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Modern Equipment and the Vermont SBDC Change Game For Vermont Logger

March 21, 2016

Thurston-Forestry-VT-SuccessLogging and forestry work is a quintessential Vermont industry, but today’s loggers face challenges that those of yesteryear probably never imagined. The days of low-cost tools like hatchets and hand saws that required manpower instead of costly equipment are largely behind us. Today’s loggers need heavy equipment to be relevant in a highly competitive lumber market.

Few know that better than Everett Thurston, owner of Thurston Forestry in Clarendon, Vermont, which began operations last fall. The company utilizes a rubber tired cut-to-length logging machine that is highly efficient in processing timber from the woods.

“I have always wanted my own business and enjoy the logging industry and being around heavy equipment,” Thurston said. But as one might expect, obtaining an expensive piece of equipment of this size can be a challenge. (more…)

Montana SBDC Great Successes

March 16, 2016

The Montana SBDCs have created a series of videos showcasing businesses that worked with their local SBDCs to achieve success. This is the first video in the series. See how the Montana SBDCs jumpstart business success!

Email Clues That Customers Just Aren’t That Into You… And How To Win Them Back

March 14, 2016
By Anissa Starnes
Director, National Organizations, Constant Contact

notebook-computerDon’t wait for foot traffic to slow down or your new business pipeline to dry up before figuring out that your customers just aren’t that into your business anymore. Before they reach that point, customers often leave clues that their feelings are starting to change.

At first, the signs are subtle. Customers are less responsive to your marketing efforts, they come in less frequently, and they stop referring new business. When you ask them if everything is okay, they tell you everything is fine. Still, you know something is off but you can’t put your finger on it. While you can’t read their minds, you can read the signs they leave behind, most often in the way they respond to your email marketing campaigns.

Three Subtle Signs Customers Are Pulling Away

By digging into your email marketing results, you can see the subtle cues that customers are starting to pull away. The three areas you want to pay closest attention to are:  (more…)

Louisiana SBDC Helps Client Secure the Cyber World

March 9, 2016
Success Story: Louisiana

Louisiana-Success-Direnzic-TechnologyA lot of people have good ideas, but most aren’t able to cash in on them. That’s not the case for Ieshea Jones, owner of Direnzic Technology & Consulting, LLC, in Monroe, Louisiana.

Jones was able to create the first and only cyber security solutions and digital forensic company to provide dedicated, hands-on personalized services to both government and non-government agencies in Northeast Louisiana, with the help of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Since 2011, Jones has been coming to the LSBDC for initial start-up assistance, and now that her company is running, she has been able to bring attention to a growing need in the market.

“The LSBDC was instrumental in helping me plan and make game changing decisions,” Jones said, who is a Certified Project Manager Professional (PMP) and Silicone Bayou Top 100.  (more…)

You Have Probably Used a Silgan Food Container Today

March 7, 2016
Silgan-Plastic-Food-Containers-picSuccess Story: Missouri
  • University of Missouri-Columbia SBTDC, Missouri SBTDC
  • SBTDC Consultants: International Trade Center director Larry Dill, and International Trade Specialists Jackie Rasmussen and Pablo Arroyo
  • Client: Silgan Plastic Food Containers, Union, Missouri – SBTDC client since 2014

Silgan Plastic Food Containers (PFC), a subsidiary of Silgan Holdings Inc., holds a leading share of the domestic market in shelf-stable, microwaveable plastic food packaging, used by such iconic brands as Campbell’s, Gerber, Del Monte, Nestle, Hormel Foods and Green Giant, to name a few. (more…)