MarketPlace Networking Luncheon Table Topics
Learn MORE during the Networking Luncheon by engaging in conversation with other conference participants. Attend a table with one of the topics listed below or meet other entrepreneurs in the open seating area of the lunch room.
1. Arts Based Community Development
Michael Holton, Center for Rural Affairs
How to incorporate arts as an economic and community development tool.
2. Farm Bill -- What's in it for Beginning Farmers and Niche Markets?
Traci Bruckner, Center for Rural Affairs
The Farm Bill has many opportunities that help beginning farmers and support niche markets.
3. Business Development Education
Tim Mittan, Southeast Community College
Southeast Community College and the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce are excited to share information about the Business Development Academy. This Entrepreneurship Training program is a practical business development education program designed to help entrepreneurs.
4. Business Startup Registrations and Information
Steve Williams, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Review business registrations and resources to assist startup businesses.
5. Entrepreneurship as a Career Pathway
Gregg Christensen, Nebraska Department of Education
Initiatives to educate, engage and empower Nebraska youth from Kindergarten through postsecondary and beyond by creating a viable entrepreneurship career pathway through collaboration and cooperation.
6. Entrepreneurship Education Grades 4-12, What can 4-H Offer?
Nancy Eberle, University of Nebraska Extension 4H
A discussion on new curriculum being developed through 4-H for grades 4-6, middle school grades, and for upper level high school students.
7. Youth Retention -- Opportunities in Your Community
Derry Trampe & Nancy Glaubke, Ord High School/Ord Economic Dev.
Entrepreneurship Education – Methods used to educate youth about opportunities in their home communities for starting or running a successful business.
8. How and Why to Work with Media for Small Business
John Crabtree, Center for Rural Affairs
The how's and why's of working with media to get the word about out about your business.
9. How do we Maximize the Economic Impact of Tourism in Rural Nebraska Communities?
Connie Francis, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Cooperative Extension
Rural Nebraskans may think their regions don’t have “tourists.” It can be surprising to learn how much money comes into communities from people who are traveling through and how easy it might be to encourage them to spend some extra time (and money). Table conversation will be about how communities can begin to realize economic development through tourism. Sharing experiences in first-class customer service – and horror stories – will be encouraged!
10. Info & $ Resources for Beginning Farmers & Ranchers
Wyatt Fraas with Adriana Dungan Translating, Center for Rural Affairs
"Information y Recursos Financieros para agricultores y granjeros principiantes" ("Information and Financial Resources for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers") - Work with the Rural Opportunity and Stewardship Program to help provide resources to Hispanics.
11. Keeping Key Employees with Golden Handcuffs
Conrad Slusarski, New York Life
This topic covers how an employer can place permanent life insurance on a key employee and use it to protect the employer. If something happens to the employee, the employer has money to train a new employee with the death benefit or use the cash value if the employee quits. Or if the employee stays and retires, the policy is then given to the employee. The employee then can use the cash value as supplement to fund retirement or keep the death value to pass the money to his or her family.
12. Value Added Agriculture
Mike Heavrin, Center for Rural Affairs
There is a current grant opportunity available for those who might be thinking of diversifying your farms and ranches. Learn how to add dollars and add value to your farming/ranching operation.
13. Looking at Private Money Sources for Capital
Stephanie Shrader, Business Services, Inc
Should I borrow money from Grandma or my friends?
14. Photovoltaic Panels for Homes or Businesses
Dave Rich & John Richards, Nebraska Public Power District
Moderators will bring a photovoltaic panel and will discuss the energy produced and the economics of installing panels on roofs or installing a stand-alone rack.
15. Reliability Maintenance
Malrie Winkelmann, Utter Precision
Reliability maintenance uses nondestructive testing technologies to find problems that cause equipment failures that are expensive and dangerous. These technologies save companies thousands of dollars in downtime, repair costs, and energy usage. All businesses use electricity and most have machinery that can utilize these technologies. Infrared thermography, Vibration Analysis and Airborne Ultrasonic's are tools that will be discussed.
16. Small Business Management
Jeff Reynolds, Center for Rural Affairs – REAP Discuss mistakes made in managing a small business and ways to improve and succeed.
17. Starting a Cooperatively Owned Business
Jim Crandall, University of Nebraska-Cooperative Development Center
One option for a new business start-up is shared ownership of the business. Cooperatively owned businesses (primarily Coops and LLC's) have several advantages. The work of creating the business is shared among several people, utilizing a variety of skills.
18. Tax Literacy/Tax Credit for Small Businesses
Rose Jaspersen, Nebraska Microenterprise Partnership Fund
"Being prepared for filing taxes can make a big difference for a business both in the pre- and post-phases. This discussion will provide information on efforts in Nebraska to provide tax literacy to start-up businesses and to assist them in post-tax development.
19. The Value of Broadband Access
Roger Hahn, Nebraska Information Network
Explore ways for using Broadband Internet Access to enhance all aspects of life in Rural Nebraska beyond the usual use.
20. What's Marketing All About? The importance of putting your message first within your marketing campaign.
Jeff Podliska, Maxum Marketing and Media
Most small businesses have trouble with this as they confuse their marketing message with their mission statement or slogan – and they are not the same! To really grow your small business, you need a great marketing message that is used in conjunction with an effective promotion strategy such as tv, radio, print media, web and direct mail.
21. Wind Energy Large & Small Opportunities
Martin Kleinschmit, Center for Rural Affairs
Wind Energy – Large and Small Opportunities, Challenges and Finances
22. Farm and Ranch Financial Solutions
Marian Beethe, Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Where do you go for low cost answers?
23. General Funding Opportunities
Diane Bryant, USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development has many funding opportunities for small business, community and agriculture. We will be discussing all of those opportunities and answer any questions anyone may have.
24. General Funding Opportunities
Kelley Kinney, USDA Rural Development
(See #23 for description)
25. Local Foods - How to find a Market
Jim Knopik, North Star Neighbors
This topic will explore the opportunities that are available through farmer's markets, cooperatives and other potential markets.
1. Arts Based Community Development
Michael Holton, Center for Rural Affairs
How to incorporate arts as an economic and community development tool.
2. Farm Bill -- What's in it for Beginning Farmers and Niche Markets?
Traci Bruckner, Center for Rural Affairs
The Farm Bill has many opportunities that help beginning farmers and support niche markets.
3. Business Development Education
Tim Mittan, Southeast Community College
Southeast Community College and the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce are excited to share information about the Business Development Academy. This Entrepreneurship Training program is a practical business development education program designed to help entrepreneurs.
4. Business Startup Registrations and Information
Steve Williams, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Review business registrations and resources to assist startup businesses.
5. Entrepreneurship as a Career Pathway
Gregg Christensen, Nebraska Department of Education
Initiatives to educate, engage and empower Nebraska youth from Kindergarten through postsecondary and beyond by creating a viable entrepreneurship career pathway through collaboration and cooperation.
6. Entrepreneurship Education Grades 4-12, What can 4-H Offer?
Nancy Eberle, University of Nebraska Extension 4H
A discussion on new curriculum being developed through 4-H for grades 4-6, middle school grades, and for upper level high school students.
7. Youth Retention -- Opportunities in Your Community
Derry Trampe & Nancy Glaubke, Ord High School/Ord Economic Dev.
Entrepreneurship Education – Methods used to educate youth about opportunities in their home communities for starting or running a successful business.
8. How and Why to Work with Media for Small Business
John Crabtree, Center for Rural Affairs
The how's and why's of working with media to get the word about out about your business.
9. How do we Maximize the Economic Impact of Tourism in Rural Nebraska Communities?
Connie Francis, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Cooperative Extension
Rural Nebraskans may think their regions don’t have “tourists.” It can be surprising to learn how much money comes into communities from people who are traveling through and how easy it might be to encourage them to spend some extra time (and money). Table conversation will be about how communities can begin to realize economic development through tourism. Sharing experiences in first-class customer service – and horror stories – will be encouraged!
10. Info & $ Resources for Beginning Farmers & Ranchers
Wyatt Fraas with Adriana Dungan Translating, Center for Rural Affairs
"Information y Recursos Financieros para agricultores y granjeros principiantes" ("Information and Financial Resources for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers") - Work with the Rural Opportunity and Stewardship Program to help provide resources to Hispanics.
11. Keeping Key Employees with Golden Handcuffs
Conrad Slusarski, New York Life
This topic covers how an employer can place permanent life insurance on a key employee and use it to protect the employer. If something happens to the employee, the employer has money to train a new employee with the death benefit or use the cash value if the employee quits. Or if the employee stays and retires, the policy is then given to the employee. The employee then can use the cash value as supplement to fund retirement or keep the death value to pass the money to his or her family.
12. Value Added Agriculture
Mike Heavrin, Center for Rural Affairs
There is a current grant opportunity available for those who might be thinking of diversifying your farms and ranches. Learn how to add dollars and add value to your farming/ranching operation.
13. Looking at Private Money Sources for Capital
Stephanie Shrader, Business Services, Inc
Should I borrow money from Grandma or my friends?
14. Photovoltaic Panels for Homes or Businesses
Dave Rich & John Richards, Nebraska Public Power District
Moderators will bring a photovoltaic panel and will discuss the energy produced and the economics of installing panels on roofs or installing a stand-alone rack.
15. Reliability Maintenance
Malrie Winkelmann, Utter Precision
Reliability maintenance uses nondestructive testing technologies to find problems that cause equipment failures that are expensive and dangerous. These technologies save companies thousands of dollars in downtime, repair costs, and energy usage. All businesses use electricity and most have machinery that can utilize these technologies. Infrared thermography, Vibration Analysis and Airborne Ultrasonic's are tools that will be discussed.
16. Small Business Management
Jeff Reynolds, Center for Rural Affairs – REAP Discuss mistakes made in managing a small business and ways to improve and succeed.
17. Starting a Cooperatively Owned Business
Jim Crandall, University of Nebraska-Cooperative Development Center
One option for a new business start-up is shared ownership of the business. Cooperatively owned businesses (primarily Coops and LLC's) have several advantages. The work of creating the business is shared among several people, utilizing a variety of skills.
18. Tax Literacy/Tax Credit for Small Businesses
Rose Jaspersen, Nebraska Microenterprise Partnership Fund
"Being prepared for filing taxes can make a big difference for a business both in the pre- and post-phases. This discussion will provide information on efforts in Nebraska to provide tax literacy to start-up businesses and to assist them in post-tax development.
19. The Value of Broadband Access
Roger Hahn, Nebraska Information Network
Explore ways for using Broadband Internet Access to enhance all aspects of life in Rural Nebraska beyond the usual use.
20. What's Marketing All About? The importance of putting your message first within your marketing campaign.
Jeff Podliska, Maxum Marketing and Media
Most small businesses have trouble with this as they confuse their marketing message with their mission statement or slogan – and they are not the same! To really grow your small business, you need a great marketing message that is used in conjunction with an effective promotion strategy such as tv, radio, print media, web and direct mail.
21. Wind Energy Large & Small Opportunities
Martin Kleinschmit, Center for Rural Affairs
Wind Energy – Large and Small Opportunities, Challenges and Finances
22. Farm and Ranch Financial Solutions
Marian Beethe, Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Where do you go for low cost answers?
23. General Funding Opportunities
Diane Bryant, USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development has many funding opportunities for small business, community and agriculture. We will be discussing all of those opportunities and answer any questions anyone may have.
24. General Funding Opportunities
Kelley Kinney, USDA Rural Development
(See #23 for description)
25. Local Foods - How to find a Market
Jim Knopik, North Star Neighbors
This topic will explore the opportunities that are available through farmer's markets, cooperatives and other potential markets.
