MSBDC Announces Hiring New Business Advisor; Co-sponsors Marketing Workshop Series

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC) – Southeast Regional Office is expanding again due to an increase in funding. Representative Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), a strong supporter of the MSBDC, says “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. No one has done more to support our local small businesses than the MSBDC, and I am overjoyed that they have been awarded this additional funding.”
Last year alone MSBDCs brought business advisory services, government contracting and export assistance to over 1400 local entrepreneurs and helped raise over $45MM in financing and government contracts.
Peter McHenry, a 30 year business veteran, is joining MSBDC as its newest Senior Business Advisor. He brings tremendous value to this region due to his experience in international business, manufacturing and high technology. “Peter will be an invaluable asset for local small businesses as he can help them to successfully start, grow and thrive” said Melinda Ailes the Regional Director.
The MSBDC is co-sponsor of a three part marketing workshop series with Coastway Credit Union, The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce. The program will be presented by Dr. Cliff Robbins, a visiting lecturer at UMASS Dartmouth, a Senior Business Advisor at MSBDC and a battle-scarred veteran of growing, marketing and selling his own businesses.
Get Your Customers Buzzing with Dynamite Branding: Wed., March 12, 2008: How can small businesses harness the power of branding? At this workshop you will learn WHY it is so profitable to build trust in your company, to make your company stand out, and to keep your customers delighted. But more importantly, you’ll learn HOW to create a strong brand identity.
Get Your Customers Buzzing through Internet Marketing: Wed., March 19, 2008: This workshop will cover the best ways to use the internet to build your sales. You’ll also learn about the four functions that it takes to build and manage a profitable web site: a techie, an artist, a copywriter, and an SEO pro.
Get Your Customers Buzzing with Promotion and Networking: Wed., March 26, 2008: The single most important purpose of any business is to create a customer. Powerful promotional campaigns and networking are two of the best ways to create customers. This workshop will give you the tools to use them effectively and promote and network your business.
Breakfast will be served at 7:15 a.m. with the program from 7:30–9:00 a.m. All workshops will be held at the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine Street, Fall River, MA. Workshops are open to all established companies with a minimum of two years in business. Each session will be $39.00 or discounted to $35.00 if you are a Chamber Member. The complete series will be $99.00 or $85.00 for Chamber Members. Seating is limited, so call Tammi at 508-673-9783 to register or go on line to www.newbedfordchamber.com by February 25, 2008.
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center – Southeastern Region (MSBDC) provides free, high-quality, in-depth business advising, training and capital access which contribute to the entrepreneurial growth of small business throughout Massachusetts. Our services are delivered through a network of skilled professional staff supported by a federal, state and higher education consortium as well as several partnerships.