Chamber Blog

Understanding what technologies and trends will drive our rural economy over the next several years is crucial to business decision makers, educators, and policy makers today as they create value for their owners and prepare their organizations to fulfill its mission. Central Lakes College will be hosting a forum to help you understand some of the trends occurring in rural Minnesota today, particularly within key industry sectors such as renewable energy and biosciences. With the government and private sector investing significantly into these sectors we need to understand better the opportunities that are available to us. The event will be held on our Brainerd Campus on January 7, 2010. You will leave this forum with a better understanding of the business opportunities we have available in these key industry sectors and what we need to do to prepare to take advantage of these opportunities. Call the Small Business Development Center today to learn more about how you can attend this illuminating forum. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College. For more information on the SBDC program visit www.clcmn.edu/smallbusiness or call us at (218) 855-8140.

Labels: Central Lake College, Rural Development, Small Business Development Center

You may call it flu, influenza or some other name, but the H1N1 virus is receiving a lot of attention in the news media. Now called a global pandemic by the World Health Organization this illness is something we all need to keep informed about. Most businesses can have a role in helping to prevent the spread of H1N1. Business owners need to be aware of a few simple steps they can take to help protect their employees, customer and themselves from catching and spreading the flu. A few simple steps include keeping plenty of hand sanitizer available, keeping equipment sanitized or not sharing equipment like telephones, and working with employees who have flu symptoms to take time off from work or work from home. Small business owners should have plans about what they will do if many of their employees contract the flu and cannot work. Preparedness can be key to keeping your doors open during this difficult time. A good resource for more information is at http://www.flu.gov/professional/business/smallbiz The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College. For more information on the SBDC program visit www.clcmn.edu/smallbusiness or call us at (218) 855-8140.

Greg Bergman
Regional Director, Small Business Development Center
gbergman@clcmn.edu

Labels: Small Business Development Center

Recently the Brainerd Lakes Chamber hosted a nationally recognized economist who told us he and other experts feel the U.S. is slowing coming out of the most recent recession. Smart business owners seek information like this from a variety or sources so they can react in a timely manner to trends within their trade area and within their industry. Identifying trusted sources of information is an important part of managing your business. Those sources can include traditional news outlets but should also include participation in Chamber type events, monitoring industry publications and blogs, and talking with you customers and suppliers. Keeping aware of you business environment will help you effectively manage your business resources. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of the Business and Industry (B&I) Center at Central Lakes College. For more information on the SBDC program visit www.clcmn.edu/smallbusiness or call us at (218) 855-8140.
Greg Bergman
Regional Director, Small Business Development Center
gbergman@clcmn.edu

Labels: Small Business Development Center