DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘small business owners’

Delaware’s Small Business Summit 2014

Welcome to the Small Business Summit Hello friends, last week I had an opportunity to attend Delaware’s Small Business Summit which was held at the Dover Downs Hotel in Dover, Delaware. This free event was sponsored by the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) whose mission is “to be responsible for attracting new investors and business to the State, for promoting the expansion of existing industry, for assisting small and minority-owned businesses, for promoting and developing tourism, and for creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens in Delaware.”

Social Media and Small Businesses goes hand in hand, which is why I was anxious to be in attendance.  I wanted to meet small business owners who might be interested in learning more about Social Media and Blogging and how it can attract more consumers thereby, increasing their bottom line.

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The doors to the Summit opened at 7:30 am, and on this bitterly cold day, the hot Continental Breakfast Buffet was definitely a warm and welcomed delight.  At each place setting was a copy of Delaware Business Times, the agenda and a personalized Stylus Pen.

Small Business Summit Takeaways

There were well over 300 attendees and the agenda was jam packed with valuable information with sets of panelist who provided insights on how small businesses can increase their profits, gain more exposure and the programs available to all regardless of disabilities, race, or gender.

Attendees

After a brief introduction by Ken Anderson, Director of DEDO, and a few words from both the Mayor of Dover, Robin Christensen and Bernice Whaley, Deputy Director, the first set of panelist were seated to discuss Prospects for Delaware Small Businesses NOW and in the Future.

Mr. Ken Anderson

Ken Anderson, Director, DEDO

Delaware's Small Business Summit

Bernice Whaley, Deputy Director, DEDO Robin Christensen, Mayor of Dover

Panelist

Between sessions, Mr. Anderson acknowledged various members in the audience and awarded several door prizes.

The second set of panelist discussed Challenges and Opportunities-Business Ownership and Employment for Individuals with Disabilities. 

 

Door Prize Recipient

Carrie Dennis-Mayer, door prize winner Dust Away Cleaning Services, Inc.

The final session of this half day program was presented by Michelle Morin, Executive Director, DE Office of Supplier Diversity.  Her topic, Small Business Focus Program-Implication and Opportunities for Small Businesses of a Certain Size Regardless of Race or Gender, was very informative and sometimes entertaining.

Michelle Morin

The Summit concluded with Keynote Speaker, Governor Jack Markell who spoke about his signing of Executive Order 44 and the innovative ways in which Delaware seeks to keep the economy moving forward by providing assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

This was especially evident with the many entrepreneurs in attendance who have taken part in Project Pop-Up, which provides 3 months of rent-free space in downtown Wilmington.

Governor Jack Markell & Executive Order 44

Governor Jack Markell Executive Order 44

The Delaware Small Business Summit was a wonderful opportunity for small business owners to network and share as well as receive vital information that will not only help them succeed but will also help keep the economy in the state of Delaware strong.

Popup Entrepreneurs

 

Jahmira from 29Eleven Governor Markell DeDivah Gov. Markell and Small Business Owners

 Does your state have programs for Small Business owners and entrepreneurs?

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Dover Downs Hotel Lobby fully decorated for the season


Blogging 101 Class

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday.

Remember when I told you about the opportunity that was presented to me by The Money School of Delaware to teach a Blogging 101 class? Well, it happened…I did it, I taught a class last Wednesday at the Bear Public Library.

In 1983, I received my BS Degree in Elementary Education from Delaware State (College), but only taught 1 year of 3rd grade before leaving to work in Corporate America.  This was the first time since then of being back in a classroom…teaching…doing something that I’ve always loved to do.

I was on pins and needles for months in anticipation, reading everything I could online and from fellow bloggers as well as from the “Blogging for Dummies” book.  I was super excited to share what I had learned and prayed that all would go well.

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The class was full with 20 people registered, however, there were several no-shows but the walk-ins took their place making it a total of 18 participants.  “Not a bad turn out for a new class” stated the Library’s scheduler, which made me feel good.

I was a little nervous only because of the traffic delays that I had encountered trying to get there before the start time and upon arrival there were already 3 people seated.  After setting up the laptop with my PowerPoint presentation, I downloaded some Smooth Jazz from Pandora and waited until the start time of 6:30 pm. to begin.

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Do you know that saying, “I hit it out of the park”?  Well I did…it was an awesome evening, a lively and engaging group of woman ranging in ages from 15 to 60, mothers with daughters and small business owners all eager to learn the basics of blogging.  They asked great questions, participated by sharing stories and overall made this a memorable experience for which I’ll forever be grateful.

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It was my grandmother’s wish that I would someday return to teaching, so I know she was looking down on me with a smile.  Next month I’ll be presenting “Blogging for Small Businesses”, so it’s off to read and learn more, create a new presentation, download more Smooth Jazz and prepare to meet some new students.

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Have you ever had an opportunity to go back and do something that you truly loved to do?

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OOTD – The Posh.mina

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday.

I hope you had a nice weekend and that your Monday was productive and stress free.

My weekend was nice starting with attending the C.O.D.E. Conference on Saturday, which was an awesome event for small business owners.  Does your city or state provide free conferences or seminars for the advancement of their small business owners?

Sunday I didn’t attend church instead lounged around getting some much needed R&R and then afternoon shopping with my son which was a rare treat for me, he’s at the age when being with mom is not cool.  I remember praying for a boy each time I was pregnant, but sometimes I wish I had a girl to shop with especially now that my grandmother is no longer with me.  She and I loved to hang out…shopping for bargains…eating out …laughing…just having fun…I really miss her, which is why I started blogging.

This morning I heard birds chirping and the weather has been so mild.  With little to no significant snow I’m hoping Mother Nature isn’t trying to lull us into a false sense of “it’s Spring”!  Remember the catch phrase, “it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature”, well I hope she reciprocates.

Today I am wearing the Posh.mina that I reviewed (here) last month and because it’s one of my favorite colors it will definitely become a closet staple in high rotation.

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Skirt – GW Boutique // Top – Boscov’s // Chinese Laundry Pumps // DSW

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The screen was purchased a few years ago from Pier 1

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Necklace – Flea Market Vendor // Coral Pearl Ring – Enjeanious By Rean // Earrings and Bracelets – Jewelrybox // Watch (large) – Avon // Watch (small) belonged to my grandmother and I wear it everyday

Linking up today with Style Statement Tuesday – hop over and meet a new blogger

Have a fantastical afternoon – Smooches!

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