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Web Seminar
Business Retention and Expansion Programs in an Economic Downturn
» Online registration
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 2:30 - 4:00 pm EST
Cost: $85 for IEDC members, $125 for Non-members
Registration deadline: Friday, November 13, 2009
Login instructions: Emailed to participants on Monday, November 16, 2009
Content contact: Dana Rothstein, drothstein@iedconline.org
Registration contact: Earnestine Jones, ejones@iedconline.org
Do you know which businesses in your community are most vulnerable in the current economic downturn? Have you been surprised by the closing or downsizing of a local business? Can some companies in your community help others stay afloat?
In the recession, knowing the condition of your local businesses is more important than ever. That’s why an effective business retention program isn’t just about gathering data – it’s about building relationships in which communities provide businesses with the resources and connections they need to succeed. The right approach can mean the difference between retaining jobs and losing them.
Join IEDC on November 17 to learn more about business retention and expansion programs in the economic downturn. This web seminar will teach you:
- What types of questions to include
- Which topics to cover
- How to conduct the interview
Speakers
Laith A. Wardi, CEcD
President
ExecutivePulse, Inc.
Erie, Pennsylvania
 Laith Wardi, CEcD, is president of ExecutivePulse, Inc., an economic development consulting firm specializing in business retention based in Erie, PA. With over 15 years experience in economic development, Laith helped to pioneer the most advanced and comprehensive business retention system in North America that later formed the basis for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s state-wide business retention program. ExecutivePulse Inc. provides skills training, survey development, database systems and management consultation to clients seeking to implement a systematic, sustainable business retention program.
He is a regular instructor on business retention for the professional certification program sponsored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Laith is a graduate of Mercyhurst College and received his economic development certification through IEDC in 2002
Sara Dunnigan
Vice President of Existing Business Services
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
Sara Dunnigan is the Vice President of Existing Business Services for the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc., a nationally recognized regional economic development organization in Richmond, Virginia. Sara is responsible for the administration and execution of Business First Greater Richmond, a regional business retention and expansion program of the Partnership. The program partners include the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico, a network of business service providers and more than 80 volunteers from the business community.
In February 2009, Sara launched RichmondJobNet, a regional career resource center on-line. The site is part of an effort to connect jobseekers with local employment opportunities. In addition to job listings, the site features a no cost career assessment tool called Career Concourse, a career calendar, information about networking opportunities for job seekers and resources for entrepreneurs.
During her career, she has developed strong foundations in economic research and analysis, business retention and expansion programs, new business development, workforce development and strategic place marketing. Sara is particularly interested in advancing the use of open networks and social media in economic development and community building activities to support economic growth.
Sara graduated with honors from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio where she earned her degree in Economics.
Instructions and Technology
Instructions and dial-in information will be sent up to one week prior and a minimum of three times. If you do not receive an email from IEDC or iLinc Conferencing 24 hours prior to the start of the web seminar, it is your responsibility to contact Dana Rothstein at drothstein@iedconline.org. No refunds or credits will be given for not receiving the dial-in information for the web seminar.
Audio
- Using a telephone: A touch-tone telephone
- Using Desktop VoIP: A computer equipped with the following:
• a supported sound card
• speakers or headphones
• a microphone (for speaking during the conference)
Web
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, Mozilla Firefox 1.5 for Windows/Mac/Linux, or Safari 2.0 for Macintosh
- Broadband Internet connection
You can test your computer for compatibility at demo.ilinc.com/systest.
Cancellation, Refund and No-Show Policy
• Refunds are available with cancellation until November 13. There are no refunds for cancellations received after November 13.
• All cancellations must be received in writing by email, fax or mail to Earnestine Jones (e-mail: ejones@iedconline.org / fax (202) 223-4745). Cancellations by phone are not accepted.
• All cancellations and requests for a refund after November 13 need to be submitted in writing to Earnestine Jones and will be considered on a case by case basis. There is no guarantee of a refund or credit after November 13 and each will be given consideration under unforeseen circumstances.
Attend Web Seminars and Earn Recertification Credits from the Comfort of Your Office
We understand that CEcDs have a constant yearning to grow and improve their knowledge and expertise in economic development. Therefore, the IEDC web seminars have been approved as professional development programs for recertification. The web seminars provide a convenient and cost-effective online environment for economic developers to learn about cutting-edge research, techniques, and tools that are prevalent in the field.
CEcDs participating in a minimum of three (3) web seminars during a three-year recertification cycle can now earn recertification credits. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Kobi Enwemnwa at kenwemnwa@iedconline.org.
About the Collaboration for Success Web Seminar Series
As many economic development organizations, have learned, it is impossible to accomplish projects alone. By building strategic partnerships, economic development organizations are able to be more competitive when working collaboratively. This year, IEDC will present a series of web seminars entitled Collaboration for Success.
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