COMING HOME This newsletter is my first since returning as Director for the SBDC. They say you can never go back, and after more than ten years with the program I once believed that I had done everything I ever wanted to and would never look back. But being away for two years moving to "the big city" with my wife and our kids (three border collies and a black cat) led me to appreciate the things I left behind, and its the same thing that attracts most visitors and new residents to our area - our high quality of life. I never stopped helping small business, and learned that leaving the SBDC didn't stop me from seeking a way of helping others. My job didn't change, just the manner of getting paid and location of work. In returning to the SBDC I have high hopes for our communities we serve. As we grow into larger cities and communities I hope we can control the way we look, and develop a "preferred" future today. Uncontrolled growth is rarely good, and yet as much as some will try, we cannot really stop growth. It is, after all, they way our children leave home and find jobs. And also the way we adapt to having the things we want, such as Dillards, Red Lobster, Outback, and other amenities we enjoy when we leave the area. First order of business in coming back is to get the input of small businesses and leaders for the region. We will be holding an advisory meeting in early August and appreciate any and all input on what you think the SBDC should be doing. Without the success of local small business the SBDC doesn't meet its mission. And trust me,... you really can come home!

In response to growing interest in building agreement on cost-effective ways to improve forest health while supporting appropriate-scaled industry, a broad coalition of stakeholders have called for a multi- jurisdictional study of wood supply in northern Arizona. With guidance from a diverse five-member Steering Committee, the Forest Ecosystem Restoration Analysis (ForestERA) project at NAU has initiated a 7- month collaborator-driven analysis to: · Mobilize the best-available science to quantify wood volumes by size-class across the analysis area and refine an existing database of wood harvesters, processors and users. · Fully engage a Working Group made up of agency representatives and community, industry, and other stakeholders, in a collaborative process to build agreement on the location and type of ecologically appropriate treatments to improve forest health. · Estimate the volume of woody material which would be removed following collaboratively- developed treatment scenarios. · Develop a database of existing harvesters, processors and users in the area to estimate the wood resources they use and aid in efforts to support appropriately-sized businesses. Meetings Scheduled 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day - August 17, September 17, October 15, November 16 For more info call Mark Engle at 928-532-6170

CERTIFICATION AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR Disadvantaged Businesses Enterprises (DBE) , Minority And Women-Owned Businesses (M/WBE) And Small Businesses When: July 25th, 2007 Time: 9:00am-12:00pm Where: Northland Pioneer College Ponderosa Center- Symposium Room 1001 Deuce of Clubs Show Low, AZ 85901 Registration Fee: $10 On-hand will be presenters from the AZ State Procurement Office, Department of Commerce, Governor's Office of Equal Opportunity and ADOT to explain how to find and take advantage of state contracting business opportunities. Also offered will be tips and training to assist qualified small businesses through the maze of DBE certification. This workshop is not limited to minority or woman- owned businesses.

NxLevel Small Business Training Class An organizational Meeting is scheduled for Aug. 8th at 6 p.m. at the Housing Authority in Whiteriver and Aug. 9th at the SBDC in Show Low. Cost is $200 per student, includes 3-units NPC Credit, textbook, three-ring binder, and handouts. Session 1- Kick-off Mixer-Sponsors & Attendees get acquainted-decide on class meeting day & time Session 2-Program Overview and Mechanics of Operating a small business Session 3-Intro to Employment Regulations & Best Practices Session 4-Production & Operations Session 5-Market Research and Business Owners Panel Session 6-Doing a Marketing Plan - Strategies & Concepts Session 7-Bookkeeping Basics and CPA Guest Speaker Session 8-Financial Aspects of the Business- doing a quality projection for your business Session 9-Legal & Insurance Session 10-The Business Plan: Your Road Map to Success Session 11-Financing for a small business Session 12-One on one assistance with final business plans Session 13-Graduation Celebration-Sponsors & Attendees get together to celebrate success! For more information call Mark Engle at 532-6172.

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