Small Business Week Schedule of Events

Monday, May 22

Small Business Administration/Rural Missouri Inc. Kick-off Breakfast

The Small Business Administration will recognize resource partners and area lenders. Dona Elkins, of EDCO The Document People, is the featured speaker. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at Heritage Cafeteria, 1364 E. Battlefield. The cost is $6; call 864-7670 to register.

Business-to-Business Connection Luncheon

Normally reserved for chamber members, this structured lunch-and-networking event is open to all business owners during Small Business Week. It is presented by the chamber's Small Business Advisory Committee, 12-1:30 p.m. at the chamber offices, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy. The cost is $8; call 862-5567 to register.

Marketing Your Idea: Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights

This seminar, presented by the Small Business Development Center at Southwest Missouri State University, will provide business owners, entrepreneurs and investors information on marketing a new product, protecting a product or idea, and moving product lines. Taught by Linda Gerardo, SBDC consultant, the program is held 5-7 p.m. at the west entrance of SMSU's Glass Hall. The cost is $45; call 836-5685 to register.

Tuesday, May 23

Jump on the Brand Wagon

This seminar, presented by Donna Baker of Sunburst Media/Ozarks Owned & Operated, addresses branding and how it affects a business's bottom line. Held 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., in the Missouri Room at University Plaza Hotel, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy. This is a free program, and lunch is provided. Reservations are required at 890-5555.

Predicting Future Cash Needs

This seminar focuses on where a business's cash is coming from and where it's going. Seminar topics include turning financial statements into management tools and protecting the business against cash shortages. The program, the third in a three-part series, is presented 6-9 p.m. at the west entrance of SMSU's Glass Hall by the Small Business Development Center. The cost is $65; call 836-5685 to register.

Wednesday, May 24

SCORE Pre-Business Workshops

Members of the Senior Corps of Retired Executives, will offer information about starting and operating a small business. Participants may choose morning or afternoon sessions, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-3:30 p.m. at the chamber offices, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy. The cost is $15 per seminar or $25 for both; call 864-7670 to register.

How Employees Can Provide Enthusiastic Customer Service

This seminar focuses on eliminating customer "dissatisfiers" and techniques for providing dedicated customer service. Presented by University of Missouri Outreach & Extension instructor Dr. V. Betty Lorton, the program is held 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell. The cost is $25; call 862-9284, ext. 23, to register.

Thursday, May 25

Good Morning, Springfield!

The chamber's monthly networking breakfast, sponsored by Kirkpatrick, Phillips & Miller, CPAs, provides an opportunity to catch up on what's going on in Springfield. The event is held at 7:30 a.m. at University Plaza Hotel. The cost is $10 in advance and $12 at the door; call 862-5567 to register.

The W. Curtis Strube Small Business of the Year Award Luncheon

One of five finalists will take all the marbles as the 2000 Small Business of the Year. The gala event is held 12-1:30 p.m. at the University Plaza Hotel. The cost is $20; call 862-5567 to register.

Steps to a Marketing Plan

Find your customer base: enough people to buy enough products or services for enough money to ensure a solid profit margin. This seminar is presented 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Library Center by Dr. V. Betty Lorton of University of Missouri Outreach & Extension. The cost is $25; call 862-9284, ext. 23, to register.