April 2009

Issue LXIX                                                                                                         April 7, 2009                  

 

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center Newsletter

"When you make a mistake, don't look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power." 

-Hugh White

  

 

Mike Prouse

Mike Prouse

 

Mike Prouse has been working on cars since he was a child. He did tune-ups with his dad and grandfather, who both worked for General Motors. So,it was a natural choice for Mike to get into the automotive industry. Mike's Motor Zone, a customer friendly and family-owned business, opened in October 2008, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.With guidance from KUSBDC consultant,Scott Schaeffer Mike successfully opened his own dealership. 

Click here to read more about Mike and his business.

 

 

 

Leland Nelson

Leland Nelson


Leland Nelson, president and co-founder of Dirty Dog Hauling, LLC, specializes in removing unwanted items from homes or offices. In other words-he hauls away people's junk. Leland and co-owner Gary Fallings started their business in 2005 with only their own dump truck and $2,400. Dirty Dog will help with junk removal for just about anything, whether it's due to selling a home, remodeling, or doing repairs. After removing the junk they will either recycle or donate items to local charities.

Click here to read more about DPI.

 

 

 
 
 

Listening to Your Business--4 Hour Live Workshop

 

Do you want to develop a strategic three-year plan? Would you like the opportunity to network with other small business owners and KU SBDC consultants as well as SeedCo staff? If so, this is the workshop for you. Listening to Your Business is a four-hour live workshop meant for existing business owners.

Where: Our Exton Office at the Chester County Economic Development Center
When: April 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $20
Contact Info: (484) 646-4003

or

Where: MetEd Auditorium, 600 S 5th Ave., Lebanon PA 17042

When:  May 19, 8:45 a.m. to noon.
Cost: $25

Click here to register and for more information for both workshops.

 

Doing Business with GSA

 

Do you want to learn how to submit an offer to the GSA Federal Supply Schedule Program? Want to know what it is? Register for this workshop and you can answer those questions as well as learn how to successfully market your products and services.

When: April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: 3211 N. Front St. Harrisburg Regional Chamber
Cost: Free!
Click here to register. 

 

The First Step: How to Start and Operate a Small Business

 

Are you thinking of becoming your own boss? Do you want to know how to get started, which important subjects to learn, and practice networking with other entrepreneurs? If so, this is the workshop for you.

Where: Chester County Library--450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA
When: April 8, 6-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
Click here to register and for more information.

 

New Rules, Registration for Contractors

Contractors doing at least $5,000 in home-improvement work per year must begin registering with the state to comply with a law meant to reduce fraud cases, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

The new law goes into effect July 1,2009.

Click here to read more.

 

Major Dave Vodarick's Leadership in Tough Times

 

In the current economy it is difficult for many business leaders to see a positive way ahead for their organizations. Every day seems to bring more bad news and closures that only fuel the worry and fear that confront owners and employees daily. This environment can be extremely difficult to navigate and it requires leaders to step forward and lead their organizations through the tough times, and posture the organization for the return of prosperity. The environment we are currently operating in will show who is a leader and who is a manager. In the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) classes we teach our Cadets that there is a difference between a manager and a leader. Leaders inspire others to achieve a vision or goal, they see the path ahead. Leaders use management skills to achieve it. Managers execute someone else's vision or goal; they do not inspire others. A leader must be a manager, but a manager does not have to be a leader.  To survive the current economic climate an organization will require a leader, not a manager.

Click here to read more about Leadership in Tough Times.
 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read our newsletter. We appreciate your participation in the KU SBDC community.

 

 

Sincerely,

 


Ernie Post, Director
Kutztown University Small Business Development Center