Business Success
in Changing Times
Markham Small
Business Forum 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
8:00 am to 12:00 noon
Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre
101 Town Centre Blvd.,
Markham L3R 9W3
Cost: $30
Registration and Advance Payment Required
(special rate available to partner members)
Join Markham’s business leaders for a
powerful lineup of keynote presentations,
panel discussions, and “how-to” sessions
that will provide valuable insights on key
small business trends, strategies and
opportunities.
Hosted by Markham Small Business
Enterprise Centre, supported by Markham
Board of Trade and various business groups,
the Markham Small Business Forum features
three keynote presentations that small
business owners would not want to miss.
Supported by:
Partners:
Title Sponsor:
Are we seeing signs of stability
and economic bottom? How does a
small business owner prepare for
the recovery? What practical and
creative strategies are required to
grow your business in this everchanging marketplace?
Sponsors:
YMCA Markham Business Centre
Small Business Economic Outlook
AGENDA
by Beata Caranci, Director of Economic Forecasting,
TD Bank Financial Group
8:00 am
Registration/Breakfast
8:30 am
Welcome Remarks
• Frank Scarpitti, Mayor, Town of Markham (tbc)
• Representative (tbc)
Ministry of Economic Development & Trade
• Representative (tbc)
Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
8:45 am
Keynote Presentations
• “Small Business Economic Review”
Beata Caranci, Director of Economic Forecasting
TD Bank Financial Group
An in-depth analysis of Canada’s domestic economy, economic
performance and the implications for small business owners.
Market Wisely to Grow Your Business in
Challenging Times
by Jim Stewart, ProfitPATH
Get the top tips for business owners pursuing profit growth
strategies during tough times. Learn how to avoid competing on
pricing and giving away profit margin. Understand how to fine tune
your marketing tactics to increase your response rate. Find out how
to get more leads while keeping your marketing expenses down.
And Now, the Recovery – Riding Out Hard
Times, Productively
by Rick Spence, Writer, Speaker, Business Consultant and former
editor and publisher of PROFIT Magazine
Just because the recession has been “declared over”doesn’t mean
the period that follows will be kind or gentle. Marketers still face
tight budgets and too many competitors. Entrepreneurship and
marketing expert Rick Spence will offer leading-edge stories, tips
and strategies to help your organization beat its rivals to the punch
and win share in an unforgiving market.
Also participate in panel discussions with business leaders from
the local community. Learn tips and tricks and share their success
stories.
Then choose a breakout seminar where you can ask the experts
questions about specific issues affecting your own business,
including “Finding Money – Financing for Growth”,
“Government Resources for Small Business” and “Tax Tips
for Small Business”.
Last but not least, don’t miss out on this unique networking
opportunity to build contacts and referrals.
Seating is limited.
Register early to avoid disappointment.
Register online at www.msbec.markham.ca
MSBEC is a co-venture of the Town of Markham
and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Design by Franklin Beecham
9:15 am • “Market Wisely to Grow Your Business in
Challenging Times”
Jim Stewart, Founder, ProfitPATH
9:45 am •
“And Now, the Recovery - Riding Out Hard Times,
Productively”
Rick Spence, Writer, Speaker and Business Consultant; former editor and publisher of PROFIT Magazine
10:15 am - NETWORKING BREAK
10:30 am
10:30 am 11:00 am
Panel Discussion – Business Success in Changing Times
(Moderated by Wilbert Lai, CMA, Advisor to ACCE)
• Matthew Bodkin, Founder,
InnovationOne Applied Technology
• Beata Caranci, Director of Economic Forecasting,
TD Bank Financial Group
• Elizabeth Dawson, Centre Manager,
Markham Executive Offices
• Loretta Lam, President, Focus Communications Inc.
• Rick Spence, Writer, Business Consultant,
Canadian Entrepreneur Communications
• Jim Stewart, Founder, CEO, ProfitPATH
11:00 am - Breakout Seminars – Ask the Experts:
11:45 am (please choose one)
1.“Finding Money – Financing for Growth”
• Representative, TD Canada Trust
Location: Ontario Room
2.“Government Resources for Small Business”
• Vernier Tao, Senior Business Advisor,
Ministry of Eco Dev & Trade
Location: Canada Room
3.“Tax Tips for Small Business”
• George Simpson, CA., Senior Manager,
BDO Dunwoody LLP,
Chartered Accountants and Advisors
Location: York Room
11:45 am - Wrap Up/Networking
12:00 pm