Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2002: 9:00 - 3:30
Location: McDowell Technical Community College, Building 4, Marion NC Directions
Contact: Dean Kanipe 828-652-0634
Registration Form - Pre-registration required by Wednesday March 27
Cost (includes lunch): $5

7:30 - 9:30 Registration

8:00 - 9:15 Early Bird Session - Introduction to the Internet - Comm College Instructor
(Hardware, Software, connectivity, browsers, navigating, searching, e-mail)

9:30 - 9:35 Welcome - Community College President or Designee

9:35 - 9:40 Event Overview & Updates - Phil Monk

9:40 - 9:45 Introduction of Business Panel - CC Small Business Cntr or Chamber Rep

9:45 - 10:30 Success Stories - local business people

10:30 - 11:00 Nuts & Bolts of E-business - CC Small Business Center Reps. or designee

11:00 - 11:15 E-communities - Ashley Lefko & Local E-champions

11:15 - 12:30 Lunch & Visit Displays

The 12:30 - 1:45 sessions are as follows:

Marketing Small Businesses Products and Services on the Web
Wally Bowen (MAIN)
This session will address the advantages, disadvantages, costs and processes that a small businessperson needs to be aware of when creating a "web presence" for his/her business. Presenters will review different techniques of finding customers for your business by using the Internet.

The Farmers Guide to Making Money on the Internet
Charlie Jackson (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)
The Internet offers many advantages for farmers including a great variety of free information about agricultural products, inputs and markets. Presenters will review these information sites and discuss farming and agriculture related businesses that are earning extra income and/or saving money by using the Internet.

Crafts and the Internet: E-commerce that Works
Laurie Huttunen - (HandMade in America)
Presenters will discuss ways to sell on the Internet, including the pros and cons of having your own site. Learn how to use Internet resources to find and save money on supplies and equipment. Network with other craftspeople through discussion boards and media-specific websites.

Small Business Education, Learning and Networking Resources on the Internet
Harry Ponder - (AB Tech Small Business Center & Chamber of Commerce Reps)
The Internet provides access to a huge amount of valuable small business information from reputable sources. On-line courses can help sharpen business skills and plans. Networking with other businesses can lead to cooperative agreements that will increase customers and profits.

2:00 - 3:15

Low Cost Small Business Financial Resources and Consulting Services
Ellen Baker - (Mountain Microenterprise Fund & SCORE Representative)
Individuals interested in starting a business and small business owners interested in increasing their operations, can usually benefit from the advice of experienced consultants and investors who will provide funds at a low interest rates. Presenters will provide information on acquiring these services at no cost or at very affordable rates.

Small Business Education, Learning and Networking Resources on the Internet
Harry Ponder - (AB Tech Small Business Center & Chamber of Commerce Reps)
The Internet provides access to a huge amount of valuable small business information from reputable sources. On-line courses can help sharpen business skills and plans. Networking with other businesses can lead to cooperative agreements that will increase customers and profits.

Marketing Small Businesses Products and Services on the Web
Wally Bowen (MAIN)
This session will address the advantages, disadvantages, costs and processes that a small businessperson needs to be aware of when creating a "web presence" for his/her business. Presenters will review different techniques of finding customers for your business by using the Internet