PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 13, 2008) – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and Every Company Counts, an initiative of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, are sponsoring five free seminars designed to help small businesses weather the current economic downturn.
“There has been no time in the past 15 years when it has been more important for the public sector to reach out to Rhode Island businesses. We put together a team of experts with small businesses in mind,” said Mollis.
· "Customer Service Training” is scheduled for Mon., Nov. 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. Vickie Cummings of Cummings Consulting will show business owners how to gain a competitive edge with superior customer service.
· "Do-It-Yourself PR” is scheduled for Tues., Nov. 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. Robert Beadle of Northeast Public Relations will share low-cost strategies for helping small-to-medium-size business earn recognition in a crowded marketplace.
· "Strategic Planning” is scheduled for Thurs., Dec. 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. Karen Proffitt of Pinnacle Performance will help businesses create a comprehensive strategic plan that works.
· "Patents and Trademarks” is scheduled for Thurs., Dec. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. Attorney Dan Holmander and Maureen Ewing, director of Business Services for the Secretary of State’s office, will review the basics of patent and trademarks in Rhode Island.
· "Business Entity Formation” is scheduled for Wed., Dec. 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. Attorney Elizabeth Tanner will review legal options for business formation.
The seminars are offered through “We Mean Business,” which is a joint venture between the Secretary of State’s First Stop Business Information Center and Every Company Counts (ECC). We Mean Business connects business owners with local, state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations that impact business.
ECC creates a small business services environment in Rhode Island that provides competitive advantages, enables entrepreneurs and fosters job creation. ECC will host the seminars at 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence. Call 278-9174 to register.
The Secretary of State’s office works with every company registered to do business in Rhode Island. The office oversees recording commercial liens, protecting corporate trademarks and providing advice to start-up businesses.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.
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