Takin’ Care of Business

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Written by Estero Bay News

July 30, 2021

Train to be on a Nonprofit Board

Spokes will offer basic training via online classes to help both new and continuing presidents or chairs, secretaries, and treasurers build or refine the skills to be effective in their roles as board members for nonprofits. Trainings take place on August 2, and August 10 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. and are $20 for Spokes members and $35 for non members. Each class is a standalone.
• Board President: Roles and Responsibilities – Learn the responsibilities and limitations of your new role, how to plan your year, everything you need to know about board meeting agendas, strategies for efficient meetings, and the basics of voting procedures.
• Board Secretary: Roles and Responsibilities – Learn all about meeting minutes, critical documents every organization should have on hand, and how to use technology to lighten the load.
• Board Treasurer: Roles and Responsibilities – Learn about required financial reports, annual state and federal reporting requirements, and how to use technology to lighten the load.
Classes are taught by Michael Simkins, Ed.D. – A former teacher, school administrator, and nonprofit executive, Michael has been a member of several nonprofit boards and served as board president, secretary, and treasurer. His professional experience spans the education and nonprofit sectors. Currently, he is Spokes’ interim CEO.
Learn more/register at spokesfornonprofits.org or call (805) 547-2244.

Helping Main Street Small Businesses Thrive

After a record breaking AngelCon, with more than $145,000 awarded by local investors, the Cal Poly CIE Small Business Development Center launches the Moving Main Street Forward Campaign, a focused effort towards bringing small businesses the resources they need to thrive in San Luis Obispo County.

“Our center is fortunate and unique compared to other centers in California, in that we have a large variety of companies that we support and counsel – from technology companies to young startups, to family run businesses,” said Judy Mahan, the CIE SBDC’s economic development director in a press release. “We are known in the county for our support of entrepreneurs, early-stage start-ups and investor introductions. The Moving Main Street forward campaign is focused on showcasing the services that we offer for retailers, restaurants, gyms—main street businesses—the businesses that are the heart and soul of the local business community.”

The SBDC has a roster of 30 consultants with a wide range of backgrounds, from seasoned CFOs to veteran marketing gurus, to manufacturing experts. These consultants are available at no cost to SBDC clients. They can help main street businesses navigate challenges against the cornerstone of their business from financial forecasting to sales projections.

The Moving Main Street forward campaign highlights programs and services that the SBDC established to help specifically with small businesses. Services such as business focused seminars with topics like how to use QuickBooks, establishing and growing company culture or how to certify as a women owned business.

“The SBDC became an immediate member of Luna Red’s team, offering invaluable assistance in positioning — from restaurant layout to marketing strategy — and at no cost,” Shanny Covey, restaurateur and co-founder of Blue Mango (Luna Red, Mint & Craft, Novo Restaurant & Lounge, and Robin’s).

To learn more about the SBDC and services available, visit SBDC.CALPOLY.EDU.

Morro Bay’s First Mixer Held

The Morro Bay Chamber held its first mixer in 18 months last week in North Morro Bay. Avocado Shack, located at 2190 N. Main Street, hosted over 60 chamber members and their guests at a networking event catered by Milanes Cuban Cuisine. Smiles were wide and many of the attendees were visibly elated to be networking in person once again. Morro Bay mayor and council members and City of Morro Bay staff attended, demonstrating support for the business community that has been through so much through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mixers are held once per month for the benefit of Morro Bay Chamber members and to the benefit of keeping our local business community strong. Businesses interested in hosting a Chamber mixer should contact Lynsey Hanson, Membership Director, at lynsey@morrochamber.org.

Are you or a neighbor Taking Care of Business? Submit your awesome local efforts for publication here. Is your business supporting our community? Maybe you’re launching a new business, or you’re making updates to your current business model, or re-opening. Or perhaps you have a job opportunity, or have been doing some volunteer work, or are collaborating with another business or a non-profit. Or maybe you know someone who is. Fill out our online form at EsteroBayNews.com./business

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