Free Business Forum for Women and Minority Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

On June 16, 2009 the Center for Marketing Research Co-Sponsored a Seminar with the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA). This was the 3rd event in the "Get Connected" series titled "Access to Sales & Marketing". The forums have been designed to get Southeastern Massachusetts businesses connected with local and regional sales & marketing professionals to address solutions to their current sales and marketing needs in the current economy.

Dr. Susan West Engelkemeyer, incoming Dean for the UMass Dartmouth Charlton College of Business, greeted attendees and offered her assistance. Following Dean Engelkemeyer, Dr. Nora Ganim Barnes, UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Professor and Director of its prestigious Center for Marketing Research presented how businesses are using social media like blogging and social networks. Following Dr. Barnes was author Lynn Donah (Brick By Brick) presented on inspirational sales. She is a speaker from the highly successful Strategies Marketing Company.

The "Get Connected" forums, as always, culminated with on-site one-on-one business advisory services for attending businesses. Attendees got help in areas of sales and marketing. A separate certification workshop was available prior to the other speakers for those considering opening a women or minority owned business.