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.
June: Database Collection and Management Systems
Join us on Wednesday, June 5 from 7:45 - 9:00 am at the YMCA (90 North Newberry Street).
Key Points:
- Basic overview of Database Management Systems
- Tracking customer demographics
- Expanding target markets
- Customer support
Dr. Eddins has been a faculty member at York College of Pennsylvania since 1984. He received his Ph. D. from the University of Maryland at Baltimore County in 1993. He teaches courses in computer information systems (applying computers to business opportunities and problems).
Emergency Preparedness 101
Join us on Tuesday, June 25 from 7:45 - 9:00 am at the Pullo Conference Room (2nd Floor of York City Hall, 101 S George Street).
Mike Shanabrook, EMC, Emergency Planning Specialist, and Bio-terrorism Coordinator will discuss various emergency preparedness issues facing downtown businesses and residents.
He will examine the hazards and vulnerabilities and some of the options to keep you, your employees and families safe when the unexpected happens.
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.




