TVCC BizCenter ENews

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1 TVCC BizCenter ENews December 2012 Working Together for Business The TVCC BizCenter strives to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in the area create, grow, and run successful businesses. They serve as a support team for small business using a client-centered approach to deliver counseling, training, information, and technical assistance in areas of small business management. But the BizCenter is only one of the organizations in the area with a focus on supporting business and economic development, and they work alongside other agencies and entities in this endeavor. Some of the area s resources for prospective, new, and existing businesses are highlighted below. Alan Daniels, the Ontario Economic Development Coordinator, is ready to work with prospective business leads. He serves as a resource for businesses interested in the area, providing information, assisting as an interface to the city s public works and other departments, and helping new or growing businesses through the process and channels. Ontario Economic Development Coordinator 581 SW 33rd St (Ontario Municipal Airport) ph: e mail: alan.daniels@ontariooregon.org web: for Business The Malheur County Economic Development Office serves to help businesses locate and operate in the county. Funded by Oregon lottery dollars, the director, Jim Jensen, is employed by Malheur County. The office s main focus is on trade and manufacturing firms. When a business is looking at the possibility of locating or expanding in the area, the development office is a huge resource. They can provide information on building sites, property taxes, tax incentives, maneuvering through regulatory and administrative processes, and more. TVCC BizCenter The BizCenter helped with the transition between sole proprietorship to partnership, and tax questions were answered. They also helped in setting up a new company in QuickBooks. Justin & Jill McKerrow Freedom Carpet Nyssa, Oregon UPCOMING CLASSES January 15 Business Basics: How to Start Your Own Business January 19 Private Applicators Core Training January 19 Private Applicators Review Volume 18; Issue No. 12 When it comes to the point in time for financing, businesses need a business plan. I refer people to the BizCenter when they need help with that. Jim Jensen Malheur Co. Economic Development Office Malheur County Economic Development Office 316 NE Goodfellow, Ste #2 ph: e mail: mcedd@cableone.net web: ecodev.malheurco.org Director Jensen is manager of the Oregon Enterprise Zone for the area, which allows abatements or exemptions to local property tax. Jensen also is on the local Industrial Land Committee, which is working to help the city identify and/or obtain larger industrial tracts for potential businesses. BizCenter 650 College Blvd bizcenter@tvcc.cc Treasure Valley Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer. cont d. next page

2 TVCC BizCenter ENews December 2012 Page 2 Working Together for Business - cont d. from p. 1 The Snake River Economic Development Alliance (SREDA) is a non profit, investorsupported organization dedicated to building and diversifying our regional economy by attracting new investment and jobs. The organization focuses on recruiting new companies to the area and works closely with the other economic development professionals and volunteers, local city and county governments, and the area chambers of commerce. SREDA encompasses the counties of Payette and Washington in Idaho and Malheur County in Oregon and is headed by Executive Director Kit Kamo. SREDA recently was an instrumental part of the team that helped bring South Georgia Equipment (SGE) and Greenstar Building Systems to the area. South Georgia Equipment offers produce handling equipment to the fruit and vegetable industry. Greenstar Building Systems, based in Mesa, AZ, builds modular workforce housing and moved into the old Champion Home Builders plant. City and County Managers, Mayors, Councilmen, Economic Development Coordinators, and other Officials Within all the local governments and agencies, economic development remains a high priority. While the governing structure may vary and there may or may not be a position solely dedicated to economic development, local officials will enthusiastically act on leads, provide assistance to businesses, and direct businesses wishing to expand or come into the area to the appropriate information sources and parties. SREDA 650 College Blvd. ph: e mail: info@snakerivereda.com web: Blue Mountain Community College hosts a Small Business Development Center to serve the greater Baker County area. To contact them, call in Baker City, Oregon. Chambers of Commerce The local chambers of commerce encourage business growth and area development. The chambers provide informative and promotional material for those seeking information about the area, sponsor classes and workshops, provide networking opportunities, and provide support to the local communities. The BizCenter is proud to work with these organizations. For information on some of the local chambers, see the next page (page 3). Other businesses and organizations, even though not highlighted above, are also instrumental in helping support and grow the local economy. Whether it be the area s banks with financing and SBA loans, the local utilities, the public works departments, the area SCORE advisors, or any other economic development focused unit, together we can help build and strengthen our business community. The BizCenter is proud to be a partner with the area s organizations working to support our small businesses. The BizCenter welcomes referrals if an entrepreneur or small business owner needs some counseling, training, or other assistance, such as with a business plan. This newsletter content is provided as a service for informational purposes only; any actions or decisions should be based on your own determinations and policies. This information does not constitute legal advice. When appropriate, you are encouraged to utilize professional advisors (e.g., accountants or lawyers).

3 TVCC BizCenter ENews December 2012 Page 3 Wiz Bitz -your monthly learning tidbit Here are a couple of general rules for prepositions. (Preposition: a word or a word group that shows the relation between its object and some other word in the sentence. They give placement or relationship to a noun or pronoun.) Examples: The eagle soared above the peak. The hungry teenager shopped frantically through the snack aisles. I put the pot on the stove. Besides means in addition to; beside means by the side of: There were two boys besides Henry. He sat beside her. Into denotes entrance; in denotes location. He jumped into the water. He swam in the river. One is typically accompanied by a person or with a thing: Mary was accompanied by her mother. The rain was accompanied with hail. Working Together for Business - cont d. from p. 2 Chambers of Commerce The area s chambers of commerce are strong advocates for business. They provide information and resources for prospective and existing businesses, training, and networking opportunities. Below are some of the area s chambers. Ontario Chamber of Commerce 876 SW 4th Ave info@ontariochamber.com Ontario Chamber Mission: To market & strengthen our businesses, while enhancing quality of life in our community! Harney County Chamber of Commerce 484 N Broadway Burns, OR info@harneycounty.com Payette County Chamber of Commerce 695 2nd Ave. S Payette, ID info@payettecountychamber.com Nyssa Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture 105 Main St. Nyssa, OR nyssachamber@nyssachamber.com Vale Chamber of Commerce 252 B Street W PO Box 661 Vale, OR info@valechamber.com New Plymouth Chamber of Commerce New Plymouth, ID (Janet Warnke, A Plus Awards) Weiser Chamber Mission: The purpose of the Greater Weiser Area Chamber of Commerce is to support and enhance business and economic development of the Weiser Area. Caldwell Chamber of Commerce 704 Blaine St. Caldwell, ID info@caldwellchamber.org Weiser Chamber of Commerce 309 State St. Weiser, ID info@weiserchamber.com

4 TVCC BizCenter ENews December 2012 Page 4 Pesticide Certification PRIVATE APPLICATORS CORE TRAINING DATE: Saturday, January 19, 2013 TIME: 8:00 am 12:00 pm COST: $20 per person INSTRUCTOR: Brian Jemmett LOCATION: Four Rivers Cultural Center, Medical Arts Room This workshop will review: current federal and state laws pesticide labeling methods of pesticide application, equipment use, calibration, and cleanup safety equipment in pesticide application proper handling, transportation, storage, and disposal of pesticides and containers toxicity of pesticides to humans and other life forms protecting farm workers and the public from pesticide exposure the Endangered Species Act This class also qualifies for continuing education hours in both Oregon and Idaho for those who already have their licenses. PRIVATE APPLICATORS REVIEW DATE: Saturday, January 19, 2013 TIME: 1:00 pm 5:00 pm COST: $20 per person INSTRUCTOR: Brian Jemmett LOCATION: Four Rivers Cultural Center, Medical Arts Room This workshop will prepare individuals to take the State of Oregon pesticide examination. Once the course is completed, arrangements can be made to take the examination at the TVCC Testing Center. These classes are being offered in conjunction with the Western Treasure Valley Ag Show at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. To Register: Contact Jennifer Ainsworth in the TVCC Center for Business, Workforce, and Community Learning at State Pesticide examinations are available by appointment in the TVCC Testing Center. Testing fees for are $38 for Private Applicators and $58 for online Commercial Applicators testing. For testing hours and information, call or visit The BizCenter is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Special arrangements for handicapped individuals will be made if requested in advance. Contact Treasure Valley Community College BizCenter, 650 College Blvd., Ontario, OR. Phone:

5 TVCC BizCenter ENews December 2012 Page 5 by Michael Braden, CPA BizCenter Advisor Year-end tax planning? Let s consider it year-end business planning this year. How do you finish the business year on its best note? First let s revisit business plans. Have you prepared a business plan for your business? There are many types of business plans depending on your specific needs. Most business plans are prepared to obtain bank financing. These business plans are typically pages long and include a full set of financial projections. Other business owners use a business plan to gather information and study the feasibility of their business model before starting up their business. Some just have a couple pages of budget sheets or market research, and this too is a business plan. As the year ends, your business plan should be revisited as a priority. Call it your first new year s resolution. Take the time to review and renew the critical components of the plan, analyze your competition, research new products, commit to attending your chamber of commerce meetings. Take ownership of that business plan and commit a day to updating it. You should also invest some time in analyzing your finances. Start by investigating (or preparing) your financial statements. Ideally this is a step you perform on a monthly basis. You may need to update your QuickBooks or spreadsheets and then you will have eleven months of performance to review. Analyze your net profits. If your profits were low, break even or possibly at a loss, you will want to analyze the causes. Compare your expenses to what they were last year. Was your performance due to a decrease in revenues across the board? This is happening to many small businesses, particularly in the current economic environment where the dollars are harder to bring in. One popular strategy to compete for these dollars is to invest more heavily in business networking, advertising by spending your time instead of your money. This includes joining and participating in local chamber of commerce events. Social media, particularly December Tips Revisit your business plan Get caught up on your financial records Review your financial information through November Invest in business networking Consider equipment purchases Plan for retirement contributions Facebook, is also a tool that can be leveraged to allow many small businesses to spend their time on networking instead of their dollars on advertising. Another planning consideration in December is to determine whether or not to purchase additional business assets. There are a couple of tax saving opportunities, in the form of Section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation, that are still in effect for the remainder of Before utilizing these opportunities it is best to consult with your professional accountant. These opportunities let you purchase your needed equipment this year and allow more of a deduction than under standard depreciation rules, effectively decreasing the taxes you owe. This strategy should only be considered if you have made a profit during the year and it fits your business strategy by investing in equipment. You may also want to consider contributing to your retirement accounts. Roth IRAs can grow tax free and an IRA deduction can save you thousands of dollars. Contributions to your IRAs are not due until April 15th but it helps to have the money set aside when contribution time rolls around. The BizCenter can provide an experienced second set of eyes to review your finances or your business plan. To schedule an appointment with your BizCenter advisor, call (541) It is the policy of the Treasure Valley Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Persons having questions about equal opportunity and non-discrimination should contact the Human Resources Director located in the Student Services Center on the south side of the Four Rivers Cultural Center Building. Phone

6 TVCC BizCenter ENews December 2012 Page 6 OFFFF TO THE PRINTERRINTER Nazrat Promotions has been busy working on chamber of commerce directories for Vale and Nyssa. The directories will be going to press in a few weeks, and the finished directories then delivered to the chambers by the first of the year. Patsy and Merv Leavitt, Nazrat Promotions owners and BizCenter clients, prepare and publish the directories at no charge to the chambers. In fact, a portion of the advertising revenue goes to the chamber itself. The directories include such things as area history, day trip ideas, maps, and, of course, a member listing. Standard Mileage Rates for 2013 The Internal Revenue Service released the 2013 optional standard mileage rates that can be used to calculate the deductible costs of vehicle operation. Beginning on January 1, 2013, the rate for business miles driven will be 56.5 cents per mile. This is an increase of 1 from the 2012 rate. Taxpayers have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rate. For further information, Nazrat Promotions can be reached by phone at (208) or (208) or by e mail at Lnazrat@aol.com. The TVCC BizCenter, in partnership with ed2go (formerly Gatlin Education Services), offers online, selfpaced, open enrollment programs designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional level positions for many in-demand occupations. There are over 100 online education programs available covering many career areas, such as management, healthcare, IT, and media. The career training programs are designed by a team of professionals. Each program includes a set of lessons and evaluations, with instructors actively involved in your online learning experience. For more information about the courses and an online learning catalog, click here. tvccdel One of the courses available Management for IT Professionals The Management for IT Professionals program is particularly well suited for anyone in IT who has recently assumed management responsibilities. The program explores the developmental process and how to be successful in creating change. This program delivers training in such areas as essential leadership skills communication skills collaborative problem solving legal issues in operations business practices budgeting strategies financial accounting basics negotiations For registration, payment information, or other questions about these courses, please contact: In addition to the online learning, participants receive the following textbooks: Budgeting for Managers Management by the Numbers Applied Strategic Planning The Essentials of Negotiation Course fee: $2,095 Hours: 390 Financial assistance may be available. TVCC BizCenter Phone: