SBC Network Luncheons are held the second Thursday of each month at various locations. 

This month's luncheon will be held at the TAU Bearcat Clubroom of the Events Center on the Binghamton University Campus and is sponsored by Empower Federal Credit Union.

Connect with Chamber colleagues at our monthly SBC Network Luncheon.  Don't miss out on the chance to network with 60-70 Chamber members, promote your product/service to a room full of people, and hear more about important chamber programs and upcoming events.  At the luncheons, members are given the opportunity to introduce themselves and tell about their products or services and other events they may be participating in that are of interest to the community. 

Members are urged to bring their brochures, flyers, business cards, etc. 

Registration is Required:  Contact Kathy Murphy at 607-772-8860 or kmurphy@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com

Fee:  Member Advance:  $17.00/Member At Door:  $19.00/Not-For-Profit Advance: $13.60/Not-For-Profit At Door: $15.20

Tioga County Chamber of Commerce offers FREE

 Small Business Counseling

The Chamber is host to both SCORE and the NYS Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisors. 

SBDC advisors are available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY on the first Thursday of each month. 

*To schedule an appointment with a NYS SBDC advisor, contact the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce at 687-2020

SCORE COUNSELING IN BROOME COUNTY

SCORE offers FREE OF CHARGE small business assistance by appointment only in the Broome County area to those interested in starting a new business, assistance with creating a business and financial plan for new and existing businesses, ongoing assistance to start up businesses, and assistance with businesses concerns for existing businesses or those wishing to expand. 

SCORE Counselors are all experienced, professional business people who volunteer their time, unpaid, to assist the business community of our area.  SCORE has no ties to any banking or educational institution.  All counseling and discussions are strictly confidential per the US Government Small Business Administration (SBA) requirements. 

SCORE has been in existence since 1964 and is a nationwide business help group of 390 Chapters across the US and has about 11,000 unpaid volunteer counselors. 

Counseling Days and Times - Year Round:

• 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th Tuesdays @ 10:00 AM - Call for location
• 1st and 3rd Thursdays @ 6:30 PM - Greater Binghamton Chamber Offices, Metro Center, 2nd Floor, Binghamton
• 2nd Thursdays (starting September 2009) - Broome County Library, Ahearn Center

All SCORE Counseling sessions are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - Call 607-772-8860 and ask for an appointment w/SCORE.

BCC is hosting a 3-hour workshop on Sunday, April 18th   

Artrepreneurship 101

Have you been thinking about making your art or craft hobby into a full-time business?  Are you looking for great resources all in one place on how to start your creative business? 

In this exciting, creative and interactive workshop, learn tips on how to create an effective artist statement and art portfolio, how to market your art, how to use social media to sell art, how to approach potential buyers, how to find grant resources and a whole lot more. 

Janet Tanguay, Owner and Chief Creativity Coach at Art n Soul, Inc. in Albany, NY joins us to share tips on how to create a successful art-based business.  Janet represents more than 50 artists, helping them sell their work to galleries, museums, corporate accounts and private collectors. 

Fee:  $39.00

Course Number:  EX 157

Binghamton University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosts monthly

Women Business Owners (WBO) Roundtable Meetings

This month's program is:  Direct Leadership - Diane Lange

FEE;  $10.00 per person payable at the door and includes breakfast

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Call SBDC at 607-777-4024 or e-mail SBDC@binghamton.edu to register. 

~~All attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and brochures to share~~

TC3.biz is hosting a one-day workshop on

Lean Office in Today's Environment

• Is your office trying to more with less?

• Are you looking for ways to eliminate unneccessary steps in your operation or reduce waste and costs?

• Do you want to learn how you can identify and eliminate duplication and "work arounds" while increasing value for your clients or customers?

  "Lean" is frequently thought of as a manufacturing initiative, and although it started in manufacturing, it has proven to have a much broader application for all types of organizations.  Healthcare, banking, sales, engineering, not-for-profits, and manufacturing all have processes to achieve their mission.  Most, if not all, processes are rife with waste.  Not because the processes were designed poorly, but because waste creeps in over the years.  Duplications, work arounds, extra processing rework, scrap, excessive handling, etc. all eat away at the ability of an organization to be effective, efficient, and profitable. 

Lean Office presents the waste elimination tools used so effectively to specifically address office and manufacturing environments.  The lean toolkit helps you dramatically reduce waste, coste, and poor quality. 

As a result of attending the workshop, participants will use Value Stream Mapping to identify processes in place.  They also will articulate current and future states, list five pitfalls of the mapping process to avoid, define a "Nike" solution and what to do with it, list the steps for planning a successful Kaizen event and the three things to avoid, and use the follow-up planner to ensure changes from the VSM and Kaizens "stick". 

Facilitator:  Gary Irland, consultant and trainer

Fee:  $299.00 - includes materials and text

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by calling 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 3-hour workshop on

Managing Your Priorities

Everything on your desk a top priority?  Learn techniques to use every day to manage these conflicts, including the urgency index assessment and the five tools for activity control and prioritization.  By eliminating time wasters, ending procrastination, and becoming results-oriented, you can achieve optimum results.  Work with our experienced instructor-coach to develop ways you can measure your performance against goals while helping your employees improve their time management skills. 

Facilitator:  Robert Stezzi

Fee:  $89.00  - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by calling 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 3-hour workshop on

Creating Customer-Focused Culture

Effective leaders create an environment in which everyone maintains intense focus on those we serve - both external and internal customers.  Help your people consistently surpass customer expectations and improve internal relations as well.  This session puts special emphasis on handling difficult customer-situations effectively. 

Facilitator:  Robert Stezzi

Fee:  $89.00 - inclues materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by calling 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 3-hour workshop on

How to Train People on the Job

Learn how you can eliminate barriers to adult learning and how to adapt to diverse learning styles to gain peak performance through on-the-job training.  Then, share the tools and techniques with your subordinates who train others. 

Facilitator:  Robert Stezzi

Fee:  $89.00 - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by calling 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 3-hour workshop on

Maximizing Employee Performance

Do you need to enhance the skills of satisfactory performers, while improving the skills of poor performers?  Start with a five-point "cause analysis" to determine the reasons for low performance so you can implement change strategies successfully. 

Facilitator:  Robert Stezzi

Fee:  $89.00 - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by calling 607-844-6586 or onlinie at www.TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 2-session workshop on March 25th and April 1st

Greater Customer Connections

The proper handling of customers during front-line service and sales transactions often determines opportunities for future customer relations and sales.  During this workshop, we will discuss several proven methods for improving this point of customer contact, based on concepts from the persenter's nationally published book, Greater Customer Connections. 

Topics inlude the mechanics of successful customer transactions, principles for handling tough customer situations, how to manage all types of customer circumstances, specific problem-solving techniques for addressing customer needs at the first level to eliminate customer problems, customer satisfaction skills to deliver top-notch communication, and service.  

During guided practice, you will work with extensive case studies, team exercises, and role plays taken from real-life situations.  Plan to share some of your own experiences with the group. 

Facilitator:  Rich Gallagher, consultant and trainer

Fee:  $149.00 - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by calling 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

Broome Community College is offering a 2-session workshop on

Introduction to Organic Market Gardening

Monday, March 29th, and Wednesday, March 31st

Turn your gardening skills into cash.  Local demand for top-quality organically grown vegetables, herbs, and small fruits is increasing.  Expanding local farmer's markets need additional growers and there is a strong demand for more Community Supported Agriculture projects.  Small-scale vegetable farming or market gardening is the perfect way to cash in on this growing market.  Market gardening requires only a small plot of land and a relatively small start-up investment in tools and supplies.  It also provides a quick return on your labor, generating income wtihin a few weeks or months.  Income potential in the $25-30,000 per acre range is a demonstrated fact. 

Discover some of the innovative marketing and production techniques that can make your small plot of land more productive and profitable.  Learn intensive management techniques that can triple the output of your garden and stretch your harvest and sale seasons.  Check out specialized tools and techniques to save labor and boost productivity.  Analyze the profit potential and labor demands of each crop and learn the critical skills needed to bring a top-quality product to market.  These lessons are valuable to the serious home food gardener as they are to a commercial grower. 

**Students without organic gardening experience should also enroll in Course Number MN192 - The Family Food Garden.  It is also recommended enrolling in Course Number CS206 - The Small Farm Dream is Possible to prepare for this class. 

Facilitator:  Mike Kane, organic farmer and gardner of Shamrock Hill Farm, shares his 30+ years of experience growing gourmet-quality vegetables and serving local, high-value markets. 

Fee:  $39.00

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register using your VISA or MasterCard by calling 607-778-5012

Broome Community College is hosting a 2-session workshop on

Promoting Your Business: Tips and Techniques

Tuesdays; April 13th and 20th

You may have a great product or service to offer, but if you can't effectively reach potential customers, and motivate them to buy, your business may not succeed.  Learn the importantance of market research and how to develop a comprehensive, focused marketing plan. 

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• What is marketing?
• Market Research - knowing your customers and competition
• Choosing an overall marketing strategy
• Developing the four Ps of marketing - Product, Price, Promotion, Place
• Tips for developing a cost-effective promotional plan

An optional textbook is available for purchase from the instructor. 

Instructor:  Ginny Robert, author of Let's Write Your Business Plan and Building Your Future in Self-Employment

Fee:  $74.00

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register using your VISA or MasterCard by calling 607-778-5012

TC3.biz is hosting a 2-session workshop on Tuesday and Thursdays; April 13th & April 22nd

QuickBooks Pro for Beginners

Learn the fastest and most efficient way to manage the financial aspects of your business.  If you are considering or have recently purchased QuickBooks for your business and don't kow where to start, this is the course of you!  You will learn how to set up QuickBooks, create accounts, and generate invoices and much more.  All concepts covered apply to all versions of QuickBooks. 

Course Fee:  $199.00 - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Call 607-844-6586 or email info@TC3.biz to register and/or for additional information. 

TC3.biz is hosting a 2-session workshop on Tuesday and Thursdays; April 27th & 29th

More QuickBooks Pro

Learn how to customize forms and reports, record payroll, and set up budgets with QuickBooks.  Find out how to create estimates, track time on jobs, and how to bill customers automatically for costs on specific jobs using the QuickBooks add-ons.  All concepts covered apply to all versions of QuickBooks. 

PREREQUISITE:  QuickBooks for Beginners or equivalent experience

Course Fee:  $99.00 - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:   Call 607-844-6586 or email info@TC3.biz to register and/or additional information

The Gas Industry is Coming, Are You Ready?

Small Business Development Program - Tioga County

Tioga County Economic Development & Planning and Broome Community College Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) is sponsoring a FREE OF CHARGE five-session Small Business Development Program in Tioga County. 

Do You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?  Do you see an opportunity to service the coming gas industry or think you can filled a needed niche?  If development or expansion of a small business is one of your goals, register for this 15-hour, five-session dynamic, interactive program to learn what it will take to be successful. 

The sessions will cover:

• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Employment
• Evaluating the Feasibility of Self-Employment:  Self-assessment/Your Business Idea

• Overview of the Business Plan - Purpose, Content and Format
• Get Started Writing Your Business Plan: Market Research and Analysis
• SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)

• Evaluating and Analyzing Financial Feasibility
• Developing Your Financial Statements
• Financing Options: A Panel Discussion

• Developing an Effective Marketing Plan - Purpose, Contents, and Format
• Promoting Your Business: Tips, Tricks and Traps

• Best Practices: EAP Graduates Present their Winning Business Plans
• Mastermind: Discussion of Participant Progress to Date
• Q&A Session on Any Topics Covered in this Program
• Presentation of Completion Certificates and Program Evaluation

TC3.biz is hosting a 2-session workshop on

Everyday Math & Money Skills

April 8th and 15th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Improving your math skills makes you a more valued employee, especially in high-skill/high-demand fields.  Sharpen basic applied math as we review mathematical calculations often used in the workplace.  We will cover computing fractions and decimals, order of operations for computations, and learn some accounting checks and balances using real world, simulated math problems.  There will be a special emphasis placed on common financial transactions occurring in the hospitality and retail fields. 

Course Fee:  $119.00 - includes materials

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by phone at 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 2-session workshop on

ServSafe Food Handler in Charge

April 21st & 22nd, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Food preparation managers need to know food safety and the importance of its role.  And they need to know how to share food safety knowledge with every employee.  This course gives food managers the tools they need.  Upon successful completion of the course and the final exam, you will be certified in food safety with the National Restaurant Association for five years. 

Topics include:

• Sanitation challenge

• Flow of food through preparation

• Sanitary facilities pest management

ServSafe programs are nationally recognized and accepted by more federal, state, and local jurisdictions than any other food safety education-training program.  Exam will be submitted and certificate will be awarded for grades of 75% or better on the final exam. 

Instructor:  John Martindale, Certified ServSafe Instructor

Course Fee:  $199.00 - includes textbook and educational materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Pre-registration is necessary due to limited seating.  Register by phone at 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 5-hour workshop on

ServSafe Alcohol Service Training

April 29th - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This five-hour workshop is designed for people employed in establishments where alcohol is consumed or sold.  Attendees learn strategies for serving alcohol responsibly while providing excellent customer service. 

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Recognizing signs of intoxication
• Preventing sales to minors
• Quick intervention in problems
• Confidence building
• Quality service
• Employee safety
• Customer Service vs. Customer Safety
• Differences between a "good time out"and potential trouble

Upon passign the written exam, participants will be granted two certificates: The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Certificate and The New York State Liquor Authority Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) Certificate. 

Instructor:  Frank Burns, Certified ServSafe Alcohol Service Trainer 

Course Fee:  $129.00 - includes book and exam

TC3.biz is hosting a one-day workhop on

SERVSAFE: Food Worker Training

April 27th - 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

This food worker training workshop offers food handlers and food operators basic training on safe food handling practices that will decrease the risk of food borne illness to the public.  ServSafe programs have been nationally recognized and accepted by more federal, state and local jurisdictions than any other food safety education-training program. 

Instructor:  John Martindale, TC3 Professor and Certified ServSafe Instructor

Course Fee:  $79.00 - includes textbook and educational materials

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Pre-registration is necessary due to limited seating.  Register by phone at 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 4-hour team building workshop on

How to Tell Anyone Anything: The Art of Painless Feedback

April 14th - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

You have tough conversations with others all of the time - with staff you supervise, and with customers, vendors, and co-workers.  The logical step-by-step skills and knowledge you will learn in this workshop allow you to immediately approach these conversations with more confidence, success, and reduced stress. 

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Building a connection
• Strengths-based feedback
• Making difficult messages painless
• Phrases that never work
• We are equal, but we aren't the same

Through case studies, you will put these concepts into practice. 

Instructor:  Rich Gallagher, consultant and trainer

Fee:  $109.00 - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by phone at 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz
 

TC3.biz is hosting a 4-hour teambuilding workshop on

Work with Me: A New Approach to Teamwork

April 12th - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Work with Me program is an intensive teamwork experience that teaches how to communicate in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.  Does your team pull together in workplace situations, or does it suffer from cliques, infighting, or performance problems?  Even the best teams can learn to communicate better, and this groundbreaking workshop, based on well-researched principles of personality psychology, will help you see your team members in a new light that respects each person's individual talents.  Using team interaction, scenario-based exercises, and even a little friendly competition, Work with Me is one of the most enjoyable half-day sessions you can spend - and when you come out, you will never look at communicating quite the same way again.  When you return to the workplace, the benefits you and your customers receive will be tangible. 

Instructor:  Rich Gallager, consultant and trainer

Fee:  $119.00 - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Register by phone at 607-844-6586 or online at www.TC3.biz

Binghamton University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting a 20-hour training program on three consecutive Wednesdays; April 7th, 14th, and 21st. 

Small Business Training Program

Are you starting a business?

Are you already in business and need an entrepreneurial "tune-up"?

If so, the Small Business Training Program is for you.  Strengthen your opportunities for business success with this 20-hour training program.  Learn from the experts how to build your idea into a profitable venture.  The classes take place on three consecutive Wednesdays; April 7th, 14th, and 21st.  Each session is a full-day of classroom training beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m.  The sessions are offered on a regular basis and there are about four 20-hour sessions each year. 

All three sessions are included in the price of $60.00.  An SBDC Certificate of Completion will be awarded at the end of the three sessions.  More importantly, you will walk away with valuable knowledge, ideas, motivation and resources.  Hundreds have already taken this class and have benefited from the wealth of knowledge and assistance. 

DAY 1:  THE BASICS OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP - 4/7/10 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Learn what it takes to own your own business and build market share
• Discover how to improve your chances of success
• Evaluate your leadership style and predict your success
• Assess the financial and market feasibility of your small business
• Hear a presentation by a local banker on how to finance your business*

DAY 2:  DEVELOPING THE BUSINESS PLAN - 4/14/10 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Study a step-by-step process that will lead to your business success - a process that most bankers require and that you will need to manage your business
• Learn about market research, marketing strategies, competitive analysis, pricing and operations
• Hear a presentation by an insurance agent about the types of coverage you need to protect your business, your family and you*. 

DAY 3:  MANAGING BY THE NUMBERS/ESSENTIAL DECISIONS - 4/21/10 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Discover how to understand and develop financial statements - the key to effective planning and profits
• Learn about hiring employees, dealing with suppliers, planning your inventory and launching your grand opening
• Find out about the basics of sales, advertising, networking and customer service
• Understand what you need to know about choosing the right business entity and other legal issues from a small business attorney*
• Hear how an entrepreneur started his/her busiess, overcame challenges and became successful*

*Dates of individual speakers' presentations might change based on their availability.

The Gas Industry is Coming and Will Change Your Life Dramatically!

Are you Prepared?

ATTEND THIS FINANCIAL PLANNING WORKSHOP

Broome Community College Entrepreneurial Program, Tioga County Chamber of Commerce and Tioga County Economic Development & Planning are sponsoring this two-session Financial Planning Program on April 21st and 28th from 5:30 - 8:30 PM. 

With money comes responsibility.  You need to plan before you wonder where the money all went.  Many lottery winners find themselves with no money after just a few years because they did not properly prepare.  You can purchase your toys, plan your vacations and pay off your debt, but will you have any money left without a plan?  It may seem like a lot, but remember it should last a lifetime and maybe longer!

• Do you know how taxes will affect your available cash?
• Do you know how to create a spending plan?
• Do you know how to choose an advisor?
• Do you want to start, expand or invest in a business?
• Do you want to contribute to your community and favorite charities?

The two-sessions will cover:

• What the tax implications are and how to reduce taxes

• How to use the "jar system"

• What to look for when you want help

• Is your business idea a good one or does it fill a need

• How to make your charitable dollars work harder

• Learn how to spot a scam or fraud

Facilitators:  Faith Sigler, LUTCF, CLTC, Financial Services Professional from New York Life Insurance Company and NYLIFE Securities and Gerri A. Harrison, CFP, EA with Gerri Harrison Financial Services will be co-facilitating these sessions.  They consult on business and personal planning, investments, retirement strategies, guaranteed lifetime incomes, insurance, mortgage protection, tax planning and small business consulting.  They also teach at Broome Community College. 

FEE:  FREE OF CHARGE

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Call Teresa Saraceno at Tioga County Economic Development & Planning to register today.  SPACE IS LIMITED, SO DON'T DELAY!

TC3.biz is hosting a 2-session workshop on how to

Boost Your Google Page Rank

March 29th & 31st , 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Every web site needs more traffic.  Determine how to analyze and develop optimal site, page, and code design to increase site traffic.  You'll learn how to focus on your target audience, and determine keyword density to increase your Google hits.  Gain the specific knowledge you need to analyze, design, structure, and code.  Some HTML experience is required. 

Facilitator:  Matthew Wyllyamz, consultant and trainer

Fee:  $179.00 - includes materials.  Students should bring a flash drive to class

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Call 607-844-6586 or visit www.TC3.biz to register.  For additional information, call 607-844-6586 or e-mail info@TC3.biz

TC3.biz is hosting a 3-hour workshop on

Core Leadership Skills

Tuesday, April 13th, from 8:30 - 11:30 AM

Assess your own leadership and communication styles with the Leadership Dimensions Instrument.  Explore the characteristics of effective leaders, and identify opportunities for your own growth.  Learn how you can apply situational leadership skills and walk away with 16 keys to effectively supervising others. 

Fee:  $89.00 - includes materials

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Call 607-844-6586 or register online at www.TC3.biz. 

Tioga County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast seminar on

Thursday, April 22nd, from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Work Life Balance

"How Do You Balance Your Career and Your Life?"

Presenter:  Dave Wheelock

Are you overwhelmed, over-committed, overworked, feeling like you have no control over your life?  In this seminar, we will discuss why our schedules are too busy and why our priorities are sometimes out of whack.  Our presenter, Dave Wheelock, will inspire, encourage and educate us as we try to manage our busy lives. 

Do you have many time saving gadgets but still not enough time in the day to get everything done?  Join us for a lighthearted look at the challenge of balancing your career and home life.  This is a thought provoking, participatory workshop to motivate you and encourage you to live a more balance life. 

Registration Fee:  $15.00 for Chamber Members/$20.00 for Non-Members.  Fee includes registration and continental breakfast, tax and tip.  Please make reservations by April 19, 2010.  Full payment is required prior to the event.  If cancellations are necessary, please cancel by April 19, 2010 for a full refund, cancellations after that date are non-refundable.  Call Tioga County Chamber of Commerce at 607-687-2020 with credit card information or mail payment to the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, 80 North Avenue, Owego, NY  13827. 

Alternatives Federal Credit Union BUSINESS CENTS®
(Community Enterprise Networking and Training Services) is hosting a 9-week course on Wednesdays

Spring "Getting Down to Business" Course

Wednesdays; April 7th - June 2nd

6:00 - 9:00 PM

**Registration will close on Wednesday, March 31st, @ 5:30 PM or whenever class is full**

The spring course is coming soon, and we're now taking registrations!  "Getting Down to Business" is our comprehensive business planning course, covering all major aspects of the business start-up process.  We'll address finance, marketing, legal issues, taxes, and more.  You'll develop a business plan over the 9 weeks of the class. 

Right for you if:

• You have a definite business concept that you are committed to, and
• You are ready to move forward with your business planning process, and
• You hope to get your business off the ground within the next 6-12 months, or
• You have very recently started a business and need help, and
• You are able to commit to an intensive, nine-week course with outside research and homework

FEE:  Based on sliding scale - $80.00 - $300.00

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Contact Alison: alison@alternatives.org for registration materials and to schedule a pre-class interview. 

 **BACK AGAIN BY POPULAR DEMAND**

Alternatives Federal Credit Union BUSINESS CENTS®
(Community Enterprise Networking and Training Services) is hosting a 2-session workshop on Fridays; April 2nd and April 9th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM

"BUSINESS MARKETING WITH FACEBOOK AND TWITTER"

Increasing numbers of businesses both large and small are marketing in new and powerful ways through free social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.  How can you take advantage of this exciting and pervasive trend?  How much of your time and resources do you need to commit, and how can you tell if your efforts are effective?  Learn the ins-and-outs of how to use these new and extremely popular forms of rapid communication. 

This hands-on workshop includes two sessions of three-hours each, one spent on Facebook and one on Twitter.  Skills needed to provide the best experience: basic computer skills and some internet experience are essential.  Some Facebook experience helpful, but not required.  No Twitter experience required. 

FEE:  Based on a sliding scale - $30.00 - $60.00

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Contact Alison:  alison@alternatives.org

23rd Annual

Greater Binghamton Chamber Business Show

Thursday, April 22nd, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 This will be the 23rd Annual Greater Binghamton Chamber Business Show,  averaging over 150 booths and over 2,000 attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. It's the best way to reach out to the entire Binghamton area in one day and show them what you have to offer. Exhibiting at The Greater Binghamton Chamber Business Show is the most cost-effective way to reach the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.

Interested in reserving a booth for the show...visit www.bizeventz.com for online registration. 

Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology (AM&T) is hosting a one-day workshop on

Introduction to Mistake Proofing

(Learn how to prevent production errors)

Thursday, April 8th, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

**Sign-in and continental breakfast @ 7:30 a.m.**

Southern Tier Opportunity Coalition (STOC) Networking Cafe  

"...the Premier Academic/Private Sector Partnership Driving Economic Growth in Greater Binghamton, NY"

Every 2nd Monday of the month.  

**Please Note for this Month** 

This month's Networking Cafe will be held at the Lost Dog Cafe in downtown Binghamton. Once you enter the Cafe, move to the Violet Room, to the rear of the dining area and to your right.  The wait staff will direct you (or you can follow the handy STOC bill-posts).   

We will NOT put out nibbles as in the past, however, the adjoining restaurant can serve your appetite for edibles (and all potables) in fine fashion.  Find out why "The Lost Dog is humankind's best friend". 

Fee:  FREE OF CHARGE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Program/Speaker:  "Greening the Data Center" - Kanad Ghose, Professor of Computer Science and Bahgat Sammakia, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the University's New York State Center of Excellence in Small Scale Systems Packaging and Integration (S3IP).

The information technology boom in commerce and society as a whole has put a tremendous burden on the data centers where the servers that drive the Internet reside.  The amount of energy spent to operate these data centers in the U.S. alone is about 2.5 percent of the total national energy expenditure.  That's enough to power a couple of good-sized cities for a year. 

Binghamton University's "green" data center research project seeks ways to make these operations more energy efficient through a collaboration between Kanad Ghose, professor of computer science and Bahgat Sammakia, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the University's New York State Center of Excellence in small Scale Systems Packaging and Integration (S3IP).  Join us a Kanad and Baghat update you on the project's accomplishments to date, and its prospects for establishing a test facility that will showcase companies within the region and attract jobs to our community. 

RSVP:  Natalie Czabala 607-772-8863 ext. 5 or nczabala@gmail.com

The Candor Chamber of Commerce is hosting 

"A Business Affair"

Saturday, May 1st, from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

This is an opportunity you for you showcase your business using a spring theme "A Daffodil Explosion".  Bring brochures, business cards, a sample of your wares, give-aways, pictures, drawings, think outside the box. 

Doors open at 8:30 a.m for vendors.  Vendor tables - $10.00 for Chamber Members/$20.00 for non-Chamber members. 

Register by calling Val at 607-659-2334 or Gloria Ward at 607-659-7312.

Southern Tier Opportunity Coalition (STOC) presents a

STOC Supply Chain Workshop 

entitled 

Using Your Supply Chain to Build Demand

Monday, April 26th, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This workshop is organized by STOC and sponsored by AM&T, Binghamton University and Visions. 

Learn how to "sell" to supply chain experts who are replacing the traditional buyer and re-buyer roles in your customer organizations.  This new buyer has been trained in the science of operations and resource management and is looking for supply solutions, not just low cost materials and services. 

Workshop take-aways:

1.  What is important to your customers supply chain functions?

2.  What are the critical metrics used in today's customer sourcing decisions?

3.  How do you appeal to your customers needs?

4.  What, beyond price, is critical to selling your product in the future?

5.  How can companies in the Binghamton and surrounding areas learn of each others capabilities?

The workshop will feature three guest speakers who will present their views on how to create new demand for your product/services in this new and ever changing market place. 

The speakers are as follows:

1.  Joe Yacura - Supply Chain Management, LLC will discuss how to sell to this new generation buyer.  Joe's presentation will be based on his experience both in the manufacturing and service sectors where he led supply management functions with annual purchasing budgets in excess of $9B annually. 

2.  Steve Whited - MeadWestvaco - For over 15 years, MeadWestvaco (MWV) Consumer and Office Products in Sidney, NY has been using Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) to reduce stock-outs, improve sales and minimize costly overstocks for its key customers.  Learn from the discussion with Steve Whited, Manager of Replenishment, how MWV has made CPFR a cornerstone of its customer value proposition. 

3.  Patrick Rogan - MeadWestvaco - Patrick, a STOC Board Member and STOC's Supply Chain Initiative Lead, will discuss plans for a Greater Binghamton regional vendor network using the tagline "Buy Locally, Sell Globally".  Employing local suppliers makes good business sense as companies strive to become lean enterprises.  STOC plans to work with larger regional businesses and examine opportunities to re-direct spending going outside the region, back into Greater Binghamton.  Eventually Pat's team hopes to buiid upon successes and create a regional strategic vendor base for Greater Binghamton's mid-sized and large companies. 

Format: 3 presenters in 3 back-to-back sessions (10-15 minutes between session).  Session duration - 45 minutes each. 

Registration:  Contact Natalia Czabala, STOC Administrative Assistant, at 607-772-8863 ext. 5 or visit www.stoc-ny.com

Alternatives Federal Credit Union BUSINESS CENTS®
(Community Enterprise Networking and Training Services) is hosting a workshop on

"So You Want to Be Your Own Boss?" An Intro to Entrepreneurship...

Tuesday, April 27th, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Interested in starting a business or working for yourself, but not really sure what that will really take?  Join us for our special introductory workshop, designed for those who are at the "idea stage" or just generally interested in small business. 

We'll address topics including:

• What business owners need to know
• How to research a business idea
• How to learn about the market and competition
• How to determine if your idea is financially feasible
• What resources are available for more help...

FEE:  $20.00

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Contact Alison: mailto:alison@alternatives.org or 607-216-3442

Alternatives Federal Credit Union BUSINESS CENTS®
(Community Enterprise Networking and Training Services) is hosting a 3-hour workshop on

Twitter for Business "Power Users"

Friday, April 30th, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Designed for intermediate social media users who understand the basics of Twitter use and functions and want to take the effectiveness of their Tweeting to the next level.  This hands-on workshop will meet for (1) three-hour session and emphasize Internet marketing for business.  Learn how to manage multiple accounts, schedule Tweets, search profiles and conversations, analyze your following, access statistics, bulk follow/unfollow, and more. 

FEE:  $30.00

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Contact Alison: mailto:alison@alternatives.org or call 607-216-3442