CEDR AND SBDC ANNOUNCE

Clatsop Economic Development Resources (CEDR) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are presenting a retail workshop, “Tune-up Your Retail Business,” featuring Kevin Leahy. The workshop will be held in Seaside, Cannon Beach and Astoria, though participants may attend any session that best suits their schedule.

“CEDR has focused much of its economic development efforts on manufacturing and industrial sectors. A large majority of the businesses in Clatsop County are retail oriented, however, so it makes complete sense for us to devote services to that segment of the local economy as well,” said CEDR Executive Director Dick Powell.

The 2-hour sessions will provide participants with tools and ideas they can put to use immediately, maximizing the return on their retail businesses, Powell explained. “We are also very excited to have Kevin Leahy presenting these sessions,” he added. “Kevin grew up in the area, then left for a long and successful career in retail, rising to the level of vice-president with Meier and Frank. He has also run his own retail and consulting companies and through it all has developed quite a repertoire of knowledge in retail and small business development.”

Kevin will speak on several topics, including:

* How you can best market your business without breaking the bank

* How you can capture your share of sales on the internet

* How to encourage your community to shop local as theirfirst choice

* How to take customer service to the next level, and distinguish your business from the competition

* How you can objectively evaluate your business

* How you can energize your staff

Participants will also have the opportunity to schedule a private, one-on-one consultation with Kevin, who is serving as the temporary business counselor at CEDR’s Small Business Development Center until a permanent counselor is named to the position. There is never a charge for initial or ongoing consultations at the Small Business Development Center.

“Tune-up Your Retail Business” sessions will be held in Seaside, May 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the CEDR office; in Cannon Beach, May 24 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at City Hall; and in Astoria, May 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn Express. Participants may register online at http://clatsoped.com/newsletter/calendar/calendar.html or by phone at 503.338.2402.