The Rockford Chamber
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Small Business Sustainability Conference . Please Note --> This is a Past Event!! .
Date
3/11/2009 Time
7:30 AM TO 12:30 PM
Event Description:
Join other small businesses for a half-day conference including a keynote breakfast and breakout sessions that will provide small businesses with tools, strategies and ideas on how to sustain and even grow during 2009.
The breakfast will feature an informative and inspirational speech from Marc Schulman, president of The Eli's Cheesecake Company, on how his organization grew from a small business in Chicago to the country's largest specialty cheesecake bakery. Local industry experts will lead a variety of breakout sessions that are specifically focused on addressing the issues and challenges facing small businesses.
Marc S. Schulman, president of The Eli's Cheesecake Company, will kick off the conference by providing insight on how he has led his company to become the country's largest specialty cheesecake bakery. Through economic ups and downs, Schulman has developed a company that now produces more than 20,000 cheesecakes per day.
You'll be inspired by stories of how Eli's has become a leader in Chicago's hospitality and culinary industries, championed improvements in public education, and supported Illinois' cultural community all while strengthening the Eli's brand and bottom line.
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Creative Ways to Sustain your Business With multiple challenges presented by the current economic crisis, companies need to look beyond traditional business strategies for sustainability. This session will show you how to implement new, creative and unconventional ways to help strengthen your business and how to prepare for an economic upturn. Bob Jonas, Strategy International
Relationship Driven Sales Consumers are growing increasingly mindful of their budgets, so developing strong relationships is vital in winning new clients and keeping existing clients satisfied. This informative session will show you how to develop new sales leads and turn them into loyal customers. Mike Broski, Entré Computer Solutions; Norma Polcek, SAMCO
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Managing Your Workforce in a Down Economy No matter the economic condition, it is always important to pay attention to personnel costs. In this session, you'll learn how to review cost-saving strategies such as benefits, furloughs, layoffs and reductions in workforce. Also find out how to maintain employee morale with or without downsizing, and what low-cost incentives can be used to attract and retain valuable talent within your company. Sue Buckwalter, HR Concepts, Inc.
Financial Essentials for the Small Business Owner Before borrowing from the bank or having to reduce personnel expenses, businesses should first look for ways to boost liquidity. This session will present cost saving strategies from a certified accountant on how small businesses can maximize cash by better managing inventory, personnel costs and health care expenses, and by effectively monitoring accounts payable and receivable. John Morrissey, The Morrissey Family Businesses
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Marketing, Messaging and Media Relations In today's business environment, companies have to compete with other businesses for visibility, public awareness and customers. A panel of professionals in the industries of interactive marketing, public relations and broadcast media will present an informative session on how to develop your message and marketing strategy and execute with confidence. Rebecca Kopf, PR Etc.; Dave Smith, 23 WIFR-TV; Jeff Stewart, Trekk Cross-Media
Maximize Your Tax Savings Corporate tax season is upon us and with the constant changes in the tax code it can be difficult to stay current on the best tax strategies for your business. In this session, local tax experts will provide an update on recent policy changes and show you real-life applications on how to save money on your corporate taxes by identifying deductions and filing options that are appropriate for your business. James R. Millikin, Sikich LLP; Julie Cunningham, Sikich LLP
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Marc S. Schulman, president of The Eli's Cheesecake Company, will kick off the conference by providing insight on how he has led his company to become the country's largest specialty cheesecake bakery. Through economic ups and downs, Schulman has developed a company that now produces more than 20,000 cheesecakes per day.
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