merchant workshop series
Join us at our 2013 Merchant Workshop Series. Different topics including customer service, social media communications, safety, hospitality, financials and more will be covered the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. Workshops are FREE to businesses within the YBIDA. Register using the eventbrite links below! Businesses are encouraged to submit suggestions to info@downtownyorkpa.com.
May: Safety - For Employees, Customers, Business & Building
Join us on Wednesday, May 1st from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at the White Rose Bar & Grill (48 North Beaver Street).
Key Points:
- Employee safety training
- Emergency procedures and preparedness
- Identity theft protection
- Building security audits
- Making secure deposits
Our Guest Speakers: Blake McBride and Mike Davis are both officers for the York City Police Department. They are dedicated to protecting the public and serving the York community as well as educating others on keeping their business, their employees, and their customers safe.
June: Database Collection and Management Systems
Join us on Wednesday, June 5 from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at the YMCA (90 North Newberry Street).
Key Points:
- Basic overview of Database Management Systems
- Tracking customer demographics
- Expanding target markets
- Customer support
July: Social Media (Facebook and Twitter)
Join us on Wednesday, July 3rd from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at Gavin Advertising (110 North George Street, 3rd Fl).
*The key points are currently being finalized.
Our Guest Speakers: Lauren Bowers and Meagan Feeser are public relations professionals with Gavin Advertising.
August: Alcohol Management
Join us on Wednesday, August 7th from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at Park Street Pantry (24 North Beaver Street)
Key Points:
- Overview of RAMP
- Liquor license requirements
- Alcohol protocols
Our Guest Speaker: Lori Rizzo
September: Better Advertising for Better Business
Join us Wednesday, September 4th from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at Stock and Leader (221 West Philadelphia Street, East Building, 6th Floor)
Key Points:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the advertisement.
- How to reach out to current clients and how to expand target market.
- Knowing when and how to hire a professional consulting company to do the advertising.
- How to design the right look for the right market.
- Budgeting for advertising and how to plan ahead when it comes to putting money into marketing
Our Guest Speaker: Angela is the New-Business Director at Campbell, Harrington, & Brear. She works with clients to help navigate them through the complex process of marketing. She aids in the design of print advertisement, planning of advertisement strategies, and giving the client the best results for their money.
October: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Join us Wednesday, October 2nd from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at yorKitchen (37 West Clarke Avenue)
Key Points:
- How to determine hourly and salaried employees
- How to determine if your worker is an employee or an independent contractor
- Common payroll myths
- Review of the new I-9 form
Our Guest Speaker: Kellie Shumaker of Alternative HR
November: Resources for Small Businesses
Join us Wednesday, November 6th from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at Martin Library (159 East Market Street).
*Key Points are currently being finalized.
Our Guest Speaker: Mike Unruh
December: Financials for Small Business Success
Join us Wednesday, December 4th from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at The Elks Lodge (223 North George Street).
*Key points are currently being finalized.
Our Guest Speakers: Rob Gratalo and Amy Amstein of RKL
Entrepreneurial Support Alliance (ESA)
In addition to workshops hosted by Downtown Inc, the Entrepreneurial Support Alliance is a great resource for start-ups and small businesses. A complete list of upcoming workshops and other learning and networking opportunities can be found online at www.yorkkiz/org/esa.