From the Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center

I’ve always liked Earth Day. First, it usually falls on my birthday so I use it as an “excuse” to purchase a tree or shrub for my yard (this year it’s a new pink hydrangea bush). Second, it’s a feel-good “holiday” – who doesn’t like doing something nice for the planet? This year, there’s a third reason to celebrate – many utility companies are developing portfolios of energy efficiency programs to achieve a certain annual energy savings goals. Ameren-IP will be rolling out several new energy efficiency programs that will help Ameren customers save on their electricity bills over the life of the program. We are proud that Ameren IP, Corn Belt Energy, and NICOR are supporting contributors to the Illinois SBDC at ISU. To learn more about how energy efficiency can be better for your bottom line, see this month’s article, Green is this Season’s New Black.    

Periodically, we will be offering seminars, classes, and workshops through our new Know and Grow Program to local and regional small business owners.  This program is designed to provide hands-on guidance to local businesspeople who want to launch and/or grow their businesses. Our first seminar series begins May 21.  This three-part seminar led by Dr. Terry Noel of Illinois State University takes a look at how small business owners can manage growth effectively.  Each class covers three topics essential to moving past a "tread water" mentality to a "swim with a purpose" attitude.  Each seminar participant will leave with an individualized growth plan for his/her business.  Dr. Noel’s business background includes farming, business ownership, sales management, and consulting.  He earned his doctorate from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1997 and is the newest Entrepreneurship faculty member at Illinois State University.

Speaking of new staff, we’ve welcomed several new staff members to the Illinois SBDC at ISU this spring: Liz Allen, Nadejda Sledneva, and Nick Strong. Take a moment to meet one of them, Nadejda Sledneva. Nadia joins us with extensive experience in international accounting with Deloitte.

Wishing you a happy & eco-friendly spring,

Elizabeth Binning, Director