Event Notices From March 7
Oakland U. Sets Seminar On 3-D Manufacturing Simulation Software: Oakland University's Industrial System Engineering Department announces a seminar on "Visual Components 3-D Manufacturing Simulation Software*" presented by Visual Components North America on Friday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to noon on campus in the Science and Engineering Building, Room 372, Rochester. This 3-D simulation software has been developed specifically for engineering schools with manufacturing curricula and the associated verticals of industry manufacturing. Visual Components' suite of 3-D simulation software enables manufacturers to envision the future by virtually planning, validating and verifying concepts and ideas for new facilities before investing in new equipment or infrastructure. For more information or directions, please contact Robert Van Til at (248) 370-2211 or vantil@oakland.edu
MITechNews Co-Hosts Entrepreneur Mixer March 13 With TiE Detroit: MITechNews.Com is co hosting an entrepreneurial networking event March 13 at the University Club to introduce TiE's Detroit chapter to West Michigan. Clark Hill PLC is co-sponsor. Talent, Ideas and Enterprise (TiE) was founded in 1992 in California's Silicon Valley. TiE's mission is to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking, and education. We are hosting a networking reception on Tuesday, March 13 for individuals doing business locally, globally or with business interests tied to Southeast Asia. We hope you will join us. 5:30 p.m. Networking 6:30 p.m. Entrepreneurship in West Michigan - Mayor George Heartwell 6:45 p.m. The Michigan Accelerator Fund: Assisting Entrepreneurs - Dale Grogan, Managing Director, Michigan Accelerator Fund 7:15 p.m. Wrap Up/Q & A. The venue is the University Club, 111 Lyon NW, 10th Floor, Fifth Third Center, downtown Grand Rapids. RSVP to Carolyn Scully, cscully@clarkhill.com.
MichBio Sets Annual Business Meeting: MichBio, the state's biotechnology industry association, will hold its 2012 Annual Business Meeting Thursday, April 19 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia. Enjoy a strolling networking dinner while you connect with colleagues and visit with vendors and exhibitors. Then join us as we welcome the keynote speaker, Michael Stebbins, assistant director for biotechnology of the science division of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy. Stebbins previously served as a science advisor to the Obama Campaign and on the Obama Presidential Transition Team. He is the former director of biology policy for the Federation of American Scientists and president of Scientists and Engineers for America Action Fund. He is a co-founder and served on the board of directors for Scientists and Engineers for America. Dr. Stebbins is a former and adjunct professor of bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, worked as a legislative fellow for U.S. Sen Harry Reid and a public policy fellow for the National Human Genome Research Institute. Before coming to Washington, Stebbins was a senior editor at Nature Genetics. He received his B.S. in Biology at SUNY Stony Brook and his Ph.D. in Genetics while working at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he developed inducible systems for controlling gene expression in transgenic animals. Admission to the event is $75 for members and $90 for nonmembers until April 16, and $85 for members and $100 for nonmembers at the door. Exhibit space is open to MichBio members at $100 for emerging companies and $200 for all other companies, vendors and service providers. Call Jennifer Dickie at (734) 677-0503 to reserve your space.
GVSU To Host 'Women And Environment' Seminar: Environmental impacts on women's health, farming practices and eco-business are just some topics that will be discussed at a Grand Valley State University Women's History Month event. Sponsored by Grand Valley's Women's Center, Women and Gender Studies and Sustainable Community Development Initiative, and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, the Women & Environment Symposium will take place on March 29 on Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus. It is the first large-scale meeting in West Michigan that will focus on women and the environment. Visit www.wmeac.org/women to register. A team of representatives from Grand Valley, WMEAC, area universities and local nonprofits organized the event. The one-day symposium will begin with a luncheon panel and breakout sessions in the afternoon, and will close with a reception and keynote address from Susan Hedman, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 5. Appointed to the EPA by President Barack Obama, Hedman directs EPA operations in the six-state Great Lakes region. She also manages the Great Lakes National Program Office, which oversees restoration and protection of the Great Lakes. The panels and keynote address are free and open to the public. The luncheon is $25, the reception is $15 and both can be purchased for $35. The luncheon and reception are free for university students. For more information, contact Brittany Dernberger at (616) 331-2748 or dernbebr@gvsu.edu.
April Business Workshops Offered by Oakland County
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP -- Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistance are invited to attend seminars in April offered by the Oakland County Business Center. Business Basics workshops are now offered in the evenings on alternating months.
Wednesday, April 4: CEED Microloan Orientation -- Many small business owners face obstacles when trying to obtain a business loan. The recognition of the serious need for working capital for existing businesses, start-up or expansion, equipment purchases, and job creation is not the priority it once was. If you have a need for alternative financing consider the MicroLoan Program. Discover the requirements and process necessary to apply and obtain a microloan. Program presented by the Center for Empowerment & Economic Development. The program runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. This workshop is free but pre-registration is required.
Wednesday, April 4: Business Research: Feasibility to Expansion – Are you thinking of starting your own business and want to research your business idea? Are you a business owner who wants to benchmark your profit margin and other measures against similar size businesses in your industry? Do you want to know about market trends and opportunities to grow your sales? Are you looking for new customers or to diversify your market base? Business Research will show you ways to find your ideal customers, find your competitors, perform competitive analysis and more! Presented by Oakland County's Business Center, Market Research Division and an Oakland County Public Library business reference librarian. The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. This workshop is free but pre-registration is required.
Wednesday, April 4: Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business -- Marketing is an essential of business success. All products/services must be sold to well-targeted audiences with a wide-ranging marketing mix. Our staff and SCORE counselors can guide you through successful techniques and marketing principles helping you to promote your products and services to the most promising customers-your target audience. Presented by The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center. The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is $40 per person. No refunds.
Thursday, April 5: Small Business Loan Workshop – Getting a small business loan can be a challenging process. Learn the "5 C's of Credit," how to develop a winning loan proposal and what you need to know to position your business to be "bankable" before you meet with a lender. Presented by The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Oakland County Business Center. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is $20 per person (Please make checks payable to SCORE). Includes handouts and SBA Source Book. No refunds.
Tuesday, April 10: Facebook for Business (Beginner) - Introduction to Social Media Marketing and using Facebook for Business. Millions of people are using Facebook and social media for fun, but it is also a powerful business tool that can connect you with your customers, potential customers and the world. Social media is a two-way marketing channel -- a conversation with your customers. With social media marketing and Facebook you can leverage these conversations and relationships to: increase brand visibility and reach, be established as a thought leader and expert in your field, give real time customer service, stay on top of industry trends and conduct competitive research, build brand advocates, and yes -- you can see a measurable ROI-even sales! But before you jump in and start using social media, learn how to get these results with an introduction to social media marketing and Facebook for business. The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is $40 per person.
Wednesday, April 11: Fundamentals of Starting a Business is a seminar for anyone thinking about going into business. Participants examine their entrepreneurial skills, learn how to implement their ideas and receive a list of pitfalls to avoid when starting a business. The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is $30 person. No refunds.
Friday, April 13: Oakland County Venture Forward is an intensive, 11-week program designed for owners, CEOs and top management team members of businesses with at least two years of operating experience. Focused on issues most important to business health and growth, attendees gain knowledge to make critical decisions about their business and strategy, investigate next-stage growth and opportunity, plan for strategic growth, build and maintain a competitive advantage and maximize cash flow for profitability. The class runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays through June 15, 11 consecutive sessions, at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is $299 per person. Admission is not automatic - all applicants need to be pre-qualified.
Tuesday, April 17: Facebook for Business (Intermediate) - Create your Facebook Strategy. In this Intermediate session of Facebook for Business you will establish your social media objectives and goals for Facebook, create your Facebook social media marketing strategy and schedule, and integrate Facebook into your marketing strategy. Prerequisite for this session is Facebook for Business (Beginner). The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is $40 per person.
Wednesday, April 18: Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan – A workshop for small business owners who are developing a plan to serve as their road map to success. Workshop participants learn what elements are commonly found in effective plans and work on developing each of these for their own business. Assistance in the process as well as information on resources is provided. The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. Fee: $40 per person. No refunds.
Friday, April 20: Oakland County CRA Association: Small Business Money Smart (Banker's) Forum --This no-charge financial forum, sponsored by the Oakland County Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Association, offers entrepreneurs up to date information on sources of funds and valuable business support resources. Banker member products and services will be displayed. Bank ready entrepreneurs can meet one-on-one with bankers. Presenters: representatives from the City of Pontiac, Pontiac Regional Chamber of Commerce, Oakland County CRA Association members (bankers), Oakland County Business Consultants, Oakland County Business Finance Corporation Loan Officers, Oakland County CEED Microlender and Detroit Micro-Enterprise Fund lender. The program runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.
Tuesday, April 24: Legal & Financial Basics for Small Business - "Legal & Financial Basics" provides new and existing Michigan entrepreneurs an understanding of the "key" legal and financial considerations when starting and operating a business in Michigan. The program addresses "how to" select the best legal entity for your business, "how to" protect your business interests when dealing with customers, suppliers or independent contractors and important information and guidelines for establishing short and long term succession plans for your business. Presented by Witzke Berry & Carter PLLC. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.
Tuesday, April 24: Facebook for Business (Advanced) - Create and Launch your Facebook Campaign. In this Advanced session of Facebook for Business you will establish objectives and goals for a Facebook campaign, create and Launch a Facebook campaign, learn advanced strategies for reaching influencers and building a long-lasting online community, explore ways to take Facebook beyond social media marketing, acquire the tools you need to deputize your employees for organization-wide Facebook engagement, build a complete multi-channel, social media-enabled marketing strategy, integrate Facebook and traditional marketing channels to deliver a competitive advantage, establish a social media Facebook timeline, grow your base of fans and engage participants, learn how to advertise with Facebook, and how to effectively target your advertisements, learn how to run effective Facebook promotions and/or sweepstakes that meets Facebook's rules and guidelines and ensure a reasonable rate of return on your social media investment. Prerequisites for this session are Facebook for Business (Beginner) and Facebook for Business (Intermediate). The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is $40 per person.
Thursday, April 26: 5 Keys to Achieving Fiscal Fitness – Fiscal management tools for the non-financial manager. This workshop provides the business owner an in-depth look at the essentials of using financial information to make effective decisions about improving their business performance. Topics include Ways to improve your company's cash flow, How to use the balance sheet and income statement to diagnose business problems and opportunities, how breakeven analysis helps you make better pricing and business decisions and How to insure you have enough workingcapital to support growth. The program runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford Township. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is $25 per person.
