CONNECTING BUSINESSES WITH CAPITAL

JUNE 16 FORUM FOCUSES ON CONNECTING BUSINESSES WITH CAPITAL
Hosted by Benzie County Economic Development Corporation and Alliance for Economic Success
Benzonia and Manistee, Michigan - Banks, businesses and others wanting to expand business , increase jobs and strengthen communities will have a chance to learn and make their pitch to sources of federal and state government funding and business support programs at a June 16, 2011 forum to be held at the Pleasant Valley Community Center, Arcadia, Michigan.

The forum will begin at 10 a.m., conclude at 3 p.m. and is hosted by the Benzie County Economic Development Corporation, the Alliance for Economic Success and the Pleasant Valley Community Center, located just off M-22 near the Benzie/Manistee County line. The offices of U. S. Senator Carl Levin and U. S. Senator Debbie Stabenow are co-sponsoring the forum, with representatives on hand to talk about the role of their offices in support business growth and development.

"This forum will focus on connecting banks, businesses and communities with sources of capital to expand businesses and create jobs," said Mary Carroll, President of the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce who also serves on the Benzie County Economic Development Corporation Board. Together, we will identify the needs and priorities for capital to support business growth and provide time for businesses to speak directly with financing sources about their particular needs. We have a great line up!"

Carroll said that key representatives from the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development; U. S. Small Business Administration; U. S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Services; and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will discuss the availability of business financing and support programs and be available for one-on-one discussions with banks, businesses and others.

Cyndy Fuller, Executive Director of the Alliance for Economic Success is hoping for an overflow crowd.

"We hope that all area banks and other lending institutions as well as small businesses, downtown development authority representatives, locally elected officials and others who are concerned with the vitality of our businesses and communities will participate," she said. "We need to be taking full advantage of all of the tools available to build our economic base just as we are working to strengthen the appeal and amenities in our communities."

RSVP's should be directed to Jami Schneider at 231-723-4325 or jami@allianceforeconomicsuccess.com. The forum is free of charge. A light lunch will be served. Attached is the agenda for the forum.