2017 Connections for SuccessWestchester/Putnam, Aug. 21, 2017 - Westchester County and Putnam County Executives, the Westchester County African American Advisory Board in conjunction with the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, will host the third annual Connections for Success Summit on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Tarrytown (455 South Broadway) from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

The event, designed with entrepreneurs and small business owners in mind, will focus on overcoming day-to-day issues in finance, accounting, sales, marketing and human resource management that can prevent a business from reaching its full potential.

This year’s keynote speaker, André Taylor, an internationally recognized expert on leadership, business development and personal success, will speak to this year’s theme, “Skills Upgrade for a Successful Career & Business Launch.” Through the interactive workshops and case studies that follow, participants will develop concrete strategies for solving problems that may arise while building or expanding a business.

“Entrepreneurs, micro-enterprises, and small businesses represent the core of Putnam County’s economic development. This Summit provides the opportunities necessary to help them examine those business functions that pose the greatest challenges and to find ways and resources to address these challenges, so that they may grow and employ more Putnam county residents,” said Putnam County Executive, MaryEllen Odell.   

“This year’s Summit is designed for those looking for that one piece of advice that allows them to launch their dream venture or take their business to the next level,” stated Barbara Edwards, Esq., chair of the event and the Westchester County African American Advisory Board.

The Summit is open to small businesses, not-for-profits, government entities, exhibitors/vendors, private corporations and job-seekers. Breakfast and lunch will be served, with a networking reception following the Summit.

Attendees will be able to pre-register for three 90-minute workshops.

Workshop topics include:

  1. Personal Branding: The Key to Business and Career Growth—presented by Edward M. Johnson 
  2. CRM’s; get an insider’s peak at the online software options—presented by Nick Simard of InspiriaMedia
  3. What I wish I knew when I started my business—presented by TBD
  4. Setting up your Google page and Using Google Ads and Adwords—presented by Jann Mirchandani of Westchester Marketing Cafe
  5. How to Hire, Train, and Manage New Staff—presented by Greg Chartier and Mavis Flowers
  6. Setting up a Business Model that Makes Money—presented by TBD
  7. Alternative Ways to Raise Capital–presented by Kim Jacobs, Steven Hall
  8. How to Create a Marketing Plan—presented by Jennifer Jackson of US Small Business Administration
  9. Setting up the Books for Profitability—Wiley Harrison of BYB, Inc.
  10. Collaboration vs. Partnerships—presented by Natasha Roukas of SCORE, Inc.
  11. Cloud Computing and Analytics—presented Helen Rude of Marist College

The Connections for Success Summit was developed by the African American Advisory Board and organized in collaboration with the Lead¬ership Resource Group, the Urban League of Westchester, and the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, under the auspices of Westchester County and Putnam County Executives.

Summit Sponsors include:

•    Westchester County Department of Social Services
•    Westchester/Putnam Workforce Development Board
•    Urban League of Westchester
•    African American Men of Westchester
•    Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Nu Omega Chapter
•    Harquin Creative Group
•    Key Bank
•    Learning Dynamics, Inc.
•    Linda Soros
•    PepsiCo
•    Robison Oil
•    ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc.
•    Tamika Rose Nationwide Insurance
•    TD Bank
•    The Family Resource Center of Peekskill, Inc.  
•    Westchester School for Dental Assistants
•    Workforce Development Institute (WDI)

Those wishing to exhibit at the event may contact Ali Tarchoun by e-mail at att1@westchestergov.com. Registration ranges from $50 to $250 based on the size of the business represented. Register today for the Connections for Success Summit.

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Media materials: printer-friendly release, and image/video assets

Media contact
Risa B. Hoag for Harquin Creative, (845) 627-3000
risabh@gmail.com