisions on paper; where they can be evaluated and considered before getting started. Writing a Business Plan can be a time-consuming task. Software programs or instruction manuals can assist you with preparing your plan, but it is still important to polish and perfect the document before submitting it to investors or lenders. The best way to refine a Business Plan is to have it reviewed by other business professionals who are accustomed to seeing and reviewing Business Plans. WBCNA's Business Plan Review Committee will help you answer these important questions: -
Is your business plan complete or are there missing components?
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Have you thought through everything?
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Is marketing sufficiently addressed?
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Is the format readable and free of typographical and grammatical errors?
To learn how WBCNA can assist you with Business Plan review, please call 256-535-2038 or email info@wbcna.org.
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GPAC offers services to the growing number of small businesses that want to do business with the government.
Services offered include:
-One-on-one individualized coaching
- CCR registration assistance
- NAICS Codes identification
- Online training
- Certifications (8a, HUBZone, MBE, WBE, DBE)
- Networking opportunities and business matchmaking
- Assistance with Capabilities Statement development and review
- Identification of Small Business Specialists (government and prime)
- Website resources for small businesses
- Identification of business opportunities and bid match assistance
Training is a major component of the GPAC.
The GPAC is presented by:
 If you would like more information on the GPAC and doing business with the government, call (256) 535-2038.
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VBAC offers critical training and resources to the Veterans in our region who are starting or growing small businesses that contribute to our community's economic growth and job creation.
Services are available for:
-All U.S. Military Veterans
-Service-Disabled Veterans -Reservists
-National Guard Members
-Active Duty business owners and start-up entrepreneurs in North Alabama.
The VBAC is presented by:
If you would like more information on the VBAC and our specialized Veteran's resources, call (256) 535-2038.------------------------------------------------
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WBCNA Needs You to Get Involved!
The WBCNA is currently overwhelmed with demand for our services (which is a good thing). We welcome your time and support as a WBCNA volunteer. Here's just a few ways to get involved: - Administrative Support
- Business Plan Review Committee
- FastTrac Business Coach
For every two hours of volunteer time, we will provide a $25 gift certificate to use toward WBCNA workshops (one per workshop; excludes Lunch and Learn & FastTrac). Call Stephanie at (256) 535-2038 if you are interested and want to know more about how YOU can make a difference!
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Easy Ways to Get Free Press for your Business
Share Your WBCNA Testimonial
Have you received WBCNA counseling that has been helpful to you? Have you attended a WBCNA workshop that you found beneficial?
If your answer is yes to either of these questions, WBCNA wants to showcase you on our home page. Client photos and testimonials are rotated continuously at the top of the WBCNA home page. Just send us a photo and short testimonial and we'll add it to our rotation.
Tell Your Story
to the Local Media
When is the last time you submitted a Press Release to the local media? Did you know you can get free press when something "newsworthy" happens with your business? Hiring new employees and getting a new contract awarded are just two examples of great news to share. If you don't know how to write a Press Release, vist the Resources page on our website. Under the "How To" section, you will find "How to Write a Press Release." If you need help, ask WBCNA Public Relations Specialist Leah Gradl for assistance. Her email is Leah.Gradl@wbcna.org.
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WBCNA's Talk Radio Show for Entrepreneurs
Every Tuesday on Your Morning Drive
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
WTKI (1450 AM) Huntsville and WEKI (1490 AM) Decatur have returned to the air with a business-slanted format they call "Talk Radio for Real Life."
"Talk Radio for Entrepreneurs," hosted by Marianne and Darin Windham, is a weekly hour-long program focusing on entrepreneurs who share their best practices and lessons learned with listeners. If you would like to come on the air to talk about your business, the cost is ONLY $100.
Please contact the WBCNA at 256-535-2038.
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Storage Space Available at INERGI
INERGI is opening up their storage facility to new businesses! If you are looking for storage space that is ITAR certified, security badge protected and/or located here in Huntsville in a HUBZone, they are renting space for 15˘ a cubic foot!
For additional information, contact INERGI by calling 256-704-7700 ext. 139 or visiting their website via
www.inergi.com
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5th Annual Semper Fi Community Task Force Open House, May 13, 2011
Calling all Marines, Former Marines, Families & Friends of Marines
Friday, May 13, 2011, 5:30 p.m.
Raytheon Company Auditorium, 401 Jan Davis Drive, Huntsville, Alabama
Social Hour: 5:30 p.m.
Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Reception: 8:00 p.m.
In addition to fellowship with local marines, the evening will include:- A presentation on the State of the Task Force
- An update on last year's activities including the 2010 Heroes Weekend
- A preview of the 2011 Hearoes Weekend and other planned activities
- Special presentations by Wounded Warriors from past Heroes Weeks
- Special guest speaker with a personal story of sacrificial service
- Silent audtion for Marin Corps prints and gift items
Registration: This event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. |
NAITA Export Controls Roundtable May 16, 2011
North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA)
"Export Control Reform & the Role of the Department of Defense"
DOD Update from DTSA
Monday, May 16, 2011, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
The Heritage Club, Bridge Street Town Centre, Huntsville, Alabama
NAITA and Presenting Sponsor Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP invite you to attend the next Export Controls Roundtable session focusing on the Department of Defense's role in the Presidentially-directed Export Control Reform. The meeting will be held at The Heritage Club's new location at Bridge Street Town Centre on Monday, May 16, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
In August 2009, the President directed a broad-based inter-agency review of the U.S. export control system, with the goal of strengthening national security and the competitiveness of key U.S. manufacturing and technology sectors by focusing on current threats, as well as adapting to the changing economic and technological landscape.
Our guest speaker, Mr. Anthony Aldwell, Deputy Director of the Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA) will provide DoD perspective on USG efforts to fundamentally reform the U.S. export control system. His talk will cover what this means for industry, including the complex issues involved in DTSA's national security review for munitions licenses from the Department of State and dual-use licenses from the Department of Commerce.
Registration: Online registration is available by clicking here .
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ComDef (Common Defense) Huntsville May 17-18, 2011
"Delivering Worldwide Capability"
Tuesday, May 17th and Wednesday, May 18
Marriott Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
ComDef Huntsville 2011, (Common Defense), is a unique and comprehensive conference focused entirely on international defense cooperation. The theme of ComDef Huntsville 2011 is "Delivering Worldwide Capability." The conference takes place in an environment of national, financial, and industrial challenges, and a compelling need for efficiency and economies, both domestically, and with the resources of our allies. You do not want to miss this vitally informative conference.
ComDef Huntsville 2011 has been prepared in concert with the US Department of Defense and with Embassy representatives of the traditionally supportive countries. The conference will enable you to:
Grow international business development in support of coalition partners
- Meet program managers outlining their procurement roadmaps
- Meet requirement specialists seeking capability
- Meet main line executives seeking supply partnerships
- Learn the technologies available and imminent to enhance capability
- Hear the current status of export control dynamics
- Understand how funding imperatives are driving requirements
- Network with colleagues with shared concerns
Registration: Please visit the ComDef 2011 website to register by clicking here.
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30th International Space Development Conference May 18-22, 2011
The National Space Society presents:
"From the Ground Up---How Do We Get There?"
Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama
May 18-22, 2011
Join the engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and private citizens who are building a spacefaring civilization. Topics covered throughout the conference include:
The Future of Space:- Space Solar Power
- ISS Missions
- Heavy Lift Launch
Technology: - Science
- Propulsion
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Space Settlement
- Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Life Support
Cost to Attend: Adults $280; NSS Members $200; Students $40. This is online registration pricing that expires May 1, 2011. Click here to visit the conference website and to register for the event.Additional pricing is available for tickets with meals. Email ISDC2011@NSS.org for additional information.
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NATO Small Business Forum May 19, 2011
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce in conjunction with NAITA & the Export Alabama Alliance
Thursday, May 19, 2011 12:00-5:00 p.m.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), encompassing twenty-six countries, is a vast alliance stretching from Canada to Turkey with missions in the Balkans, Darfur, Afghanistan, and Libya. NATO procurement offers great potential trade opportunities for U.S. companies in sectors ranging from security and defense to maintenance and repair services. However, the alliance's procurement regime can be daunting.
The U.S. Commercial Service, in coordination with NAITA and the Export Alabama Alliance, is pleased to present this half-day forum to assist small and medium-sized companies with the process and procedures of selling to NATO and the European Defense Community. We will discuss EU Offsets, Declarations of Eligibility, Security Clearances, and the various NATO procurement channels including BOA, NC3A, NAMSA, NACMA. Please consider joining us for this unique opportunity to learn about selling to NATO and the European Defense Community.
Registration: Online registration is available by clicking here. For further information, please contact Robert Stackpole, U.S. Department of Commerce-Birmingham, Alabama, at 205-731-1333 or robert.stackpole@trade.gov.
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236th Army Birthday Celebration & Salute Dinner
June 15, 2011 5:00 p.m.
Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama
On June 15, 2011, the Association of the United States Army, Redstone-Huntsville, Alabama Chapter will recognize the U.S. Army's 236th Birthday Celebration and welcome the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) to Huntsville with the black tie Army Birthday Celebration & Salute Dinner. The 2011 Armed Forces Army Birthday Celebration & Salute Dinner will occur during the Annual Armed Forces Week celebration to be conducted June 13-17, 2011. General Ann Dunwoody, Commander, United States Army Materiel Command, is our invited guest along with numerous military and civilian dignitaries. AMC is the senior government participant.
The Army Birthday Celebration &Salute Dinner will commence with a pre-function event at 5:00 p.m. in the North Hall, Salon 1 of the Von Braun Center. The open reception will commence at 5:30 p.m. in the East/West Hall of the Von Braun Center. The evening's celebration and festivities will continue with a spectacular dinner event including entertainment commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the North Hall of the Von Braun Center.
The Army Birthday Celebration & Salute Dinner provides friends of the U.S. Army the opportunity to celebrate our Army's rich heritage, to pay tribute to our great Soldiers who are such a vital component of our community and to welcome AMC to Huntsville.
The Redstone-Huntsville Chapter, AUSA respectfully requests your sponsorship in demonstrating our support to the U.S. Army and its Soldiers and in spending a night of celebration with our Soldiers, past and present.
For additional information a sponsorship package, click here.
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FREE SBIR/STTR Training Programs
On September 20, 2010 SBA Administrator, Karen Mills announced the selection of the Huntsville Advanced Defense Technology(ADT) Cluster as one of 10 Regional Clusters funded by the SBA to provide training, counseling, mentoring, matchmaking and other services to small businesses that focus on DoD technologies.
As part of this initiative the Cluster will be offering a series of free SBIR/STTR Training over the next 4 months at the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce. Snacks and lunch are provided.
- May 2, 2011: SBIR/STTR Costing and Budgeting 8am-4pm [Rescheduled due to severe weather. New event date and time to be announced].
- May 24, 2011: SBIR/STTR Commercialization 8am-4pm
- June 28, 2011: SBIR/STTR Proposal Writing 8am-4pm
Registration: Please call 256-372-8667 to register. For additional information, contact Eric Ohene-Nyako, Alabama A&M University, at 256-372-4786x4761.
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WIPP Online Training
Training 117: Perspectives in Investing in Technology for Business
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 1:00 p.m. CST
This dual session will provide insight into why and how to invest in your company's technology - both from the small business and lender perspectives. Small Business Perspective: Terri McNally, President, Global Capital Ltd.
ˇ Get a Small Business view of upgrading your technology and the tax benefits gained
from these modifications.
Spotlight on AT&T Capital: Steven Klepper, Director of Sales
ˇ Learn about the who, what and why of this financing and leasing option for
technology investment
ˇ PLUS get tips on getting engaged with AT&T Capital and being competitive for funding
Click here to register.
Training 160: How SBA Lending Can Work for YouTuesday, May 24, 2011 1:00 p.m. CST Course topics include:
ˇ What is available - yes there is money still out there for your business!
ˇ How does it work - we will be discussing the nuts and bolts of accessing capital through SBA lending programs.
ˇ And how to make it work for you and your business - practical steps. Course Instructor: Sue Malone, President of Strategies for Small Business/Director of Marketing, Superior Financial Group Click here to register. Source: Women Impacting Public Policy www.wipp.org |
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