On Friday, September 5, 2014, regional chambers of commerce, tourism divisions, economic developers, the Central Texas Business Resource Center and the Workforce Solutions of Central Texas hosted a Governor’s Small Business Forum at the Mayborn Center on the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor campus in Belton, Texas.
Approximately 90 people were in attendance for the half-day forum. The agenda included speakers from the workforce center, Heart of Texas Defense Alliance as well as owners of small businesses within the region. Information provided to attendees included workforce programs, updates on how the Department of Defense sequestration program is designed and the effects on the local economy. A panel of small business owners provided insight to how they have succeeded in business. Keynote speaker Kevin Karschnik, iSpeak, spoke about techniques of becoming a more effective leader and how certain skills can increase the motivation, performance, productivity, and commitment to an organization. JR Atkins, Something Different Company, shared how blogs are just one means of social media that can drive customers to a business.
Larry Ruggiano, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, presented the following Governor’s Small Business Award:
- Workforce Development – Recognition for demonstrating notable new job growth, implementing education in training programs for employees or unique workforce initiatives. This award was presented to Solar CenTex, a Veteran-centric organization and solar design, installation, and monitoring company bringing low-cost sustainable energy to Central Texas.·
- Excellence in Technology – Recognized for utilizing technology to advance a product, service or event, overall enhancing the company’s prosperity in the community. The recipient of this award is Grand Avenue Theaters, which has an app for products and events. Their products range from Café Specials showcased on Facebook and Twitter to family friendly movies, high profile football games, and even the World Cup. Events include community events and on occasion soccer games around the world. Scheduling for these events can be found on their website and mobile app.·
- Community Partner – Recognized for demonstrating an impactful involvement in the community, including partnerships with a charitable organizations or school districts. Schoepf’s Old Time BBQ Pit won this award for their overwhelming donations to community, military and youth service groups. This small business hosts a Texas Music Series with concerts from popular Texas Country artists at Schoepf’s backyard.
This event will be hosted again in 2015. Stay tuned!