Important News:

• Networking and Partnering is good for all - Networking and partnering with other organizations is a good mix in this economy for both the networkee or the partneree. As business owners are joining forces to create opportunity, so is the SBDC. A new partnership was formed from the efforts of the BoCC Purchasing Department staff by way of participation in the MidFlorida Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing 4th annual Reverse Trade Show. Several governmental agencies in Polk and contiguous counties participated in this event. Vendors attending the show had the opportunity to meet with representatives from these agencies to better understand the procurement needs of the agencies for their products and services. The SBDC staff was afforded the opportunity to network and have visibility to 250 small business owners that we possibly would not have had the opportunity to share information about our services. Discussions and the distribution of media converted business owners into clients, for whom we will provide business development services. Kudos to the BoCC Purchasing Staff for creating the partnership link. As you can see networking and partnering is good for all.
• 2010 Census Overview - An accurate count of the U.S. population forms the basis for many important but often overlooked political, economic and social decisions that affect our daily lives. The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States only once every 10 years. The answers to each question provide important demographic information to help our nation's leaders understand the needs of our communities for the next 10 years. You will receive your census form at your home in March. When you do, please answer the 10 short questions and mail it back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail back the form, you may receive a visit from a census taker who will ask you the questions from the form. The 2010 Census is just around the corner...and your participation is vital! It is essential that every person be counted. Participation does is not dependent on visa or residency status, in fact the Census does not ask about status. You can help ensure that everyone is counted by acting as an ambassador and encouraging your friends, neighbors and acquaintances to complete the census. For more information, visit the website, www.census2010.org.