Business training opportunities

Effective Interviewing & Hiring

2012-02-24T08:59:00.002-08:00

Effective Interviewing & Hiring with Nadia Rubaii
Friday, March 9, 20129:00 am to 4:00 pm

Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room101 E. Green St., Ithaca (driving and access directions below)
Fee $120 includes snacks, coffee and other drinks; lunch will not be served, participants may go out for lunch on the beautiful Ithaca Commons. nrollment for this workshop is limited to 15 persons.

Sign up at registration@hsctc.org

A Human Services Coalition workshop co-sponsored by the Tompkins County Public Library, for persons with any responsibility to hire in any kind of organization.

At some point in their careers, supervisors will be responsible for conducting interviews and hiring new employees. Most supervisors know what questions they are not permitted to ask under the law, but few know how to structure an interview process and ask questions to assess which candidates are best suited for the position and the organization. Interview questions tend only to reveal how well a person interviews, not how well they will do on the job.

In this workshop participants will be introduced to a strategy for identifying key work habits, developing appropriately phrased questions, and probing for details that will aid in the hiring decisions. The interview technique emphasized in this workshop will focus on questions that require details about past behaviors that reflect the values, skills and work habits essential for the job. Participants will have an opportunity to practice interviewing skills and to evaluate the effectiveness of properly phrased questions.

Nadia Rubaii, Ph.D., is associate professor and chair of the Department of Public Administration at Binghamton University. She has more than 20 years of experience teaching graduate courses and professional workshops on all aspects of human resource management. She has worked with leaders of local government and nonprofit organizations throughout the United States and abroad to improve their hiring processes and decisions, overhaul their performance appraisal processes, increase communication skills among supervisors, ensure compliance with laws governing employment relations, and to more effectively manage increasing diversity within the workplace and in the community.

Nadia has given plenary presentations at numerous national and international conferences. She is active in the International City/County Management Association, having made presentations and provided training at several of their annual conferences, and having authored articles for their publications and a major white paper for their congressional lobbying efforts. Nadia grew up in the Cortland-Ithaca area, attended school at what was then SUNY-Binghamton, and then worked for more than 15 years in southern New Mexico. She returned to upstate New York in 2004 to be closer to family members, several of whom still reside in Ithaca.

If you do not wish to receive emails about Coalition workshops, click on "reply" and let us know.
Registration: Register now by emailing registration@hsctc.org or call 607.273.8686. Mail a check made out to Human Services Coalition to 100 W. Seneca St., Suite 300, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Scholarships: Limited, first-come-first-served scholarships are available for non-profit board and staff members who cannot attend without one. To request a scholarship, call 607.273.8686 or email registration@hsctc.org. Please notify us if you have any special needs; the Coalition wishes to make its workshops accessible to everyone.

Cancellation: No payment is due if notice of cancellation is received at least 24 hours before the workshop starts.

To see workshops scheduled through June 30 (subject to change) click here.

Library directions and access:
The Library is located in downtown Ithaca on the corner of East Green and South Cayuga Streets.
Directions for Accessing the Library: The Library does not open its doors until 10:00 am, so walk around the corner and go east on Green St to the end of the Library building, turn right and enter at the door on the right under the green canopy. The Borg Warner room is immediately on your right.
Driving Directions:From North or South on Rt. 13 or 34: Proceed to Green Street in downtown Ithaca. Turn East (toward Cornell and downtown) on Green Street. Proceed approximately six blocks to Cayuga St, take a right turn and proceed as below.
From South on Rt. 96b: Proceed down hill on Aurora Street to East Clinton Street.
Turn left and proceed to Cayuga Street. Turn right on Cayuga Street and proceed as below.
From East on Rt. 79 or 366: Proceed to downtown on State St hill and veer right onto Seneca St at the bottom of the hill. Stay in the left lane of Seneca St until you come to Cayuga St. Turn left on Cayuga St and proceed as below.
From West on Rt. 79, 96 or 89: Proceed east to Fulton St. Turn right on Fulton St and stay in the left lane. Turn left on Green St and proceed about seven blocks to Cayuga St. Turn right and proceed as below.
From all directions: Park in the parking garage behind the Library and across from the Holiday Inn, or in the Green St garage diagonally across from the Library. The Library does not open the main door until 10:00 am, so go to the northeast corner of the Library building next to Gimme! Coffee, turn right and enter at the door on the right under the green canopy. The Borg Warner room is immediately on your right.
Please allow extra time to park and walk.

Brought to you by:
HUMAN SERVICES COALITION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, INC 100 W. SENECA STREET, SUITE 300 ITHACA, NY 14850 (607) 273-8686
The Workshop Series is supported by a generous grant from the Triad Foundation. The Coalition is a United Way agency.
Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc.100 W. Seneca Street, Suite 300
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-8686 Coalition Main Number2-1-1 or 1-877-211-TOMP (8667)607-273-3002 FAXwww.hsctc.org

Small Biz Think Big Session II: Marketing-Social Media 102, March 6, 2012

2012-02-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

Social Media 102 - March 6, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
@ Tompkins Chamber of Commerce

Register Online

The Small Biz Think Big series offers four workshops during the first half of 2012, tailored to the needs of small business managers and owners. These seminars afford opportunity for small business to access valuable resources which are mainstays of big business success. Highly qualified presenters will provide focused, tactical trainings at modest cost, leveraging groups of small business owners and managers to collectively access information which might be too costly for a single owner or manager. Trainings will be deliberately geared to give participants tangible, immediately implementable tools and techniques, with minimal time commitment. These four seminars will cover the areas of Human Resources, Marketing, Technology and Finance.

Session 2 – Marketing—Social Media 102
Social media is great for business promotion, but who has the time? With the right approach, you do. By now, most entrepreneurs know about Twitter, Facebook, et al. and may or may not have dabbled in using them for spreading the word about their businesses. More often than not, the time required to maintain a social media presence becomes daunting. However, buying advertising media is very expensive while social media is effectively free so it is critical for every small business to capitalize on this potent marketing tool but only in ways that maximize results. This seminar will teach you how to make the most of your social media presence, minimizing the amount of time needed to generate meaningful new business traffic. Learn what works, what doesn’t work, and most importantly, what will work best for you and your business. Maximum 15 attendees.

Presenter: Matteo Wyllyamz has worked as a software instructor since 1992, with an emphasis on new media, graphic design concepts, and internet marketing development. He has created workshops for many organizations and business groups. Matteo also taught Apple Macintosh classes exclusively for five years and has been interested in "internet-based creativity" since 1994. Additionally he was employed as a university webmaster and was a noted pioneer blogger during the years 1999-2005.

Register Online
Event Location: Tompkins Chamber board room, 904 East Shore Drive, Ithaca, NY
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
PLEASE BRING A LAPTOP IF YOU HAVE ONE; BUT THIS IS NOT REQUIRED.
Contact Marilyn Mazza send an email
Fee: $30 for Chamber members; $50 for non-members
Limited to 25 participants

Leading with Impact - HSC's 2012 Leadership Training series

2011-12-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Leading with Impact: Your Ripple Effect 2012 is a custom designed leadership intensive for non-profit leaders in Tompkins County. It takes place in two sequential three-day segments. The dates are April 25-27 and June 6-8, 2012.

It addresses the whole leader and her/his whole organization in a sequential series of activities and learnings. Building greater leadership capacity and stronger organizations within the non-profit community is our primary goal.

The program is designed to enable local non-profit leaders to leverage their teams, volunteers, and boards, to help guide their organizations to achieve outstanding results. In these times of stress, resource depletion, looming succession realities, and pressing needs – it is critical that leaders lead well.

Application for “Leading with Impact: Your Ripple Effect”
Due: Thursday, December 15, 2011

More information:
607-273-8686
Coalition Main Number 2-1-1
or 1-877-211-TOMP (8667)
607-273-3002 FAX
www.hsctc.org

Alternatives Federal Credit Union Business CENTS Trainings

2011-10-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Business CENTS Page

"The 10 Commandments of Networking"

When: Friday, October 7

Time: 2:00-4:30 PM

Where: AFCU 2nd floor

Cost: sliding scale, $15 - 30

Registration required: contact Alison

Join us for this interactive and collaborative class, presented by Dave Makar of Referral Institute Ithaca. We’ll cover the “10 Commandments of a Networking Mixer”, providing you with tips, tools, techniques and tasks that you can apply to every networking event you attend to make your networking more effective. The session will include how to network effectively to build positive word-of-mouth, who you want to meet and how you can find them at a mixer, and much more!

Business Planning Intensive
When: Tuesdays, Nov. 1 & 8
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30 - 60
Registration required: contact Alison

If you've been meaning to sit down and develop an organized, comprehensive plan for your business, we are going to give you the means and motivation to do it! Whether you're still at the concept stage or have been in business for years, developing a business plan isn't about writing a document, it's a process of setting goals, identifying priorities, realistically assessing feasibility and challenges, and mapping out action steps! This special two-session workshop will jump feet first into that process. You'll leave with a solid framework begun and a clear path for completing your research and moving forward with your plans.

"So You Want to Be Your Own Boss?" An Intro to Entrepreneurship...

When: Tuesday, November 15
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: $20
Registration required: Contact Alison

Interested in starting a business or working for yourself, but not really sure what that will really take? Join us for our special introductory workshop, designed for those who are at the "idea stage" or just generally interested in small business. We'll address topics including:

-- What business owners need to know
-- How to research a business idea
-- How to learn about the market and competition
-- How to determine if your idea is financially feasible
-- What resources are available for more help....

Chamber of Commerce Premier Training Event!

2011-10-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Organizational Excellence Training Workshop
with Bob Vosburgh, President, 9g Enterprises

Tuesday, October 18, at 10:30 a.m. to noon

Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.
Registration & Info

“I would encourage Chamber members to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to compare your organization in 10 key leadership and performance areas against other Chamber members in our community and against the 9G Enterprises national database. In addition to receiving this data by having your employees participate in a brief online survey, I can assure you that you will find the 90-minute seminar to be of great value to your organization. Cayuga Medical Center has engaged the services of 9G enterprises and has found that their survey tools and down to earth leadership practices have made a great difference in our organization”.

Alan Pedersen

Vice President Human Resources

Cayuga Medical Center

Bob Vosburgh is a nationally recognized trainer in Organizational Excellence. He delivered a program for the Tompkins Chamber in 2006 and we’ve invited him back to refresh some memories and to bring this compelling program to more Chamber members.

Bob’s company, 9g Enterprises, focuses on both quantitative and qualitative data to help leaders improve performance and productivity.

When you sign up for this program you will be given a link to an Internet survey and a message (that you can customize) to be sent to all or some members of your staff. Your staff will take this online employee satisfaction survey that will provide information for critical benchmarks for organizational change.

This program is valuable for small and large businesses and organizations. If you manage any staff at all the 90-minute program will give you valuable skills. If you have just a few or 5000 employees the survey will bring you valuable data to help you deal with the issues in your own workplace. The program is suitable for front-line managers, team members, and organizational leaders. The survey is suitable for all staff members.

Objectives:
1. Overview effective leadership principles.
2. Organizational performance, atmosphere and productivity.
3. Learn how to motivate change with accountability.

Click here for a video overview.

Brief Description: Based on the book LIFT, by Bob, the focus of his talk will be in three major areas: Self, Team and Atmosphere. Attendees learn about the three necessary characteristics within each of those major areas, while being entertained with anecdotes, stories and videos of successful leaders.

Participants have their team/direct reports take an online employee satisfaction survey that provides qualitative and quantitative feedback. Attendees leave with a mantra and critical benchmarks for organizational performance and productivity.

Bio: Click Here for Bob’s bio.

Cost is: $79 for 1 registration and up to 25 employee surveys
$139 for 3 registrations and up to 50 employee surveys

$199 for 5 registrations and up to 100 employee surveys

$379 for 10 registrations and up to 250 employee surveys

Society for Human Resource Management of Tompkins County

2011-10-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Workplace 2020; Baby Boomers and Beyond

Tues, Oct 18, 2011
8:00-10:30am
Country Club of Ithaca

The most recent recession and current state of the job market have spooked many older workers into deferring retirement. Social security, debt-ceiling and healthcare debates, measly investment and stock market returns, gas prices and the uncertain economy is sending the more mature workforce a clear message: don’t retire yet. Since the mid-1980s increasing numbers of older men and women have kept working. The labor force participation rate for men age 65 has risen 43 percent over the past quarter century. For women 65 and older, the participation rate has nearly doubled over the same period, to 13.4 percent in June 2011. What are local organization and business demographics and trends in Tompkins County? How are our workforces changing and adjusting to this shift?

As human resource professionals and businesses, we need to understand the resulting workplace implications. We’ve pulled together resources, demographic research, best practices, web sites and a panel of local employers to discuss how they are managing mature workers today and in the future.

The U.S. economy hasn’t done well at creating jobs for younger and older workers alike, let alone jobs with decent pay and benefits. Jobs remain scarce 26 months after the recession was declared officially over; the U.S. unemployment rate is at 9.2 percent. In response to the labor market’s supply and demand, many employers fluctuate between a focus on recruiting talent and lean approaches to the current recession fall out. How are you balancing the current picture with future workplace needs? Do you have meaningful metrics in place that capture demographics and labor market trends as part of an overall strategic plan for recruitment, hiring and retention? Are you adjusting current practices to both attract new hires and to retain individuals with “institutional knowledge and experience” in light of future worker shortages? How do you ensure that you have the employees and the leadership needed in 2020? How will your business or organization stay ahead of the curve?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Join Robert Bantle, Diane Bradac, Mark Coldren, Linda Croll-Howell, Christian Harris, Lisa Holmes and Alan Pederson on Tues, October 18^th at the Country Club of Ithaca for a co-sponsored session called Workplace 2020; Baby Boomers and Beyond.

Prior to the session, recognition awards in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) will be presented by Dot Marinaccio, Regional Workforce Development and Business Relations Coordinator.

The session will run from 8:00-10:30 and registration is required in advance. The session fee is $20.00 to be paid in advance or at the session (SHRM-TC members are free). SHRM-TC is handling registration at: http://www.shrmtc.org

Family & Children's Service of Ithaca Fall EAP Workshops

2011-08-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

EAP Programs can be found online HERE

Contact Karen Fritz to register, at 607.273.7494
kfritz@fcsith.org

The Criticism Challenge: Giving and Receiving Feedback
Trainer: Karen Fritz, LMSW
Tuesday, Oct. 4 9:30am-12:00pm
Supervisors often find themselves in the “hot seat,” having to be the target of criticism and also provide feedback to employees. Participants of this training will learn to handle emotions and discomfort with criticism, while exploring how to make the best of criticism and effectively provide feedback to others.

The Power of Words: Healthy and Unhealthy Self-Talk

Trainer: Cora Ellen Luke, MA, LMHC (3 hours)

Friday, Oct. 21 9:30am-12
The mind is very busy and full of self-talk, a silent stream of thoughts about ourselves, others, and the world. Self-talk has a tremendous influence over our feelings, behavior, and even health. It often becomes distorted and overly negative, but we are usually not aware of this. This training helps individuals to learn how to identify, challenge, and replace distorted thinking patterns with more accurate and balanced ones.

Leading the Way with Emotional Intelligence
Tuesday, Nov. 1 9:00am-12:00pm

The Paradox of Stress: Letting Go and Taking Control
Friday, Nov. 4 9:00am-12:00pm

Trainer: Cora Ellen Luke, MA, LMHC (2 ½ hours)

There are many tools we can learn to use to reduce stress. One of the most effective involves the matter of control. It is very human to ruminate about the things we cannot control. It is also a great recipe for stress. How can we let go of what we cannot control, and focus on what we can? This training offers ways to become more skilled at doing both.

The Business Council HR Seminar Series

2011-07-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Business Council is teaming up Jackson Lewis LLP to bring you our 2011 HR Seminar Series. Topics will include: The New ADA Amendments and FMLA Regulations, Wage and Hour Compliance, Cyber Confusion, all the HR basics such as Handbook and Recordkeeping Policies, and much, much more.

Click here for the full agenda, speaker information and online registration.

Dates and Locations:

Tuesday, October 4		Wednesday, October 12
Holiday Inn Buffalo Airport 4600 Genesee Street Cheektowaga Directions		Ramada Conference Center 542 Route 9 Fishkill Directions

Wednesday, October 5		Thursday, October 13
Three Rivers Development Conference Rooms 114 Pine Street, 2nd Fl. Corning Directions		Holiday Inn Albany on Wolf Road 205 Wolf Road Albany Directions

Thursday, October 6
O’Brien & Gere 333 West Washington Street Syracuse Directions

For more information contact Ellen Muir at ellen.muir@bcnys.org

Past Events

2011-07-26T08:27:00.001-07:00

Alternatives Training Page

"The 10 Commandments of Networking"

When: Wednesday, August 3
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $15 - 30
Registration required: contact Alison, alison@alternatives.org

If your business depends on building relationships that lead to customer referrals, then your major marketing activity is most likely networking. But do you feel that many networking events have been a waste of your time? Do you want to have simple steps to make more productive use of your networking time?

Join us for this interactive and collaborative class, presented by Dave Makar of Referral Institute Ithaca. We'll cover the "10 Commandments of a Networking Mixer", providing you tips, tools, techniques, and tasks that you can apply to every networking event you attend to make your networking more effective. The session will include how to network effectively to build positive word-of-mouth, who you want to meet and how you can find them at a mixer, and much more!

"So You Want to Be Your Own Boss?" An Intro to Entrepreneurship...

When: Wednesday, August10
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: $20
Registration required: Contact Alison

Interested in starting a business or working for yourself, but not really sure what that will really take? Join us for our special introductory workshop, designed for those who are at the "idea stage" or just generally interested in small business. We'll address topics including:

-- What business owners need to know
-- How to research a business idea
-- How to learn about the market and competition
-- How to determine if your idea is financially feasible
-- What resources are available for more help....

Fall "Getting Down to Business" course

When: Wednesdays, Sept. 14 through Nov. 9
Time: 6:00 ? 9:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $80 - 300
Registration required: contact Alison

* Registration will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, September 9 (or sooner, if class becomes full).

Autumn is coming sooner than we realize, and registration for our fall course opens soon! "Getting Down to Business" is our comprehensive business planning course, covering all major aspects of the business start-up process. We'll address bookkeeping and financial feasibility, financial statements, business taxes, marketing strategies and foundations, legal issues for small businesses, banking and financing, and more!

Getting Down to Business is designed for people who:
- have a definite business concept that they are committed to, and
- are ready to move forward with their business planning process, and
- expect to get their business off the ground within the next 6-12 months, OR
- have very recently started a business and need help.

Class participants must be able to commit to an intensive, nine-week course with outside research and homework. It takes time and dedication to create a successful enterprise!

Business Planning Intensive - coming soon!

When: dates TBA
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30 - 60

Interested in being notified about rescheduled dates? Email Alison!

If you've been meaning to sit down and develop an organized, comprehensive plan for your business, we are going to give you the means and motivation to do it! Whether you're still at the concept stage or have been in business for years, developing a business plan isn't about writing a document, it's a process of setting goals, identifying priorities, realistically assessing feasibility and challenges, and mapping out action steps! This special two-session workshop will jump feet first into that process. You'll leave with a solid framework begun and a clear path for completing your research and moving forward with your plans.

Past Events

2011-07-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Friday 7/29/2011
Leading with Impact: Your Ripple Effect

A workshop for leaders in all kinds of organizations.

· Place: Highland Lodge Retreat Center (5176 Indian Fort Road, Trumansburg)
· Time: 8:30 am- 4:30 pm
Contact: Carol Farkas
Phone: 607-273-8686
Email: registration@hsctc.org

Friday 10/7/2011
Leading with Impact: Your Ripple Effect

A workshop for leaders in all kinds of organizations.

· Place: Highland Lodge Retreat Center (5176 Indian Fort Road, Trumansburg)
· Time: 8:30 am- 4:30 pm
Contact: Carol Farkas
Phone: 607-273-8686
Email: registration@hsctc.org

Past Events

2011-04-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

First Time Budgeting -presented by Chirag Desai

Wednesday, April 27, at the Chamber
8:30 AM to 12:00 PM -$30 per person
FIRST TIME BUDGETING -presented by Chirag Desai

Do you have responsibility for creating and/or maintaining a balanced budget for the first time? This course will help you demystify the process of creating a budget that truly supports your business goals. In addition, you will learn to read your budget results over time, to identify meaningful trends, and to make relevant course corrections.

Legal & Effective Interviewing -presented by Gary Evans

Thursday, May 5, at the Chamber
11:30 AM to 4:00 PM -$30 per person

Legal & Effective Interviewing -presented by Gary Evans
This course will take you through a concise review of relevant laws and then each step of the interview process, including preparation, reviewing of materials, interviewing, and selection. You'll understand the importance of being legally compliant while developing a structured process that will generate the most qualified candidates.

Caught in the Middle:
How to Survive and Thrive as a Middle Manager

With Nadia Rubaii-Barrett

Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Fee $45
8:45 am to 12:30 pm (breakfast provided)
Rice Conference Room, Health Department
55 Brown Road, Ithaca

A workshop for middle managers and supervisors in all kinds of organizations.

Caught in the Middle: How to Survive and Thrive as a Middle Manager

As a middle manager you get it from both sides. The administrators above you expect you to tow the administrative line and faithfully communicate and implement their directives to the rank-and-file employees you supervise. Employees below you expect you to be their voice and advocate to the administration, and to protect their interests and the interests of the clients they serve...

"So You Want to Be Your Own Boss?" An Intro to Entrepreneurship...

When: Thursday, May 19
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: $20

Interested in starting a business or working for yourself, but not really sure what that will really take? Join us for our special introductory workshop, designed for those who are at the "idea stage" or just generally interested in small business. We'll address topics including:

-- What business owners need to know
-- How to research a business idea
-- How to learn about the market and competition
-- How to determine if your idea is financially feasible
-- What resources are available for more help....

Business Planning Intensive

When: Thursdays, June 9 & 16
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30 - 60

If you've been meaning to sit down and develop an organized, comprehensive plan for your business, we are going to give you the means and motivation to do it! Whether you're still at the concept stage or have been in business for years, actually writing a plan for where you want to go with your business and how to get can give you a great road map for moving business forward and accomplishing your goals. The focus of this special two-session workshop is not to talk about writing your business plan? It is to actually begin creating a plan! You'll leave with a solid framework begun and a clear path for completing your research and planning process.

"Business Marketing with Social Media" workshop

When: Fridays, June 10 and 17
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: $30-$60, sliding scale

Back by popular demand! Businesses large and small are marketing in new and powerful ways through free social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. How can you take advantage of this exciting and pervasive trend? How much of your time and resources do you need to commit, and how can you tell if your efforts are effective? Learn the ins-and-outs of how to use these new and extremely popular forms of rapid communication.

This hands-on workshop, presented by Matteo Wyllyamz of Mouselink Media, includes two sessions of three-hours each, one spent on Facebook and one on Twitter. Skills needed to provide the best experience: basic computer skills and some internet experience are essential. Some Facebook experience helpful, but not required. No Twitter experience required.

Branding Essentials for Nonprofits

When: Thursday, July 7
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room

Join Business CENTS and Julia Reich in this new workshop designed with NonProfit organizations in mind!

In this workshop, our objectives will be to:

• Learn what branding is.
• Understand how a strong brand can benefit your nonprofit.
• Learn about the process of creating a strong brand.
• Evaluate your organization’s name, tagline and logo.

We know nonprofits face numerous challenges:
• Increased competition
• Dwindling funding options
• Apathetic public
• Increased demand on services
• Getting more done for less

"Getting Found Online"

When: Fridays, July 8 and 15
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room

Are people easily finding your business on the internet when they search? Did you know there are many proven and simple techniques for transforming your search engine placement and visibility? If not, then this two-session workshop is for you!

Internet technologies and applications change so rapidly, that what worked in "search engine optimization" techniques a few years ago may be obsolete now. Join Business CENTS and IT consultant and trainer Matteo Wyllyamz, of Mouselink Media LLC, to learn proven and simple techniques for transforming your search engine placement and website visibility. This beginner-friendly workshop is ideal for business owners, marketers, web designers, and anyone else who wants to see their website traffic climb!

Past Events

2010-05-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Fall "Getting Down to Business"

When: Wednesdays, Sept 8 through Nov 3, 2010

Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room

Getting Down to Business is designed for people who:

- have a definite business concept that they are committed to, and

- are ready to move forward with their business planning process, and

- expect to get their business off the ground within the next 6-12 months, OR

- have very recently started a business and need help.

AM&T Basic Project Management Workshop

Wednesday, September 8th, 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM (Sign-in and breakfast 7:30 AM)

Cost: $200 ($100 for AM&T Associates) -Cost includes continental breakfast & lunch.

Location: Owego Treadway- Owego, NY

This training is for anyone with project leadership responsibilities, whether new or in need of a refresher.

Course Outline: Introduction to Project Management, Individual Roles & Responsibilities, Defining the Mission & Approach, Methodology Overview, Work Plan Review and Sign-off, Project Tracking (Working the Schedule), Action and Contingency Plans, Project Status Reporting, Book Shelving Project Management Data.

Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Entrepreneurship

In this class you will learn about what it takes to start and run a successful business in the energy efficiency or renewable energy fields. Get insight and learn for local insulation, building envelope, solar PV, solar thermal, wind, and geothermal businesses. Topics to cover include steps towards a business plan, initial financing, company organizational structures. typical job descriptions, profitability, sales and marketing, and quality assurance mechanisms. Learn how to make yourself a leader in the renewable energy and energy efficiency team!

Tuesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 / 6 – 9 p.m.

Lieberman Extension Center, Ithaca

Fee: $249

Business Marketing with
Getting Found Online

When: Tuesday July 13 & Thursday July 15
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Were: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30 - 60

The 10 Commandments of Networking
When: Friday July 16
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $15 - 30
Registration required: contact Alison: mailto:alison@alternatives.org
If your business depends on building relationships that lead to customer referrals, then your major marketing activity is most likely networking. Join us for this interactive and collaborative class, presented by Dave Makar of Referral Institute Ithaca. We'll cover the "10 Commandments of a Networking Mixer", providing you tips, tools, techniques, and tasks that you can apply to every networking event you attend to make your networking more effective. Info HERE

Facebook & Twitter

When: Monday June 21 & Wednesday June 23

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room

Cost: sliding scale, $30 - 60

Registration required: contact Alison: mailto:alison@alternatives.org

Increasing numbers of businesses both large and small are marketing in new and powerful ways through free social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Info HERE

Paying Employees: Compensation and Benefits with Kim Swartwout and Shari Constantino

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 9:00 – 11:30 am at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Room A, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca -

Fee $25

A workshop for everyone with responsibility for determining or processing employee salaries, wages and benefits; also targeted to supervisors who want to be able to respond to questions about these topics.
Register at registration@hsctc.org or at 607-273-8686. More Workshops from the Human Services Coalition

Manufacturers Guide to Doing Business with the Department of Defense
June 8, 2010 in Corning, NY
Time: 8:30 AM Registration 9 AM to 4 PM Workshop
Location: Radisson Hotel Location: Binghamton Regency 125 Denison Parkway East, Corning, NY 14830 Free Parking
Presenters: Brian Duddy, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF-Retired, RIT CIMS Senior Program Manager & Joe Williams, Cattaraugus County PTAC Program Manager
Registration Required - To register: http://cattco.ecenterdirect.com
Fee: No Fee to Attend ~ Lunch and refreshments provided
Topics:
* Pre-requisites to defense contracting
* Who buys what in the DOD; services, commands and agencies
* Where companies can “break into” the business
* Getting your name out there – trade shows, websites, etc.
* Points of contact in the DOD acquisition
* Acquisition timelines
* Doing basic research on opportunities
* Acquisition process and life cycle
* How the DOD finds businesses
* Marketing to the DOD
* Types of contracts
* Contract structure
* The RFP and Source Selection Process
* Drawings, specs and standards Help
If you have questions please contact: Lenora Leasure,
Cattaraugus County PTAC Small Business Counselor p: 716-938-2311 e: PTAC@cattco.org
The seminar is geared towards manufacturers, but we invite any business interested in doing business with the government to attend.

Manufacturers Guide to Doing Business with the Department of Defense

June 9, 2010 in Binghamton, NY
Time: 8:30 AM Registration 9 AM to 4 PM Workshop
Location: 225 Water Street, Binghamton, NY 13902 Free Parking Free Parking
Presenters: Brian Duddy, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF-Retired, RIT CIMS Senior Program Manager & Joe Williams, Cattaraugus County PTAC Program Manager
Registration Required - To register: http://cattco.ecenterdirect.com
Fee: No Fee to Attend ~ Lunch and refreshments provided
Topics: * Pre-requisites to defense contracting * Who buys what in the DOD; services, commands and agencies * Where companies can “break into” the business * Getting your name out there – trade shows, websites, etc. * Points of contact in the DOD acquisition * Acquisition timelines * Doing basic research on opportunities * Acquisition process and life cycle * How the DOD finds businesses * Marketing to the DOD * Types of contracts * Contract structure * The RFP and Source Selection Process * Drawings, specs and standards Help
If you have questions please contact: Lenora Leasure, Cattaraugus County PTAC Small Business Counselor p: 716-938-2311 e: PTAC@cattco.org
The seminar is geared towards manufacturers, but we invite any business interested in doing business with the government to attend.

Intensive Business Plan Writing Workshop

When: Wednesdays, June 9 & 16
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30 - 60
Registration required: contact Alison, mailto:alison@alternatives.org
If you've been meaning to sit down and develop an organized, comprehensive plan for your business, we are going to give you the means and motivation to do it. Info HERE

Intro to Government Grant-Writing with Jane Hexter

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 from 9: 00 am - 12:00 noon, Beverly Livesay Conference Room, Human Services Building 320 W. State Street, Ithaca. -
Fee $35
This course is designed for novice grant writers, and will be information-packed and fun. The class materials will reflect recent trends in grant-making and give you the skills that you need to start preparing proposals for your organization.
Register at registration@hsctc.org or at 607-273-8686. More Workshops from the Human Services Coalition

Financial Management and Planning in Small/Start-up Non-Profits with David Campbell

Thursday, June 17, 2010 from 9: 00 - 11:00 am, Child Development Council, 609 W. Clinton St., Ithaca. -
Fee $20
A workshop for non-profit agency board and staff members. How do you know if your organization is financially empowered or vulnerable? You should always be able to answer this question, not only when your organization is in crisis! This workshop will review key financial management concepts for nonprofit organizations including the elements that contribute financial empowerment or vulnerability. The hands-on workshop will also include how to use tools for financial analysis such as basic ratios, cash flow analyses, and reading/using financial statements.
Register at registration@hsctc.org or at 607-273-8686. More Workshops from the Human Services Coalition

Export Financing Seminar

More Info HERE

Thursday, May 27, 2010

8:30 AM (registration & breakfast)

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (program)
The cost to participate is $35 and includes continental breakfast.

CCC Academic & Workforce Development Center

318 Madison Ave

Elmira, NY 14901

Join the U.S. Department of Commerce's Rochester Export Assistance Center and the Upstate NY District Export Council as they present an Export Financing Seminar

Covered topics include: Export Financing, Export Payment Terms and Letters of Credit, Export-Import Bank Services, Small Business Administration Export Finance Services, Finding and Qualifying Potential Foreign Partners

Speakers: Tim McCall, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Export Assistance Center; Tom Cummings, Export-Import Bank; Toni Corsini, Small Business Adminstration; Daniel Duffy, JPMorgan Chase; Ed Kowalewski, Empire State Development

SHRMTC Conference - Human Resources in a Changing Environment

Wed Jun 2, 2010 7:30 AM

SHRMTC, HRATT, and STAHR Members - $150 * Non-Members - $175 * Students - $40

Payment: Please make checks payable to SHRMTC and mail to P.O. Box 208, Ithaca, NY 14851.

Location: Ithaca College

For more information: Brochure * Website

Contact: Jamie Washburn

Phone: 607.254.8701

Email: jaw23@cornell.edu

"Getting Your Share of Government Contracts"
Seminar for Small Businesses in Central New York with Congressman Arcuri
Thursday, June 3, 2010
8:30 am -Registration
9:00 –11:00 am -Program
Location: Main Street SUNY Cortland
9 Main Street
Cortland, NY 13045
Fee: Free (Refreshments Included)
•Brief, informative presentations from procurement experts
•Question and answer session
•Contacts for follow-up assistance
This program offers guidance on winning federal contracts including marketing, bidding, regulations, procedures, bonding and more. Come and meet officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, North Country Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and Small Business Development Center who will provide valuable information to help grow your business.
New information will be available about the latest initiatives for Women-Owned Business (WOB).
Please RSVP to Congressman Arcuri’s office at
607-756-2470 (Cortland) or 315-793-8146/8147 (Utica)
For further information, call Mohawk Valley SBDC at 315-792-7547

Past Events

2010-03-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

TAX HELP
The Alternatives Free Tax Preparation Program is open from January 19 to April 10, 2010.
Don't pay high fees to get your own refund. If you are single and earn less than $30,000 or a family earning under $49,000, we can prepare your Federal and State Income Tax Returns. Find out if you qualify here.
MAIN LOCATION — Alternatives Federal Credit Union

Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool)
Upstate CIO Conference
Friday, April 16th at iSchool on SU Campus 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CIOs and IT professors from Upstate New York will connect, discuss industry trends and emerging technologies, and inform course content for information executives.

Compliance with the New York State Labor Law Seminar
The NYS Department of Labor’s Division of Labor Standards exists to assist employers in their efforts to achieve compliance with labor laws by providing education, consultation, and enforcement services in a fair, timely and consistent manner.
Date: Friday, April 23, 2010

Twitter Power Users
Alternatives Federal Credit Union -Business Cents
Friday, April 23, 1:00 -4:00 p.m. @ Alternatives' 2nd floor, 125 N. Fulton St.
Designed for intermediate social media users who understand the basics and want to take the effectiveness of their Twitter efforts to the next level. More info HERE

Intro to Entrepreneurship
Alternatives Federal Credit Union - Business Cents
Tuesday, April 27, 6:00 -8:30 p.m. @ Alternatives' 2nd floor, 125 N. Fulton St. Ithaca
Pre-registration required -Cost $20 -To register contact Alison@alternatives.org -More info HERE

Getting Press Coverage in the New Media Landscape
When: Tuesdays, May 18 & 25
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Press coverage is a great way for any business to get free publicity!

Past Events

2009-06-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

What to Say to a Porcupine: Customer Service in Prickly Times

March 9, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tc3.biz

AM&T- Leveraging A Legacy

March 23, 2010

1/2 day program

Within the next 5 years, 65% of U.S. family business owners expect to transition out of their business. The disturbing fact is that fewer than 40% of businesses successfully make the hand-off to the next generation of management. AM&T has arranged for a special 1/2-day program on March 23 to address this issue.

Greater Customer Connections

Thursdays, March 25, 2010 and April 1, 2010

1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: TC3 – Lieberman Extension Center

118 N Toga St. Ithaca

TC3.biz Lean Office

Friday, March 26th

info@tc3.biz, 607.844.6586

Small Business Workshop: Business Marketing with Facebook and Twitter

Date & Time: Fridays, April 2nd & 9th, 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Alternatives Federal Credit Union: 125 N. Fulton St., Ithaca

Where: Alternatives Federal Credit Union

Past Events

2009-06-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Managing Performance - For Your Best and Worst Employees with Deb Shigley

fee $30. A workshop for eveyrone who supervises other people.

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 8:30 - 11:30 am

at the Child Development Council

Making Meetings Work with Judy Saul

fee only $20. A workshop for anyone involved in planning and running meetings, including Board and committee chairs and supervisors.

Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 9:00 am to Noon

at the Child Development Council

Recruiting and Fostering an Effective, Diverse Board of Directors with Laura Branca

fee $30. A workshop for members of non-profit boards of directors and for staff who work with the board on recruitment. Details below.

Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 9:00 am to Noon

at the Child Development Council

Entrepreneurship Seminar Series - Today's Business Plan & Raising Money

Date: 02/19/2010

more information here, or please contact Amanda Arliss at aa627@cornell.edu

Social Media Marketing for Business

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 and Thursday, February 18, 2010

Registration Deadline: February 9, 2010

Print Design Certificate Program
February 10, 2010 through June 3, 2010
Time varies – 8 workshops- for more information call 844-6586
Location: TC3 – Lieberman Extension Center

Web Design Certificate Program
February 10, 2010 through May 19, 2010
Time Varies – 7 workshops- for more information call 844-6586
Location: TC3 – Lieberman Extension Center

SBIR Workshop
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A small business innovation research workshop for growing knowledge-based small enterprises.
Location: Weill Hall 226
8am-1:30pm on the Cornell University Ithaca campus

Small Business Workshop:
"What Business Owners Need to Know About Employment Law - Legal and Effective Hiring and Management of Talent"
Wednesday, February 3, 2009 9:00 AM

Getting Found Online
When: Fridays, November 13 and 20
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Registration required: Contact Alison, mailto:alison@alternatives.org

Navigating Stressful Times In Your Business
Date: Friday, December 4, 2009
This program will examine the ways that employees are being affected and what organizations are doing to creatively assist their people as they navigate through these unprecedented times.

Women's Leadership Series
Women and Courage: The Many Faces of Leadership
Strengthening Your Voice: Meaningful Messages Delivered with Impact- Linda J. Tompkins
Date: December 11, 2009
For questions, or to register, please contact Amy Kohut, 607-254-7474 or aek44@cornell.edu

Entrepreneurship Seminar Series - Market Validation & Idea Assessment
Date: 11/13/2009

TCAD Presents: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF EXPORTING
Date: November 9th, 2009
Please RSVP to info@tcad.org Please Call TCAD at 607-273-0005 with any Questions

"Using Social Media for Your Business"
Panel
Date and time: Thursday, July 16, 8-10 AM
Location: Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Cost: FREE

Seminar Surviving Tough Economic Times
Wednesday, June 10th
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Country Club at Ithaca
189 Pleasant Grove Rd.
Fee: $20, includes breakfast buffet
To register email usbcal@labor.state.ny.us or call Cathy Leonard 607-741-4518
www.nyjsec.org
www.tompkinsworkforceny.org

Human Services Coalition -Partners in Leadership 3-Part Series
Tuesdays, June 13th, 23rd and 30th
9:00-11:00 AM
Cornell Cooperative Extension
615 Willow Ave.
Fee: $105
To register email registration@hsctc.org or call Scott Heyman 607-273-8686
Human Services Coalition

Financial Management & Planning In Small/Startup Non-Profits
Tuesday, June 16th
9:00-10:30 AM
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Room A
615 Willow Ave.
Fee: $25
To register email registration@hsctc.org or call Scott Heyman 607-273-8686
Human Services Coalition

Are You Ready for Business? - Exploring Entrepreneurship!
When: Wednesdays, June 17 – July 1
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30 - 90
Registration required: contact Leslie@alternatives.org
http://www.alternatives.org/cents_seminars.html

Past Events

2009-05-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Intensive Business Plan Writing Workshop
When: Tuesdays, May 26 & June 2
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30 - 60
Registration required: Contact Leslie@alternatives.org
http://www.alternatives.org/cents_seminars.html

How To Tell Anyone Anything: The Art of Painless Feedback
Wednesday, June 3
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Sprole Conference Room, Dryden TC3
CEPE 476 01 • 0.4 CEU
Fee: $109, includes materials and
morning refreshments
www.tc3.biz