Hays

FIRST ANNUAL KANSAS MARKETPLACE

October 9, 2009 | Posted by admin in PCED Info No comments

Hays, KS – The Center for Rural Affairs will partner with the Kansas Department of Commerce Rural Development to host the first annual Kansas Marketplace, which will focus on building jobs and the rural economy from within. It will be held at the Ramada Convention Center in Hays, Kansas on Monday November 9, and Tuesday November 10, 2009.

A local food reception is planned for the first day of the event featuring Simply Kansasfood and wine. The Simply Kansas trademark program of the Kansas Department of Commerce promotes Kansas food and agriculture products and experiences. The reception will showcase the variety of products available from Kansas businesses across the state.

“The Simply Kansas reception will introduce MarketPlace attendees to the quality Kansas products available as well as supporting the entrepreneurs who produce them,” said Becki Rhoades, Kansas Dept of Commerce, Rural Development Division.

After sampling the great variety of Kansas products, entrepreneur-minded guests will be primed for other conference activities. These include an array of training, networking, and professional development opportunities especially for startup and existing small businesses, service providers, rural communities, and family farmers and ranchers.

The exhibit hall will feature 37 booths filled with successful small businesses, service providers, and other conference sponsors. Attendees will be able to meet with experts in many fields – attorneys, CPA’s, web designers, etc. – who will be available throughout the day to answer participant questions.

Conference goers may find it difficult to choose from numerous educational sessions offered throughout the event. Tracks include Business Development, Finance, Marketing, Community Development, Agriculture, and Technology. Sessions will also cover ideas for entrepreneurial communities and practical rural policy perspectives. A total of 42 different break-out sessions will be offered.

“Entrepreneurship and small businesses are a major part of Kansas’ economy and especially important during times of economic hardships,” said Chuck Hassebrook, executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs. “Marketplace is for those committed to creating their own opportunities and shaping their own destiny through entrepreneurship. It offers a space to share ideas and learn from each other.”

For more information on MarketPlace or to register: http://www.cfra.org/marketplace/home . Or contact Joy Marshall, joym@cfra.org, (402) 614- 5558 or Becki Rhoades, brhoades@kansascommerce.com, (785) 296-1847.

For more information and a list of Simply Kansas members visit: www.SimplyKansas.com

“The Center for Rural Affairs and the Kansas Department of Commerce are Equal Opportunity Employers”

For more information visit: www.cfra.org.

Tags: Center for Rural Affairs, economic development, Hays, Kansas department of commerce, Kansas Marketplace, Simply Kansas

Upcoming Seminar in Hays

July 27, 2009 | Posted by admin in PCED Info No comments

Human Resources

Keeping you Legal

If you are a small business owner, this is a great opportunity to update your employment knowledge. On October 8, 2009, Keeping You Legal will feature two sessions, at Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays. Speakers include: Larry Michel from Kennedy, Berkley, Yarnevich & Williamson Chartered and Carol S. Cast and A.J. Kotich from Kansas Dept. of Labor. The morning session includes FMLA Update and Employer Handbook with registration beginning at 7:45 a.m. The afternoon session includes Workers Compensation and Unemployment Law with registration beginning at 12:45 p.m.. Registration fees are $35 for one session for Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association (WKHRMA) members or $60 for both sessions. Registration fees for non members are $45 for one session or $75 for both sessions. Registration fees will cover handouts and snacks.

For more information, contact Wanda Kuhn at 785-625-1423.

Tags: Hays, Unemployment, western Kansas Human Resource Management, Workers Compensation