Please Check Back Soon for an 2008 List of Events
2008 Schedule of Events
Event descriptions for the October 2007 Small Business Week.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Kick Off Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
Trenton Small Business 2007 will kick off as a celebration of the capital region highlighted by an informal conversation with Susanne Svizeny, Regional Banking President, Wachovia Bank. Susanne will share her passion for Trenton and lead a high-energy discussion on the ways each and every member of our business community can benefit from the numerous attributes of the capital region. Networking time, local entertainment and a chance to cheer for the success of Mayor Douglas H. Palmer’s annual award winners in three categories - Small Business of the Year, Most Improved Appearance and Most Successful New Business will also be part of this must-attend kick off event.
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Financial Goal Setting: Breaking Even Today, Profitable Tomorrow
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
Is your business making money? When you open your doors to do business today, do you know how much you have to make by closing to break even or make a profit? This seminar will show you how to organize your financial information so the numbers talk to you and guide your decisions to improve your bottom line.
Michael Pucciarelli, Bartolomei Pucciarelli, LLC
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Financial and Technical Assistance for Small Business: How the SBA Really Works
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Wachovia Bank, 32 East Front Street
This program will discuss how to use SBA’s Resource Partners and how the SBA works with lending institutions. Learn how SBA’s Guarantee Program works to assist in financing both start-up and existing businesses.
Donald J. Swartz, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Pieces of the Real Estate Puzzle: Buying, Leasing, Renovating, and Code Issues
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Wachovia Bank, 32 East Front Street
This seminar will walk you through the various options for obtaining real estate for your business and the pros and cons of each. Whether you are looking to buy, lease, renovate, or build your office space, the presenters will help you determine your needs, find a location, negotiate contracts, and maximize your investment.
Anne LaBate, Segal Commercial Realty & Richard Carroll, Carroll Architects
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Your Money or Your LIfe? Achieving Balance Between Work and Life
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Mercer County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad Street, Trenton NJ 08611
Many business owners struggle in vain trying to reconcile the needs of their business with the needs of their family. All too often they lose the battle on both fronts. This workshop will identify the dichotomy between family and business life bringing the issues out into the open so that they can be addressed before ruining the family or the business or both.
Thomas J. Duffy, Jersey Shore Financial Advisors LLC
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Tuesday, October 16, 2007
State Resources for Small Business
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
NJ Economic Development Authority, 36 West State St, Conference Room
One of the most difficult challenges faced by small business owners today is discovering how and where to access the necessary resources to run and grow their business. Many have heard about various resources available from the State and local government, but canvassing the maze is confusing, making it particularly difficult to find what they need. Whether you are a start-up or existing small business, this workshop is one place to access all sorts of invaluable resources.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Department of Treasury, Commerce Commission, New Jersey State Library, Labor and Workforce Development, County Clerk's Office, and more...
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Warm Up! to Cold Calling
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Thomas Edison State College, 101 West State St., Townhouse Room 104
You have 15 seconds to get your prospect’s attention over the telephone in a cold-call. Do you have the skills required to set new business appointments over the phone? In this fun, interactive workshop, we’ll explore how to ask the right questions, position benefits, deal with voice mail and tackle objections.
Amanda Puppo, MarketReach Inc.
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Business Planning Made Easy
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
NJ Economic Development Authority, 36 West State St, Conference Room
This workshop will help individuals who are considering starting a business, have started a small business and need to plan for growth, as well as those who have been in business for a few years and need to complete a business plan for financing purposes. Learn the best way to prepare a business plan and how and where to access the best resources.
Vivian Pepe, New Jersey Entrepreneurial Training Institute
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7 Deadly Sins Small Business Owners Commit
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Thomas Edison State College, 101 West State St., Townhouse Room 104
There are seven common mistakes that many business owners make that can result in personal, professional, and financial catastrophe. This presentation will show new businesses how to avoid the traps or those who’ve been in business how to get out of them and restore balance in their lives.
Liz Illgen, Practical Management Solutions
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Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
Cost: $35.00 members ($40.00 at the door for members); $55.00 non-members
Info: Angie Hollis, Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, 609-689-9960 ext. 14 or register/pay online at
www.mercerchamber.org.
The Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce is once again pleased to host its Power Luncheon during Trenton Small Business Week. This luncheon typically draws over 200 people from the business, government, education and non-profit sectors in the Greater Mercer County area. This is an excellent opportunity to network with representatives from both major corporations and also small business owners. The luncheon, which is supported by our Chairman’s Connection sponsors, features networking time and a "Meet the Legislators" forum presented by the Future Business Leaders Council and Legislative Committee of the Chamber. These local legislators will be focusing on key issues affecting business.
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ABC's of Health Insurance for Business New and Old
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
NJ Economic Development Authority, 36 West State St, Conference Room
This program will inform the business community on new cutting edge ways to get benefits and at the same time save money. It is a unique program which goes over the rules and regulations that the state requires businesses to conform to in order to obtain benefits.
Richard Kay, Health Insurance Authority
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Deter, Detect, Defend: What Every Business Must Know About Identity Theft
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Thomas Edison State College, 101 West State St., Townhouse Room 104
This seminar will educate you about the risk of consumer fraud, data breaches, and workplace identity theft and how it affects businesses and organizations of all sizes. Learn how to understand and comply with federal regulations and how to identify your business’s potential risk, implement preparatory action and utilize the best solutions available.
Lisa M. Steinerd, Capital Benefit Solutions
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Quickbooks Quickly
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
NJ Economic Development Authority, 36 West State St, Conference Room
Everyone needs an organized process of recording their finances. This seminar will provide the basics in getting you organized and working QuickBooks today. Regardless of the size of your company, this software can revolutionize the way you work your numbers.
Carla Fallone, MBA, Fallone Business Resources
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How to Start a Small Business
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Mercer County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad Street, Trenton NJ 08611
Turn your pie-in-the-sky dream into reality. This seminar is an introduction on starting your own small business from A-Z. You will learn about registering a business name, legal requirements, taxes, financing, and management. Also, the presenters will show how you can perform many of these tasks in less than an hour.
Ben Koenig, S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corp of Retired Executives) Counselors to America & Carla Fallone, New Jersey Small Business Development Centers
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Wine and Cheese Networking Reception
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Commerce Bank, 50 East State St.
The Trenton office of Commerce Bank is hosting its 3rd annual complimentary Wine and Cheese Networking Reception that will enhance the wonderful week of activities. This fantastic reception will feature great food, fun and giveaways, including Visa gift cards, and Luxury Box seats to the Arena so please don't miss out!! Reservations are required.
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Wednesday, October 17, 2007
You can do Business with the Federal and State Government
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave. at Rt. 129, Trenton NJ 08611
Navigating the procurement process can be a daunting experience for most
businesses. This workshop will provide the information and tools necessary
to position your organization to sell to the federal and state government.
Instructors will review requirements for registering with the New Jersey
Purchase Bureau, the New Jersey SBE/MBE/WBE program, construction
contracts, identifying State and local business opportunities, and
marketing and networking with State and local agencies.
Pat Guidotti, PJG Consulting, Michelle Hermelee, BH Sky Associates & Maeve
E. Cannon, Esq., Hill Wallack LLP
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6th Annual Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave. at Rt. 129, Trenton NJ 08611
Plenty of free parking is available right in front of the Gate A in the Broad Street parking lot.
Info: Joe Zoratti, Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, 609-689-9960 ext. 19 or
www.mercerchamber.org. Click on the Expo link for details on being an exhibitor!
The Expo is back for its sixth year and is bigger and better than ever, the largest in Mercer County. Over 150 businesses and organizations will be exhibiting their products and services. Due to overwhelming demand, the Expo has moved to the Sovereign Bank Arena to accommodate all those businesses that want to exhibit.
Attendance is FREE. All you need is a company business card to turn in at registration to enter! Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to attend business seminars at the Arena and other locations in the City.
Join us for what is the premier business event in Mercer County!
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How to Work a Room
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave. at Rt. 129, Trenton NJ 08611
If you are challenged with networking or are looking for new ways to
obtain potential personal and professional leads, then this workshop is
for you. Learn savvy techniques that build your confidence, expand your
sphere of influence, break the ice, make connections, and help you work
that room!
Diane Bach, The Learning Key
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You can do Business with Mercer County and the City of Trenton
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave. at Rt. 129, Trenton NJ 08611
Come join the Mercer County and City of Trenton staff as they discuss how
you can get contracts with the county and city. This workshop is designed
to help your business get on the bid list, learn how to prepare a bid for
contract opportunities, and how to get paid. This is a step by step look
at the complete bidding process.
Marcella Longo, County of Mercer and Karen Marut, City of Trenton
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Green Cleaning in Commercial, Institutional and Educational Settings
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave. at Rt. 129, Trenton NJ 08611
This seminar will demystify Green cleaning for business and individuals.
At the conclusion of this seminar, not only will each participant
understand Green cleaning but they will have the resources to implement a
basic or extensive green cleaning program in their place of business or
home.
Michael Rosen, Commercial Cleaning Corp.
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Work Smarter, Not Harder... Big Technology Ideas for Small Business
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Mercer County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad Street, Trenton NJ 08611
Is the time right to make a technology investment? Companies of 1-20 people can now affordably implement technology that improves workflow, similar to what's being used by major corporations. This non-promotional presentation will cover computing and communications technology, servers and file sharing, collaboration tools, backup & security, and web-based applications.
Technology Committee of the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce
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Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Power of Credit: Will it Propel you Forward or Hold You Back?
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
Wherever your credit score lies, this workshop will show you the best ways to repair, build, and leverage your credit to work for you. This seminar will show you what lenders are looking at and how your credit history and present financial situation can look its best in the eyes of a potential funder.
Merrill Howe, Commerce Bank
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Money-Making Marketing
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
This seminar will show entrepreneurs how to set up a result-getting Marketing program that includes advertising, sales, publicity, research, establishing a budget and internet marketing. Learn the best ways to distinguish your business from the competition with innovative ideas and make the most out of your marketing dollars.
Martin Mosho
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Advertising: What Works for You?
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
There are several vehicles to use to carry your company’s message. Attend this seminar to determine which options work best for you and your budget. Learn valuable information to develop targeted advertising campaigns to promote your company’s image. Learn the pros and cons of billboards, radio, television, web banners, publications, special events, sponsorships and direct mail. Find your target audience and understand how to reach them.
Alan Yarnoff, Advertising Consultancy & Gordon Forsyth, BSY Associates, Inc.
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Small Business Websites - What You Need to Know
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
Find out what is not on your website, but should be. Learn how you can increase your web presence, tailor your website to look professional and appropriate to your business, and capture email addresses. This seminar will show you how to get your website up and going or how best to position your current website in search engines.
Elizabeth Niederberger, Zumu Software
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Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
Small businesses need protection for their big ideas. This seminar is an introduction to intellectual property for the small business owner. You will learn how protection of intellectual property increases the value of a company; how you can identify it in your company; and simple steps to begin to protect your intellectual property.
Lori A. Patrick, Esq., Coughlin Duffy LLP
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10th Annual MTAACC Gala Reception
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Roman Hall, 100 Whittaker Ave.
Cost $20 for members, $30 for non-members; payment in advance or at the door.
Info: Call MTAACC at 609-393-5933
Hosted by The Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce (MTAACC) with a special guest to be announced. There will be networking food and free beer/wine for the first hour.
Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce (MTAACC) sponsored by IBM- The SME Toolkit.
Real world answers, resources- and latest in online collaboration-for today’s business owner.
www.Smetoolkit.org
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Friday, October 19, 2007
Renaissance Ball of Trenton
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street
Cost: $175.00 single; $300 couple
Info: 609-689-9960 or www.mercerchamber.org for tickets
A highlight at the end of Small Business Week will be the Renaissance Ball of Trenton, presented by the Trenton Chapter of the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce. The formal dinner-dance begins with a 6:00 pm cocktail hour for socializing and networking, accompanied by musicians from the Greater Trenton Symphony and greeters from the Old Barracks in full costume. The Shiloh Baptist Church Choir offers music during dinner and a dance band entertains for the remainder of the evening. Among the event’s honorees are those businesses or organizations that have had a major impact on Trenton’s skyline, in community service or in promoting business. Proceeds will benefit the "Old Barracks" and the Chamber's newly formed "Arts and Business Council of Greater Trenton", which helps to bring resources and support to area arts and cultural institutions. Ads for the Souvenir Program Book as well as major sponsorships are still available. Don't miss this important event!
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