St. Croix Businesses Learn About Growth Opportunities

Aug. 10, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact:      
Vicki Bandola
340.514.2535
vbandola@marshallsterling.vi

Attendees at the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce Business for Breakfast meeting Thursday morning heard details on about growing their businesses with agency representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

”If you are a small business owner and you are held captive by your business because you are working 24/7,” Glenn McDuffy explains, “SBDC can help you create, set up and implement a system to run your business and enjoy business ownership. You deserve a day off and in order to get desirable business results, you need to step back and make a plan. SBDC can help.”

McDuffy explained that the SBDC is not a loan center, it’s a development center to help business owners’ present themselves to a loan officer, investor or funding agency. He provided practical information for business owners to consider and a reason to visit the SBDC center on St. Croix in Sion Farm Shopping Center.

SBDC announced a Profit Mastery class for next month next time. This class will provide practical tools for Control, Survival and Success. For more information, contact SBDC at 340-692-5270.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce to explain our programs to some that don’t know about us.” said Carl C. Christensen, SBA Senior Area Manager.

Kimberly McCollum and Atty. Mark Eckard represented the Chamber Board at the event. The Chamber of Commerce developed the Business for Breakfast Series to help strengthen and inform the St. Croix’s private business community. Members and non-members are always welcome.

Tuesday’s breakfast included the following Speakers, Special Guests:
•   Carl C. Christensen, Virgin Islands SBA Senior Area Manager
•   Glenn McDuffy, Virgin Islands SBDC Business Counselor

Helpful contacts/links:
SBA - Carl Christensen      340-773-5380   www.sba.gov
SBDC – Glenn McDuffy      340.692.5270    www.sbdcvi.org

The next Business for Breakfast event begins at 7:30 am, Thursday, September 13, at The Palms at Pelican Cove. The topic: Alternative Energy Sources. The event includes continental breakfast and costs $10 for members or $15 for non-members. The Chamber requests RSVPs by August 8.

Guests should register online at stxchamber.org or RSVP to Vicki Bandola at 340.514.2535 or vbandola@marshallsterling.vi.

Each Business for Breakfast session covers a new topic; each packed with tips for businesses. Future topics include:

•   Internet Marketing and Social Media Strategies To Grow Your Business
•   Return on Investments for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
•   WAPA Update: Alternative Solutions Underway
•   Crime Reduction Initiatives and Results

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Vicky Bandola 340-514-2535 or vbandola@marshallsterling.vi.