Time’s running out to secure your spot at this annual biz-building microbusiness event
May 21st, 2009 by Allen Voivod
We wanted to give NH microbiz owners the head’s up about this event, because we’ve been part of the 2007 and 2008 editions of this annual training day, and it’s always been tremendously beneficial. We’re certain this one will, be, too! Read on to learn more.
Howard Brodsky of CCA Global Partners will be the featured speaker at MicroCredit-NH’s “Entrepreneurial Exchange 2009: Connecting Tools, Techniques and Talents.” The annual small business training conference will be held on Thursday, May 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at SERESC, 29 Commerce Way, Bedford. Register here!
This year’s Entrepreneurial Exchange will focus on the effective use of technology to market businesses. Presentations will cover integrated marketing approaches, including sales, blogging, social and e-marketing.
Brodsky got his start in his family’s business, Dean’s Carpet in Manchester, after earning an economics degree from Wesleyan University. Dean’s quickly grew into one of the largest carpet stores in New England, but Brodsky had a still-larger vision.
The co-founder, chairman and co-chief executive officer of CCA Global Partners will be inducted with Alan Greenberg into the Cooperative Hall of Fame on May 6 in a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C. They are being honored for their vision 25 years ago of empowering and enriching entrepreneurs by creating a floor covering cooperative that would bring to owners of small businesses some of the market advantages that national chains enjoy.
Today, CCA is one of the largest cooperatives in the U.S., with 14 independent businesses in four countries and over 3,600 locations producing annual sales of $10.2 billion. And the business model that Brodsky and Greenberg developed – which includes ethical and environmental responsibility, along with sustainability and growth – has been adapted to numerous industries, markets and countries.
Following Brodsky’s address, Entrepreneurial Exchange attendees will turn their attention to the day’s featured workshop presenters: Christine Halvorson of Halvorson New Media, a blogging consultant who specializes in social media strategies, and Stephanie Jacques, Realtor and blogger for The Masiello Group, who conducts Social Media Marketing classes and workshops through Keene State College and the Hannah Grimes Center.
“Howard Brodsky’s story is one that every person with an entrepreneurial heartbeat should hear,” said MicroCredit-NH Director David Hamel of the keynote speaker. “And if you’ve been wondering what this new world of social media has to do with your business, you won’t want to miss what our two presenters have to offer.”
Pre-registration is required. Fee is $55 ($45 for MicroCredit-NH members) and includes the price of lunch and refreshments. To register or for more information, visit www.microcreditnh.org’s registration service, or call MicroCredit-NH at (800) 769-3482.
MicroCredit-NH is a program of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, Inc., a statewide non-profit organization headquartered in Concord. To accomplish its mission of increasing the income and economic stability of microbusinesses and the self-employed, MicroCredit-NH provides business development programming, loan capital up to $15,000, and expanded marketing and networking opportunities. MicroCredit-NH delivers its services through local business groups of self-employed individuals and small business owners.
Since program inception in 1996, MicroCredit-NH has loaned more than $1 million to New Hampshire’s entrepreneurs. MicroCredit-NH is generously supported by the Citizens Bank Foundation, NH Community Development Finance Authority, the Community Development Block Grant Program, the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, among others, and is endorsed by all New Hampshire County Commissions.
