Media Advisory: April 22, 2009

Conference Offers Small Business Owners Resources for Growth, Increased Competitiveness

Entrepreneurs will learn strategies for success, managing the economic climate

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) are co-sponsoring "It's All About Business: Facing the Economic Challenges of Small Business." The conference will provide southern Ohio small business owners and entrepreneurs with practical strategies for weathering the economic climate, while sustaining profitability and a competitive edge. The free, day-long event will be held Wednesday, May 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, located on the campus of Shawnee State University in Portsmouth.

“BWC is pleased to participate in this conference to assist southern Ohio employers,” said BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan. “We will have experts available to assist business owners with questions they may have about BWC programs and services. By providing detailed workers’ compensation information, we can help business owners focus on safely growing their businesses while supporting Ohio’s economy.”

Workshops will cover a number of topics, including a session providing participants with detailed information on workers’ compensation insurance, BWC employer programs and current efforts to improve BWC operations. The event will also feature panel discussions with area bankers addressing issues such as financial readiness and access. Local entrepreneurs will also share their business successes and challenges.

“Engaging small business owners during this challenging economic climate is critical to enhancing the integral role that they play in Ohio’s economy,” said Mark Barbash, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Working to ensure that small businesses have access to the insight, expertise, and tools Ohio has to offer will help position Ohio’s entrepreneurs for sustainable growth in the coming recovery.”

The day's activities will close with a "Procurement Café," giving participants the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with state, local and private sector business entities to discuss contractual opportunities. This segment of the program is designed to help local businesses determine market needs while actively marketing their business portfolio.

Other event sponsors include: WesBanco, Portsmouth Inner City Development Corporation, Southern Ohio Procurement Outreach Program, Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Small Business Development Centers at The Ohio State University in Piketon, Community Action Committee of Pike County, Inc. and the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission.

To register or learn more, call 866-672-8778. The registration deadline is May 13.

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