Download a pdf copy of the MarketPlace Agenda here. See a pdf copy of the Pre-Conference Agenda here.

Opening Keynote Speaker
Jonathan Patton, CEO and Founder of JM Web Designs

24 year old Jonathan Patton will educate and inspire entrepreneurs with his story of hard work and success. Patton started his business at the age of 14, working individually out of his bedroom, and has grown it into a thriving business with over 15 employees and an international clientele. He was recently honored by Microsoft for his work.

Teach-in I Sessions,
9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Special Session - Recession Proofing Tips for Your Business
Rural Small Business Specialists and Small Business Owners

When times get tough, the tough get going! Stop in to this informal session to discuss recession-proofing ideas for your business. Center for Rural Affairs’ REAP Business Specialists and small business owners will be available to talk about strategies to assist you.

Marketing - Marketing in the Changing Economy
Kenzie Choquette, Marketing Happens, Hastings, NE

Attend this session to learn how to survive and thrive. Change is the only thing that is guaranteed! Learn about the four stages of the current economy, future trends, and things to do now for the health and growth of your business.

Financial - Converting Your Most Valuable Asset – Your Business
Frank X. Haverkamp, Sunbelt Business Advisors, Omaha, NE

The U.S. is entering an era that will see the greatest transfer of wealth in history from one generation to the next. As members of the baby-boom generation exit the working world over the next few years, they will need assistance in selling their businesses to a new generation of entrepreneurs. Buying and selling a business can be complicated, and business brokers are here to assist. With an aging baby-boomer population, corporate downsizing, and outsourcing to name a few areas affecting today’s businesses, the need for a competent and experienced broker becomes more and more important.

Agriculture - Growing Strong: Building Nebraska’s Local Foods Network
Kim Peterson, Nebraska Rural Initiative; Libby Broekmeier, Nebraska Food Cooperative; Billene Nemec, Buy Fresh, Buy Local; Pam Edwards, Good Fresh Local, Lincoln, NE

What is the Nebraska Local Foods Network? Attendees will learn how building a strong local foods network can benefit Nebraska’s rural economies. In addition, presenters will talk specifically about tools and programs that are already available to assist local food producers in the state. Nebraska MarketMaker, the Nebraska Food Coop, the Buy Fresh Buy Local program and the University of Nebraska Dining Hall Services “Good, Fresh, Local” program all offer various avenues for distribution and marketing venues for local foods.

Business Development - Creating Success in a Homegrown Business
Melissa Garcia, Mid-Plains Center for Enterprise; Lorre McKeone, Executive Extra, North Platte, NE

Mid-Plains Center for Enterprise (CFE) serves 90,000 people in a 20,000 square mile area. With dwindling populations and long commutes for services and job markets, a sustainable program to create, support and grow entrepreneurs is essential. The CFE has created a model with an innovative combination of learning tools, technology and partnerships. Working with several economic development organizations, the CFE is assisting entrepreneurs to develop quality business plans while building ongoing local networks to support entrepreneurs. Local entrepreneurship coalitions invest in the program by supporting local business coaches and assisting with participant recruitment, follow-up needs assessments and scholarship funding.

Policy - The 2008 Farm Bill: Conservation and Value Added Agriculture
Traci Bruckner and Steph Larsen, Center for Rural Affairs, Lyons, NE

The 2008 Farm Bill contains a host of programs to support conservation, value added agriculture, and local food efforts, as well as some programs specifically designed for beginning farmers and ranchers. Come and learn about what is available, what the programs support, as well as the how and who to contact to get involved.

Youth - Part 1: ESI: Entrepreneurship Investigation Workshop
Nancy Eberle, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

Join this fun and interactive session where participants learn concepts of entrepreneurship through hands on Investigation. Using projects from the 4-H EntrepreneurShip Investigation, participants will experience a variety of tools designed to help develop their entrepreneurial skills. They will also learn that they can pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without having move to a big city. Come discover the “road map” to entrepreneurial success.

Technology - Maximize Your Exposure through Search Engines
Connie Hancock, Sidney, NE; Leslie Crandall, Holdrege, NE; and Dennis Kahl, Lincoln, NE, University of Nebraska Extension

Customers are looking for you and your products - are they finding you on the search engine? Learn some current tips on search engine optimization and what is happening with online marketing today!  Bit-Mobile – capacity 14, Pre-registration required

Hispanic - Pricing and Planning for Profit / Estableciendo Precios y Planeando sus Ganancias
Adriana Dungan, Center for Rural Affairs, South Sioux City, NE

Participants will learn pricing strategies and cost concepts, review fixed and variable cost, break even point and how to set prices based on the competitors and customer’s needs. Participants will analyze their Target Market and will Plan for Profit.

Teach-in II Sessions,
11:00 – Noon

Marketing - Ideas, Solutions & Results - Marketing that Works
Lynn McCormack, Proforma Identity Marketing Group, Omaha, NE

As a business person, you know how important making the right connections can be. Your brand needs to encompass your company’s mission, vision and corporate philosophy as well the products and services that you offer. Learn how to deliver an integrated program that allows you to run your business more smoothly. Whether you need event planning, safety programs, brochures, forms, packaging or branded products, you want your brand to work for you. You want value for your money.

Financial - Part 1: Business Planning, Financial Projections, etc.
Jeff Reynolds, Plymouth, NE and Gene Rahn, Atkeinson, NE, Center for Rural Affairs

Participants will learn the reason to do a business plan, review the major components of a business plan and how to conduct research for specific business plan questions. Additional information will be provided on putting together a viable set of financial projections including the cash flow, income statement and balance sheet and how to determine the pro forma inputs when no existing data is available.

Agriculture - Fleas, Fish & Elephants
Gene Pfughoft, Grant County Economic Development, Ulysses, KS

This presentation will motivate you to think “outside the box”. This presenter has started over 700 businesses. These businesses range from $2500 petting zoos to $35 million soy diesel plants. This will be one presentation that will get you excited and yet show you the way to develop your business or to build an entrepreneurial climate for your community!

Business Development - Strategic Planning / Create a Vision
Sherry Jarvis, Heart in Your Hand Horsemanship, Burwell, NE

This is a key foundational step for any business. Join us for an accelerated session that will introduce you to a focused process developed to help you create a vision and direction for your business to take it to the next level. During this session, we’ll provide you with an overview of a strategic planning process and take you through an actual “hands-on” planning experience. You’ll leave with a strategic plan framework in hand and templates that will assist you in further developing your plan.

Community Development - Attracting & Retaining Generations X, Y & Z
Sue Schlichtemeier- Nutzman, College of Saint Mary Business Leadership Program, Nehawk, NE

Communities and businesses lose valuable talent when younger generations “outmigrate.” This presentation will outline successful strategies for attracting, orienting, training, and retaining Generations X and Y – and preparing for Generation Z. Research shows that each generation possesses its own sources of motivation and specific views of entrepreneurship. The community or business that understands and acknowledges these unique characteristics will successfully play to cross-generational strengths. Possible outcomes include stronger communities and more productive workplace teams.

Youth - Part 2: ESI: Entrepreneurship Investigation Workshop
Nancy Eberle, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

Join this fun and interactive session where participants learn concepts of entrepreneurship through hands on Investigation. Using projects from the 4-H EntrepreneurShip Investigation, participants will experience a variety of tools designed to help develop their entrepreneurial skills. They will also learn that they can pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without having move to a big city. Come discover the “road map” to entrepreneurial success.

Technology - NebraskAccess: A Portal to Information for Nebraskans
Susan Knisely, Nebraska Library Commission, Lincoln, NE

In today’s world, information can help you research, grow, and market your business. But subscriptions to timely, information-rich business and trade publications cost money. NebraskAccess provides free online access to thousands of full-text magazines, journals, newspapers, genealogy resources, business information and more. Do you own a restaurant bed and breakfast? You might be interested in “Restaurant Business” or “Lodging Hospitality.” Time to hire staff? Check out “Personnel Today.” Interested in tracking economic trends? Then you’ll definitely be interested in “The Kiplinger Letter.” Find out how to use NebraskAccess. Bit-mobile – capacity 14, pre-registration required

Hispanic - Counting the Costs of Starting a Business
Victor Diaz, Lexington, NE

In this session, Victor will present hidden costs associated with starting a business that any potential business owners must consider before going into business for themselves. Having started two businesses himself, Victor will take the attendee through the costs he never thought of before going into business. His hindsight can become your foresight. This session will challenge the potential business owner to answer tough questions before starting a business. The session will also address common pitfalls to starting a business and how to best avoid them. This session will also give you a game plan to have before starting your business.

Teach-in III Sessions,
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Marketing - Marketing 101: Improving the Impact of Your Marketing Efforts
Dave Buchholz, David & Associates, Hastings, NE

Sound marketing makes your advertising work. You simply must have a clear idea about your product/service and how it solves problems for your customers before you invest in marketing and advertising campaigns. When you leave this session, you will have a better understanding of how to create a unique brand message, improve the effectiveness of your advertising, clearly convey your distinct advantages and differences, and strengthen relationships with your customers.

Financial - Part 2: Where do I Go for Financing?
Jeff Reynolds, Moderator, Center for Rural Affairs: Gene Rahn, Center for Rural Affairs; Kert McKeone, Equitable Bank, North Platte; Joan Scheel, USDA Rural Development, Lincoln, NE

Participants in this session will learn about traditional bank requirements, alternative lending sources including USDA and SBA guarantee programs and USDA grant programs. Find out why alternative lenders are sometimes necessary and the need for gap financing and collaborative loans. Actual examples of collaborative loan packages utilizing alternative lenders and collaborative loans will be discussed.

Agriculture - Tools and Dollars for Beginning and Retiring Farmers: Tax Credits, Financing, and Information Sources
Marian Beethe, Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture, Lincoln, NE and Wyatt Fraas, Center for Rural Affairs, Hartington, NE

Are you looking for land or a loan to start farming? Are you eligible to earn a tax credit to begin farming or ranching or to help a beginner get started in Nebraska? Marian Beethe will answer your questions about how to apply for the new Nebraska Tax Credit incentives for beginning farmers/ranchers and existing landowners. She will also describe how families can pass the farm or ranch to the next generation while treating all family members fairly. Wyatt Fraas will describe financial, land access and information resources available to help beginners get loans, find land, and identify high value markets.

Business Development - Choices and Creation of Business Structures
Milo Alexander, Community Economic Development Clinic, Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, NE

This presentation will address the pros and cons of various business structures and the legal formalities required for each. Sole proprietorship, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations, including S corporations will be assessed in terms of flexibility and efficiency, limitation of personal liability, transferability of interest, and tax planning. Practical and theoretical considerations will be discussed. The presentation will include the legal formalities, if any, required for the creation and maintenance of each of these structures.

Community Development - Authentic Leadership and Life Coaching - The New Frontiers
David Bernard-Stevens, Leader Development Group, LLC, North Platte, NE

This session presents an alternative way of thinking about leadership and how to effectively lead oneself, families, groups and communities. Find out why concepts of leadership are changing and what individuals can do to keep on the cutting edge of leading change. Concepts of Life Coaching and the ways businesses and organization are creating stronger connections between business/community/organizational management and employees/volunteers will be shared. Life Coaching can be a tool to increase the value individuals receive from working and the potential for increased commitment, productivity, and effort.

Youth - Take an old product and find a NEW use for it!
Arthur County High School Business Class

Technology - Trends in Marketing with Technology
Janell Anderson-Ehrke, GROW Nebraska, Holbrook, NE and Connie Hancock, University of Nebraska Extension, Sidney, NE

Find out how to incorporate Web 2.0 tools into a small business marketing strategy. This session will give an overview of the most popular new tools: Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, twitter, Del.cio.us.com, podcasts, blogs, RSS needs, Goggle Alerts, LInkedIn, Plaxo and eBay. UNL Extension can provide educational workshops to help your business utilize these same tools. A small business needs to consider all of the Web 2.0 interactive tools to reach the new customer.

Hispanic - How to Develop a Marketing Plan/Estableciendo un Plan de Mercadotecnia
Nancy Flock, Center for Rural Affairs, North Platte, NE

Participants will learn the importance of a marketing plan and how to develop one that is effective for their business. Participants will also learn about market research and how to implement an action plan that will help them succeed in business.

Teach-in IV Sessions,
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Marketing - Marketing 101: Improving the Impact of Your Marketing Efforts
Dave Buchholz, David & Associates, Hastings, NE

Sound marketing makes your advertising work. You simply must have a clear idea about your product/service and how it solves problems for your customers before you invest in marketing and advertising campaigns. When you leave this session, you will have a better understanding of how to create a unique brand message, improve the effectiveness of your advertising, clearly convey your distinct advantages and differences, and strengthen relationships with your customers.

Financial - Guard It!
Leslie Levy, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Lincoln, NE

Most companies keep sensitive personal information in the files – names, Social Security numbers, credit card, or other account data – that identifies customers or employees. This information often is needed to fill orders, meet payroll, or perform other business functions. However, if sensitive data falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to fraud, identity theft, or similar harms. Given the cost of a security breach – losing your customers’ trust and perhaps even defending yourself against a lawsuit – safeguarding personal information is just plain good business.

Agriculture - Organic Farming, Entrance Strategies for Beginning Farmers
Martin Kleinschmit, Center for Rural Affairs, Hartington, NE and Dave  Welsch, West Blue Farm, Milford, NE

This workshop will show how a person can net a living ($40,000) on fewer than 200 acres. Established, premium markets make it possible. USDA/NRCS EQIP program provides the financial incentive to make the 36 -month transition. Cutting input costs and up-front investment are a major part of the strategy

Policy - State & Federal Rural Development Policies and Programs
Jon Bailey and Brian Depew, Center for Rural Affairs, Lyons, NE

State and federal policies and programs can be tapped by communities, economic development organizations and individual business owners to further rural development in their communities. The 2008 farm bill provides new programs as well as renews support for existing programs. The state legislature will debate funding levels for Nebraska rural development programs this year. Some programs covered will include the federal Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, the state Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act, the Nebraska Microenterprise Tax Credit, and other state and federal rural policies and programs.

Community Development - E-4 Nebraska: Education, Engaging and Empowering Entrepreneurs
Gregg Christensen, Nebraska Department of Education, Lincoln, NE

Nebraskans are “primed and ready” to embrace entrepreneurship as a productive and profitable career pathway. The statistics are compelling: 91% of adult Nebraskans with children believe entrepreneurship is a positive career choice: 80% of the general public in Nebraska believe it is important or very important for schools to teach entrepreneurship; and 60% of Nebraskans ages 18-29 are interested in starting a business. This session will explore the positive impact in Nebraska of entrepreneurship and share a wealth of resources, and explain how every community and school can and should become engaged in building a diversified, entrepreneurial economy in our state. The importance of a focused effort to infuse entrepreneurship education through every school system will be explored including an opportunity for participant feedback and idea sharing.

Youth - That’s my Story and I’m Sticking to IT!!!
Neal Ely, Grafton, NE

Attend this enlightening session to listen and learn about the adventures of Neal Ely, owner of Ely Farms. Neal will talk about the pros and cons of business success and what is important to the survival of rural Nebraska.

Hispanic Technology - Marketing your products on the Web / Promoviendo sus productos en la Web
Adriana Dungan, Center for Rural Affairs, South Sioux City, NE

Participants will learn how to market their products on the web and how to use the Web as a powerful tool to promote their products/services.

Marketing - Networking Beyond the Handshake
Bridget Lynch, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Omaha, NE

Learn how to present yourself and get to know other industry professional for future assistance and sales. Widen your circle of influence and make lasting impressions. Attend this session to sharpen your networking skills, have more fun networking and grow your business!