NxBizSuccess

Wine School for the Perfect Wine

Marilyn — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:29:19 +0000

Has anyone tasted a really good wine lately? If so, it may just have come from a Nebraska winery. Scan down the list of awards that Nebraska wines have won over the past few years and you will be impressed. According the Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Association, there are now 21 wineries and ten additional tasting rooms located throughout Nebraska that offer unique flavors and unexpected sceneries. Download the Official Passport to the 2010 Nebraska Wine Tour and enter your name for prizes.

Oh the flip side, if you are interested in starting a winery or already have a winery, then consider going back to school…that is a wine making school sponsored by the Five Rivers Resource Conservation and Development. Small-Scale Commercial Wine Making School will be held October 22 & 23 and the Advanced Wine Making School II will be held November 5 & 6 in Nebraska City. Here’s your chance to learn more about making and perfecting wines. For workshop information, contact Five Rivers RC&D at 402.335.3347 or email bobbie.meints@rcdnet.net. The workshops feature viticulture experts who can provide great information to get your wines to award winning levels.

Oh, for future reference, I like the bold reds.

Until next time,

Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director, NebraskaEDGE Program, UNL

Did you know?…NE resources

New MAST Course for Ag Producers

Marilyn — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:46:17 +0000

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Oklahoma State University have partnered with Kansas State University to help expand K-State’s educational program for agricultural producers.

“It is a management training course designed for producers who are dedicated to making improved management decisions and bringing strategic planning and thinking to their operations,” said Brad Lubben, extension public policy specialist and the program’s collaborating faculty member at UNL.

Lubben previously worked with the Management Analysis and Strategic Thinking Program, or MAST, while at K-State and helped bring the program to UNL.

“This is an effort to expand the reach of the MAST program to more producers and involve more researchers across the region . . . Drawing on additional specialists is important to help bring more resources and expertise to the program,” Lubben said.

The majority of the program is completed through online learning modules that participants can work on from home on their own time. This allows the program to attract a variety of participants, and there are currently MAST alumni in seven states.

“MAST has been a highly effective program over the last seven years in providing participants with advanced agricultural and agribusiness management training,” said David Lambert, head of K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics. “Instructors from all three land-grant universities will pool their talents in challenging MAST participants with a wide range of decision tools relevant to agricultural management, production, marketing and finance.”

The program consists of eight learning modules covering: land ownership and leasing; machinery ownership and leasing; financial analysis; human resources; tax management and policy; risk management; marketing; and an optional module that varies in content.

During the distance portion of MAST, faculty members at the three universities will be available to answer questions and help participants explore different ways to help their businesses succeed.

“There is value in producers taking time for in-depth management training and strategic planning… This program and other management education programs like it give producers the opportunity to do strategic thinking that is critical to success,” said Lubben, who is a collaborator for modules involving agricultural policy.

Along with the online work, K-State will host two on-campus sessions at the start and end of the MAST program. The 2010-2011 program kicks off with an orientation session on Nov. 16-17. The program then concludes with the second on-campus session on Feb. 22-23, 2011.

For more information about the MAST program, contact Lubben at blubben2@unl.edu or (402) 472-2235.

Source: IANRNews

Did you know?…NE resources

Marilyn — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:21:51 +0000

Did you know?…

Did you know that Nebraska has a new association for small businesses? If not, you need to check them out. The Small Business Association of the Midlands is offering tools, education and networking opportunities for individuals just getting started or are operating an existing business. The SBAM targets businesses with less than 99 employees for their seminars, resources and online information. A membership meeting is being held on August 10 from 8:30 am – 10:00 am. Can’t attend? Contact SBAM to learn more about their services and membership fees.

Did you know that there is an innovation club available in Southeast Nebraska? The I2E (Inventors, Investors and Entrepreneurs) club provides individuals with the opportunity to pursue their passion of launching or selling an innovation or business concept. The next meeting is scheduled for August 10, from 5:30pm – 8:00 pm at the Kimmel Education and Research Center. More information on the I2E Club and membership forms are available online at http://kimmel.unl.edu/i2eclub1 or contact creimers2@unl.edu.

Did you know that entrepreneurial services are available through the Nebraska Self Employment Services for individuals with disabilities? NSES participants must first be clients/consumers of Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Services include workshops and one-on-one technical assistance, including feasibility study, business planning, funding, and support services. More information is available at the NSES website.

One more did you know. The NebraskaEDGE is now registering for the entrepreneurial training courses in Holdrege, Columbus and Red Cloud. Holdrege course starts, August 17^th, Red Cloud, August 30, and Columbus, September 7^th. Course and class information is available on the NebraskaEDGE website.

If you are looking for a specific resources and don’t know where to turn, please drop me an e-mail and I will find one that best works for you.

Until next time,

Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director, NebraskaEDGE Program

Renewable Energy Fair 2010

Marilyn — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:55:29 +0000

The Green Event of the Summer, July 23 & 24 in Lyons, Nebraska.

We all want to conserve energy, save money and do better by mother earth, but we don’t know where to start. Fortunately, a remedy is coming. The Nebraska Renewable Energy Fair will feature a renewable energy bus tour, demonstrations, breakout sessions, exhibit booths and more.

On Friday, July 23, the fair features a Renewable Energy Bus tour, where participants will observe renewable energy practices in action. One of the highlights is a stop at a farm that is a functioning integrated energy demonstration project. It has been operating off grid for over 6 years.Reserve Your Spot on the Bus Tour: Space is limited, so please make your reservations early. The cost is $10 by July 3, and $25 by July 16. A box lunch is provided.

On Saturday, July 24, the fair features a full day of demonstrations, breakout sessions, and exhibit booths. Lunch featuring local food will be available at Happy Days Senior Care, along with refreshment booths. Participants will learn about small and utility-scale wind turbines, see biodiesel being made, learn about USDA programs on energy efficiency and renewable energy systems, gain the concepts of energy conservation programs and practices, energy safety, how to cut crop inputs and livestock feed costs.

Exhibit booths will be open from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Breakout sessions are designed to appeal to business owners, farmers and ranchers, community leaders and homeowners.

So, whether you feel like a victim in today’s high energy cost world or you are looking for ways to go green and conserve, you can actually take control and make a difference. Learn how by attending the Renewable Energy Fair!

Contact Stephanie Fritz, stephanief@cfra.org or 402.358.3432.

Fair sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs and the Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems.

Rural Development Resources Available to Flood and Natural Disaster Victims

Tonia Franklin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:16:30 +0000

Lincoln, NE, June 24, 2010—USDA Rural Development has a long standing history of assisting rural communities in need. While it has no programs specifically designed for emergencies or natural disasters, USDA Rural Development does provide affordable financing that can assist communities and individuals who suffered damage from the recent floods and other natural disasters that are affecting parts of rural Nebraska. Rural Development’s grants and loans may not be the first source for financial relief for Nebraska’s devastated rural communities, but the agency’s assistance can be a part of a community’s longer term rebuilding process. Rural Development can pick up where and when other agencies leave off.
In describing the current situation, Nebraska State Director for USDA Rural Development Maxine Moul, was reminded of the passage, “I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” Moul emphasized that while “nature” created the current circumstances in the rural towns, perseverance would prevail through the rebuilding process, and Rural Development would assist when and wherever possible.
Community Needs
Grants and loans are available to help communities repair damage to facilities such as schools, libraries, childcare centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, and public buildings needed to ensure the health and safety of residents.

Business
Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) are available to non-profit corporations and governmental bodies and authorities to help small businesses recover from the impact of the tornado. The funds can be used to assist with clean up, rebuilding and repairing of industrial parks and other commercial areas, including downtown business districts.
Funds are also available to these groups to establish or re-capitalize revolving loan programs that re-lend money to individual businesses at favorable rates.

Housing
Additional assistance is available to homeowners in counties, if FEMA declares them eligible for Individual Assistance, through Rural Development’s single family housing loan and grant programs. Low cost funds are available for housing purchases and repairs. Individuals needing payment assistance on their existing USDA Rural Development single family loans are encouraged to contact the Centralized Servicing Center in St. Louis at (800) 414-1226.
Assistance is also available for temporary rental housing in counties declared by FEMA as eligible for Individual Assistance. Priority can be given for rental units at properties already financed by Rural Development to those who have been displaced from their home due to the disaster.
Rural Development can make loans of up to $20,000 at one percent loan to be repaid over 20 years to eligible home owners with very modest incomes to help them rebuild or repair their homes. If those homeowners are at least 62 years of age, they may qualify for a grant to pay for repairs.
Rural Development field offices can help determine what Rural Development resources are available to help. Inquiries should be directed to the following area offices:
Kearney Office:           4009 6th Avenue, Suite 1 Kearney, NE 68845-2386
                                     P:(308) 237-3118 F:(308) 236-6290
Ainsworth Office:        731 E. 4th Ainsworth, NE 69210
                                     P:(402) 387-2242   F:(402) 387-0968
Lincoln Office:            8000 South 15th Street, Suite E Lincoln, NE 68512-9436
                                    P:(402) 423-9683 F:(402) 423-7614
Norfolk Office:           1909 Vicki Lane, Suite 103 Norfolk, NE 68701
                                    P:(402) 371-5350 F:(402) 371-8930
Scottsbluff Office:     818 Ferdinand Plaza, Suite B Scottsbluff, NE 69361-4401
                                    P:(308) 632-2195 F:(308) 635-2787
North Platte Office:    1202 S. Cottonwood, Suite 3 North Platte, NE 69101
                                    P:(308) 534-2360 F:(308) 534-8645

“With so many needs to be met, all at the same time, it is impossible to do everything all at once,” said Moul. “So when it’s our turn to help provide assistance, USDA Rural Development will offer our support because ‘we are committed to the future of rural communities.’”
Rural Development also provides financing and technical assistance to foster growth in business development, as well as critical community and technology infrastructure. More information on USDA Rural Development is available on the web at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne.
-30-
Committed to the future of rural communities.

“USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity provider, employer and lender.”
To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice),
or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Office Security – Time to Get it Done

Marilyn — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:19:13 +0000

Wow! Nebraska has sure had its share of storms this Spring. Unfortunately, too much rain, tornadoes, hail, and subsequent floods have ruined homes and businesses alike. Along with mother nature’s fury came water-logged computers and electrical problems from lightening strikes and downed power lines. This type of weather can cause serious problems with computers and lost data. Do you have an equipment and software inventory to provide to the insurance company as proof of purchase and value? Do you have a backup system that safely stores the irreplaceable family photos or costly business records?Learning “how to” and implementing needed protections will help guard computer equipment and minimize data loss. Some security practices such as creating strong passwords require very little effort and time; other actions like setting up network firewalls may require technical support. Either way, taking proactive steps now can help protect the bottom line later.

The Security Squad Videos, now available at http://nebraskaedge.unl.edu/securitysquad.shtml will help business owners develop a security plan of action to protect against loss. This free online training program covers security issues dealing with:

Equipment and Software Inventory
Developing Strong Passwords
Backing Up and Restoring Files
Malware (Virus) Protection
Using Secure Wireless Networks
Installing Firewall Protocols
Buying and Selling Online
Employee policies.

I encourage you to take advantage of some free lessons that will help you better protect your information. The first step is to gather a security squad to help (suggestions on p. 3 of the workbook), watch the videos or read the workbook and put your plan into action. You can thank us later when you have that backup ready to go when you most need it.

Until next time,

Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director, NebraskaEDGE, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The Security Squad video series was developed as part of the Southern Rural Development Center’s National e-Commerce Extension Initiative. They are based upon work supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Award No. 2005-45064-03212.

Additional copies of the materials are available at http://etraining.unl.edu/securitysquad.shtml

NE Wind Power 2010 Conference Dates Set

Marilyn — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:04:42 +0000

The Nebraska Wind Power 2010 Conference will be held in Kearney at the new Younes Conference Center November 9-10. The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Wind Working Group (NWWG), a state and federal partnership funded by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America to help develop the state’s wind resources.

Dr. James A. Walker, Vice Chairman of the Board of enXco, and past President of AWEA (American Wind Energy Association) will keynote the Conference. Dr. Walker has over 30 years experience in energy in public and private entities, and pioneered wind project development in Greece, Turkey, and Mexico. He was awarded “Industry Person of the Year” in 2007 by AWEA.

The two day conference will focus on Nebraska’s future wind energy development challenges and opportunities, including the recently passed LB1048 that clarifies the roles and responsibilities between private sector developers, public power, and the Power Review Board for wind generated electricity for export. It will include multiple tracks of programs that will provide participants multiple opportunities to attend the sessions that interest them the most. The entire spectrum of wind energy development will be addressed, with tracks and workshops on state and national wind energy policy, commercial wind energy development, transmission and integration, small wind energy systems, economic development opportunities, jobs, careers, and wind energy training programs and workforce potential.

The NWWG Co-Chairs are State Senator Cap Dierks, sponsor of LB629, the Community-Based Energy Development passed unanimously by the Legislature in 2007, Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen, and Dan McGuire, Facilitator for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Wind Powering America’s “Wind for Schools” program in Nebraska.

“This conference is a progress report on wind energy development in our state, and this an exciting time for wind energy development because we have made a lot of progress this year. Nebraska has come a long ways in the past three years. Our state has some of the best wind energy resources in the country, and we need to work together to figure out the best way to develop it,” said Sen. Cap Dierks.

“If you are interested in wind energy development in Nebraska, this conference is a “must attend”. The past two conferences have been well attended and received first class evaluations,” said Dan McGuire. “Participants have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions, exchange ideas and get acquainted with other wind energy players in our state and nation.”

John Hansen concluded “Dr. James Walker is a nationally recognized and respected expert on many aspects of wind energy development. His experience in wind energy development ranges from an academic background, to federal government, state government, and private sector wind energy development. We are excited about Dr. Walker coming to Nebraska. In addition, the new Younes Conference Center gives us the opportunity to expand our program options and our already large commercial exhibits.” Registration details will be posted on the Nebraska Farmers Union website at: www.nebraskafarmersunion.org or the Nebraska Energy Office Home page at: www.neo.ne.gov or the NWWG home page at: http://www.neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/nwwg.htm.

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2010 Contact: John Hansen at Nebraska Farmers Union — 402‑476‑8815

Critical “How to” Export programs offered June through November

Marilyn — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:55:05 +0000

The U.S. and world economies are linked in many ways. To best understand how the U.S. has stayed afloat during this recent recession, one need only look at exports that were responsible for two-thirds of the nation’s economic growth from 2007-2008.

Between 2007-2008 Nebraska’s exports increased by 27 percent—to Canada by 26 percent, to Mexico by 27 percent and to Japan by 48 percent. While the state’s numbers dropped in 2008 as the recession deepened, its decreases were modest compared with business conducted stateside.

“Without international business, we wouldn’t be in business today, describes our situation very well,” said Matt Allmand, President of Allmand Brothers Inc., in Holdrege. “Many months in 2009, our international business was 50 percent of our revenue. And while other business was off 60 percent, international was only off 5 percent.”

So, whether you’re new to exporting, or have specific exporting issues, several upcoming programs and opportunities are geared to turn you into an export expert.

“Exporting 101 – Let Us Help You Put the Pieces Together!” takes place Thursday, June 17 in the Board Room of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Laura Pedersen, Global Banking Officer with First National Bank of Omaha will cover export rules & regulations; export documentation; export financing; and international methods of payment. A registration fee includes materials, lunch and parking. Deadline to register is June 14.

From June 22 to November 4, a “Traveling International Office” will be visiting 11 Nebraska communities throughout the state. Susan Rouch with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and Meredith Bond with the U.S. Commercial Service will share export resources, international experience and expertise to help business owners eliminate obstacles to exporting. The sessions are free and no appointment is necessary for one-on-one meetings.

ExporTech Program – How to Grow Your Company Through Exports!, is a new three-session offering that will take place August 19, September 16 and October 28 at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. In just three months, this “how-to” program will help business leaders draft company specific export plans; effectively expand into global markets; connect with reputable resources and expert consultants; and locate resources to move rapidly from the planning to sales stage. The program is sponsored by the U.S. and Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, DED, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and U.S. Commercial Service. Space is limited, and the deadline to register is July 16.

For information, contact Susan R. Rouch at 800-426-6505, 402-471-4668, or susan.rouch@nebraska.gov

Press Release: June 11, 2010, Lincoln, NE

Another Plug for Bootstrapping

Marilyn — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:14:05 +0000

An interesting article came out this week from Techcrunch.com on the benefits of bootstrapping a business to stay lean and hungry. Guest writer, Vivek Wadhwa, an entrepreneur turned academic, talks about his experiences starting companies with venture capital. He found that his decisions were about pleasing the board members rather than pleasing the customers. Wadhwa states, “Pleasing board members became an unnecessary priority.“ In the long-run the focus should be on building customer relations for long-term growth.

Research conducted by David Townsend, NC State University and Lowell Busenitz, University of Oklahoma, also showed that acquiring investment capital did not guarantee success. Is venture capital wrong? By no means, no. Venture capital can be a breath of life for a cash-strapped company that has huge manufacturing or other start-up costs. Each entrepreneur should research and critically assess their need for and type of capital investment that would best work for their business.

Wadhwa’s article reminds me of an interview I conducted with Derrick Eells last fall. Derrick and Jeffrey Eells own TenDot Travel, a Lincoln-based corporate incentive travel company. Bootstrapping was the name of the game to getting this business started. If what Wadhwa states is true that “capital starvation leads to innovation,” then TenDot Travel is the epitome of innovation. Derrick and Jeff started their business the day after they quit their jobs. Living out of their house, the Eellses began cold calling and competing against the industry giants. They had new innovative products that were making the industry clients rethink their prior relationships. Through determination and persistence, they won businesses over. To ramp up and keep costs down, they hired contractors instead of employees. They also looked to family and mentors to help with the business operations and decisions. As the business continues to grow, now reaching over the $1 million sales mark, the Eellses continue to stay lean and hungry for new opportunities.

Check out the Eellses’ videos : Passion, Culture and Sales, and Sales Tips for the Service Business and let me know your thoughts on bootstrapping the company, the pros and cons, and how you best bootstrap to save costs.

Until next time,

Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director, NebraskaEDGE Program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

CDR becomes a Certified Development Corporation

Marilyn — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:10:52 +0000

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has given its approval for Community Development Resources (CDR), a non-profit firm in Lincoln, to operate as a Certified Development Company (CDC).

Representatives from U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns Nebraska office and SBA Nebraska District Office District Director Leon Milobar will introduce CDR to lenders, prospective borrowers and area economic development leaders in an event Wednesday, June 9^that 10 a.m., at CDR’s office at 285 S. 68th Street Place, Suite 520, in Lincoln.

Sen. Johanns, as mayor of Lincoln in late 1994, first approached Rick Wallace, the Executive Director of CDR, seeking an idea to help spur growth in the city. With a mission to help others to start their own successful business, Wallace created a program, then known as the Self Employment Loan Fund (SELF), which would make loans to small businesses, and then pay off those loans so the money in turn could finance further start-ups.

The SBA’s Certified Development Company Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. The program is designed to enable small businesses to buy their own buildings with a 10 percent down payment.

CDCs work with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses under the SBA’s 504 loan program. Small business owners have ability to purchase an industrial or commercial building at below-market interest rates; the loan also may be used to purchase or remodel an existing building, construct a new facility or to purchase equipment that has an economic life of at least 10 years. The CDC/504 loan program is a long-term financing tool for economic development within a community.

For more information about SBA’s loan programs and services, please call 402-221-4691 or visit our website at www.sba.gov/ne.

For more information on CDR, please call 402-436-2386 or visit their website at http://www.cdr-nebraska.org/www/index.php.

Press Release – SBA Omaha, June 3, 2010