RUMFORD – Finding ways to diversify the local economy has just taken the next step with the beginning of a new luncheon series geared at encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and new business.
Business Lunch and Learn Seminars begin Wednesday, Jan. 21 in the conference room of the River Valley Business Resource Center on River Street. It is sponsored by the River Valley Chamber, River Valley Growth Council and the River Valley Technology Center.
Norm MacIntyre, director of the RVTC and presenter at the first seminar, said the River Valley is the third of the seven state supported Applied Technology Center sites in the state to offer the program. The South Portland Applied Technology Center, which focuses on environmental technology, and the Orono Applied Technology Center, which focuses on informational technology, started the seminars a short time ago. The River Valley Technology Center focuses on machine tool technology.
MacIntyre said the tech center and growth council have worked with individual businesses, but the seminars are the first time the groups have worked with the business community at large.
He said the seminars are expected to be ongoing.
The first series addresses: basic business planning, an introduction to the Small Business Administration, marketing strategies, the importance of team building, listening to customers and information on the Maine Technical Institute Seed Grants.
The lunches run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and cost $8 each. Those interested should preregister by calling 369-0396.
Presenters during the first series include MacIntyre, representatives from the Small Business Administration and Sen. Olympia Snowe’s office, business consultant Dianne Ray, and Elizabeth Crabtree of the Maine Technical Institute.
“Our objective will be to be more specific with the business needs in this area,” said MacIntyre, adding that basic business plans are important for anyone.
The seminars are also expected to give new, existing, or potential business people a chance to network with others.
“We want people to come. We’re interested in what people think and we want to find the right balance,” said MacIntyre.
eadams@sunjournal.com
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.