Even the inspired calm and general goodwill surrounding Barack Obama’s inauguration could not bolster the stock market, which dropped below 8,000 on Jan. 20.

There is a definite malaise in our economy, but at least one upcoming event offers strategies and optimism.

A special one-day event on Feb. 14, “Recession-Proofing Your Business:  Local Resources to the Rescue,” will be organized by the Small Business Development Center, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

The goal is to provide local small business owners with information and resources to help them surmount the current business climate and survive the year.

“The chamber is helping to prepare our members and other businesses for what to expect in the recession economy this year,” Mark V’Soske, president of the chamber of commerce, told Toledo Free Press Senior Business Reporter Duane Ramsey.

The event is open to all business owners at no cost and is limited only by the 250-seat capacity of the McMaster Family Center at the main library, where it will take place.

Derick Gant, a financial planner and president of Gant Investment Advisors in Toledo, will serve as one of four local professional experts for a panel discussion about building a company in the current economy, human resources and other services available to local businesses.

The event will feature presentations on work force development by The Source and Owens Community College.

Reservations can be made by calling (419) 243-8191 or by e-mailing christine.bailey@toledochamber.com.

There will be other strategic events this quarter, including a Feb. 6 summit at UT. I also urge you to read this week’s special section on the continuing efforts of the Meta-Plan as a source for information and resources.

There are high hills to climb, but your business is not alone, and there are many sources that can ride to the rescue.

Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 23rd, 2009 at 2:00 am and is filed under Opinion, Publisher's Statement.
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