Get Registered for the Oct. 11, 2011 Small Business Conference

The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce presents the 2^nd Annual Small Business conference, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, at The Inn at Bay Harbor on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

 Registration, coffee and networking take place 8-8:30 a.m., and a general information session takes place 8:30 – 9 a.m. Breakout sessions are at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon. During Lunch attendees can visit with presenters and other attendees for discussions and wrap up.

 

There are specific sessions for small business owners, human resource professionals and for marketing and customer service staff. It is priced affordably so that you can bring more than one employee to the event as sessions will run jointly. Cost is $39 for members and $59 for not-yet chamber members. Call the Chamber with questions 347-4150.

 

Small Business Conference Sponsor: Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank understands that every business has a story. Wherever your ideas take you, whatever your needs might be, we have the personalized services and powerful solutions to help you grow and manage your business. You need a trusted banking advisor who understands your unique needs as both a business owner and an individual. Fifth Third Bank delivers customized solutions to help you create your own success story.

9- 9:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions

1. “Generational Differences.” Presented by Emilie Stawiarski, Director of Human Resources, Internet2. We have, for the first time in history, four generations in the workplace. Couple that with global competition, downsizing, stress and different value systems, and it could be a serious problem for employers. Learn the different generational work styles, how they can work together, and how you can recruit, build teams, and motivate your staff to maintain and increase productivity.

 

2. “A Scorecard for your business.” Presented by SCORE. A look at how your business is measuring up in many different areas and discussion and examples of problems to look out for in several areas of your business.

 

10 – 10:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions

1. “Creating Effective Marketing Plans.” Presented by Chris Wendel, Regional Director MI-Small Business & Technology Development Center and Amanda Blondeau,Business Advancement Center Director at Northern Initiatives. This session will include discussion on setting marketing objectives, online versus traditional outlets and the creation of a marketing plan.

 

2. “Five Steps to Align your Employee Handbook, Work Practices, & Business Plan.” presented by Desiree Simon, TaskMaster and NMSHRM. Is there dust collecting on your Employee Handbook?  Does it change so much that it feels impossible to keep it up to date?  Or, is your office staff so few in number you make decisions regarding employee policy as you go?  Just recognizing the link between your EHB, work practices and business plan will help you select the best fit for your organization.  Join us in learning more about 5 basic steps to get this connection clear in your own mind.  Bring your mission and goals and test if they are reflected in your EHB.

 
11 – 11:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions

1. “Sustainable Business Practices.” Presented by Patty O’Donnell, Regional Planner for Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.  Energy Management, Waste Management, Pollution Prevention, Green Tourism and Green Jobs and more.

 

2. “Finding and Keeping Good People.” Steve Rudolph, senior coach and trainer with Next Level Performance. In 1997, McKinsey & Company coined the term “the war for talent,” as the name for their original research on talent management practices and beliefs. This phrase has sense resonated with leaders, managers, and business owners. Whether for-profit or not-for-profit, the caliber of your people largely determines your success in the marketplace. This workshop will examine the business environment and the fundamental shifts many managers must make to recruit, develop, and retain quality people. Participants will take-away ideas and tools to begin creating a business environment that not only keeps your “A” players, but attracts the talent critical for your business growth.

 

Cost is $39 for members and $59 for not-yet chamber members. Call the Chamber with questions 347-4150.

Event underwriters include Northwest Michigan Works! and Northern Michigan Society for Human Resource Management. 

Event partners include Northern Lakes Economic Alliance and SCORE.


Thank you to the Marquee Sponsor of the event, Fifth Third Bank.

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