CN: May 20, 2015

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May 20, 2015

Gaining the tools for success Recipes

Make Your Grill Sizzle

Around Town

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Hazelwood Green Committee

Photo by Ray Rockwell Greg Laposa, Project Manager for the St. Louis Regional Chamber, addresses a workshop for small business owners at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley on May 13.

Series of workshops helps small business owners in North County on the path to growth

Feature Section

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Home & Garden

By Sara Hardin Throughout May, North County Incorporated is hosting a series of workshops for small businesses in Ferguson, Dellwood and Jennings. This is the first time these workshops have been offered and they are at no cost to the participating businesses. “NCI and its partners (the St. Louis Regional Chamber and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership) are providing a quality learning experience that will enable the small business community in Ferguson, Dellwood, and Jennings to generate more revenue, acquire and retain talented employees, and access tools that will help to grow business capacity,” explained Greg Laposa, Project Manager for the St. Louis Regional Chamber. North County Inc. invites for-profit small businesses to attend workshops that cover various topics, including developing a successful business plan, financial management, public relations, digital marketing and social media, effective sales techniques, and more. “Increasing knowledge about the best practices of running a business will help these business owners in regard to recovery and stabilization, as well as help them position their business for

future growth,” said Rebecca Zoll, President and CEO of North County Inc. The workshops rely on volunteer instructors focusing on addressing the specific needs of business owners, with the main goal being to expand business owners’ knowledge and understanding of how to ensure the success and continual growth of their business. “Businesses will gain unique access to quality instruction and expertise that will equip them with the tools necessary to further grow their business,” said Laposa. “The workshops move beyond the basics of business by customizing each session to the needs expressed by students participating. We anticipate that these workshops provide knowledge and tools that will have a significant impact on the long-term growth of the businesses and thereby positively impact their respective communities.” Many small businesses took a big hit following the crises in Ferguson, and as controversy and strife shook the area, traffic in small businesses slowed considerably. “North County Inc. has worked with the small businesses in Dellwood, Ferguson and Jennings throughout the

past 10 months in an effort to assist with stabilization during the crises,” said Zoll. “This is a natural extension of the work started back in August, and we are committed to helping the small businesses throughout the West Florissant and Florissant Road corridors as they work toward recovery. Small businesses See TOOLS FOR SUCCESS page 2

Learn & Play

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Baby Blues

Movie: “Pitch Perfect 2” FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com

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