|
Greetings!
We focused on marketing in January, and now will focus on finance in February. We have an all-star lineup set for the next few weeks, so please consider stopping in and being a part of the conversation! We are at the Lifespan Center, Loxa Road 11021 E County Road 800 North, Charleston.
Here is next week's schedule:
Monday, Feb 4th - Market Plan Revisions
Lifespan Center
Tuesday, Feb 5th - Lessons Learned from the former owner of Two Flowers Restaurant and Catering
with Sam Fuller
Lifespan Center
Wednesday,Feb 6th - Lorenz Supply Tour
with Brian Titus
113 S 21st St. Mattoon, IL
Thursday, Feb 7th - Business Location, Rent or Buy
with Dan Corrie of Corrie Appraisal
Lifespan Center
Friday, February 8th - Personal Financial Planning
with Tony Sparks
Mattoon YMCA
221 N 16th St. Mattoon, IL |
|
SWOT Analysis, Generational Perspectives
The students were introduced to SWOT analysis, which identifies a business's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Conducting a SWOT analysis is an important exercise to develop your business strategy. We also discussed the different perspectives each generation shares from their life experiences and how it affects their buying habits and decisions. This also needs to be considered when satisfying your target market. |
|
Flesor's Candy Kitchen
with Ann Beck
Ann Beck came by to share her heartwarming story of how she and her sister, Devon, re-opened their family's candy store in downtown Tuscola many years after their father had closed it. She discussed how their unique story along with a wonderful customer experience has gained their business national exposure in newspaper and television. Now, people from all over the country stop by to visit with the sisters and remember their childhood days.
|
|
Burger King
with Gene Hoots
The legendary Gene Hoots gave us a tour of the original Burger King in Mattoon. It started as an ice cream shop and expanded into burgers. We learned the hardships of just starting a new business, his lawsuit with the franchise Burger King over the name, and how the increase in minimum wage can greatly affect small businesses. At the end of the class Gene treated us all to an ice cream cone. Thanks for the hospitality Gene!  |
|
Book Review of Steve Jobs
by Jelani Hurtault
Jelani shared the story of Steve Jobs of Apple fame. We learned how gifted Steve Jobs was in marketing his products and how ruthless he could be with his employees. It is simply amazing how many advances in technology, design and on-line retailing can be credited to Steve.
|
Coles Together
with Angela Griffin
Angela Griffin, CEO of Coles Together, came to speak to the class today about how she markets to businesses near and far to get them to bring them to Coles County. She reiterated how essential it is to know your SWOT analysis and have a quick business proposal, or "Elevator Pitch", packed with your unique advantages over your competitors.  |
|
|
Class Investors
|
Advanced Digital Solutions Anonymous (2) Bella Vein Laser Center Medical Spa City of Charleston City of Mattoon Coldwell Banker Real Estate Commercial Electric Corrie Appraisal & Consulting, Inc. Curry & Co. Curry Construction Dr. Dean and Jeanne Dau Diepholz Auto Group Ealy's Real Estate Appraisals Eastern Illinois Properties First Federal Savings & Loan Association First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust First Neighbor Bank Flesor's Candy Kitchen General Electric Gilbert, Metzger & Madigan LLP Jerome C. Groniger Howell Paving, Inc. Innovative Staff Solutions Lake Land College LD Mechanical Contractors Lifetime Eye Care Lorenz Supply Company Marketing by Jones, LLC McDonald's of Coles County Midas Mid-Illinois Concrete, Inc. Pinnacle Foods Group, LLC Porter Auto Body Reed's Fly-On Farming Rural King Supply Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System Scholes Trucking, Inc. Eli & Ann Sidwell The Sparks Foundation Unique Home Properties United Graphics, Inc. Upchurch Group, Inc. Vantage Outsourcing Veolia Environmental Services Wells Fargo Advisors West & Company, LLC |
|
Other Financial Contributors
| |
|
|
