Feb. 18 , 2009
Workshops focus on steps businesses can take to survive economic downturn
MARTIN, Tenn. – The Tennessee Small Business Development Center and the University of Tennessee at Martin Regional Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center have announced they will provide two training sessions in Weakley County for small businesses in the surrounding area titled “Business Survival in Tough Economic Times.”
“The free training event is designed to address a wide range of steps business owners can take to preserve cash and maintain business operations during the present national economic recession. It is critical for all businesses to fully explore all possible measures to offset reductions in cash flow and bottom line,” said Patrick Geho, Tennessee Small Business Development Center state executive director.
“Small business is critical to Tennessee’s economic well-being,” said Gov. Phil Bredesen. “While recent research indicates Tennessee enjoys a comparative advantage over other southeastern states in respect to small-business growth, we must continue to take steps to assist small businesses, especially in these tough economic times. The Tennessee Small Business Development Center’s work is an important part of our efforts to provide our small businesses with tools to help them succeed.”
“I believe this is a very timely and much needed training series, and I am excited that we can provide this free service when discretionary money is in very short supply,” said Hollie Holt, REED Center coordinator. “Weakley County’s December unemployment was at 9.6 percent, up 2.8 percent above 2006 when it averaged 6.8 percent. In December, the U.S. unemployment stood at 7.2 percent, while Tennessee unemployment stood at 7.9 percent, and these numbers have increased since that time.”
Two sessions are being offered to accommodate small-business owner’s schedules. The first session will be offered in partnership with the Weakley County Chamber of Commerce from 5-6:30 p.m., March 12, at the chamber office in downtown Dresden. The alternative session will be held at the REED Center at 406 S. Lindell St. in downtown Martin, from noon-1:30 p.m., March 26.
To register for either session, go to www.utm.edu/reed or call the REED Center at 731-587-7333. Seating is limited.
The goal of the REED Center program is to assist business owners through business training and one-on-one business counseling. The program has been assisting existing and start-up businesses in the region since 2005.
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