Enjoy this Downtown

Recently, I have been visiting a number of cities. As an economic development fanatic, my first attraction is always the downtown (or uptown). Downtown is the place where most business activity takes place during during the day, people congregate, meet, and have lunch at various restaurants. It is that area that is a-buzz with activity between 11:30am and 2:30pm.

A example of a quiet downtown on a weekend

I have found that many downtowns roll up their sidewalks after 5:30pm during the week and on weekends. Restaurants, delis and food trucks disappear into the evening until the following morning or, in the case of weekends return on Monday. These are the same cities that are less desirable for people to work, live and play or enjoy balanced lifestyles simply because there is nothing to do. It is painful to have guests and take them downtown in the evening or weekends.

It takes a lot of planning and vision to create an attractive downtown. The partnerships of economic developers, city and corporate powers have to be open-minded. They must be open to create events and programs that draw people downtown through music, performing arts or creative activity in the evening and for the family on weekends. There has to be a reason for people to want to stay around the city after work and walk to a restaurant, bar or concert. There has to be enough activity and a variety of it that appeals to those who don't live downtown as well as residents. An after dusk destination and atmosphere must be developed.

Ideally, downtowns need to be attractive, built on or near the waterfront or in an area that is conducive to walk, ride, run and have scenic views. After work, people need to get away from the bustle and stress. If the city does not offer that environment, people leave to return to their own comfortable spaces. Organizations like the Main Street (National Trust for Historic Preservation) play a vital role in preserving downtowns and revitalizing them. When downtowns thrive, the city's small businesses respond by opening longer hours, each creating an attractive environment of their own which collectively creates a BUZZ that is so vital to a bright downtown and a city that can be enjoyed and embraced.

As I continue to move around Florida, I cannot help but notice and compare downtowns.  Here are my top 10 favorite downtown cities (not listed in order of preference):

1. New Hope, PA
2. Middletown, CT
3. Miami, FL
4. Sanford, FL
5. Philadelphia, PA
6. New York City, NY
7. French Quarter, New Orleans, LA
8. Sarasota, FL
9. Winston-Salem, SC
10. Washington, DC

 What these cities all have in common is a downtown built around water as a focal point. Either a river, water park or some element of flowing water that makes the city attractive. As mentioned, these are my own personal picks. Here is a Forbes list.

Although Tampa, Florida has all of the elements that can make a great downtown, it is not there yet. However, it appears that the the public, private and corporate bodies are beginning to create that attractive atmosphere - it will take years.


Click here to view my April newsletter and more on this subject.

The Affect of the Mortgage Crisis on Small Businesses

There has been a lot of discussion on the mortgage mess over the past two years. Many have written extensively about the job losses and the devaluing of property, but I have seen very little about the affects of the mortgage crisis on small businesses.

The mortgage crisis has taken a toll on communities as people lose their homes and investments through the foreclosure process. Isn't there a way to support a small business if they become a victim of this horrible mess? How will we save communities if several small businesses continue to decline as in so many communities around the country? Many small businesses' financial assets are tied to their homes. So if the home goes, so does the collateral, and eventually the kids in school and everything else that the family is tied to in the community.

Dr. Fred McKinney, President of the New England Minority Supplier Development Council wrote a simple analysis recently in the Hartford Business Journal that looked at the small amount ($25 billion), that was provided to HUD to address the foreclosure crisis. Basically, it is a drop in the bucket.

The question is, what can we do to save our small businesses as this crisis continues?

The State of Small Business in Tampa

Congratulations to Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione for her vision in creating the first forum on

The State of Small Business in the City of Tampa, Florida on February 24th. It was amazing to see over

30 banks, plus other lending institutions, federal and state government representatives and quasi government

agencies in one room for one mission. That mission is to address the financing needs of small businesses in Tampa and ultimately find solutions that will make it simpler for every qualified small business owner to obtain a loan if needed.

The forum was hosted by the Greater Tampa Chamber of  Commerce at their facility downtown. Mayor Bob Buckhorn opened the forum with a commitment to support the economic development and the survival of small businesses in Tampa. Chris Oakley, Vice President and Regional Executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta expressed confidence that the economy was headed in the right direction and expressed his office's readiness to support Tampa and its initiatives for growing the economy. Also speaking from the FRB Atlanta was Janet Hamer, Senior Community development Manager. Ms. Hamer was a member of the planning committee that developed the forum.

April Atkins, Community Affairs Specialist of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) also based
in Atlanta, GA moderated the first panel. Ms. Atkins was a member of the planning committee. The panel discussion was based on "Overcoming Hurdles To Small Business Financing".Panelists were John Barrett, President & CEO of First Citrus Bank; Janine Salmon, Vice President & Area Manager, Business Banking Chase Bank; Rick Diestelkamp, VP/Senior Commercial Executive, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union; Charles Long, Area Manager, Small Business Administration (SBA); and Elli Papadopoulos, Loan Officer, Grow America Fund.

Small Business Resources Panel

Following Alex Sink, Chair of Florida Next Foundation and former gubernatorial candidate was the final panel moderated by Jay Robinson, Director of Capital Programs, at Enterprise Florida. The panel discussed "Innovative Financing for Small Business". The panelists were Mike Kennedy, President & CEO of Suncoast Community Capital; April Atkins, Community Affairs Specialist, FDIC; and Vincent Cassidy, President & CEO, Majesty Title Company.

The forum was an overall success in that everyone appeared to learn something new from the panel discussions.Best of all, everyone had an opportunity to learn more about the vast amount of resources that are
available for the benefit of small businesses. SunBiz Showcase Alliance is looking forward to planning and participating in the follow up program that will provide solutions directly to the small businesses in a larger forum.

Here is a short list of the resources named at the forum:
SBDC at the University of South Florida
813.905.5801
www.sbdctampabay.com

Hillsborough County SBIC
813.914.4048
https://sbic.hillsboroughcounty.org

SunBiz Showcase Alliance LLC
321.219.9732
www.sunbizshowcasealliance.com

Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp.
813.274.7925
www.tampabaybbic.com

Veterans Business Outreach Centers
www.sba.gov/vets

SBA's 7 (A), 8 (A) programs; Patriot Express, SBA Express, Community Express, CAPlines and 504 Loan
programs.

Webcast on Networking Options

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2011

IBM Market Development sponsors Webcasts
IBM Market development sponsors a series of webcasts to benefit small business owners
and professionals in transition Orlando, FL- The first of a series of webcasts that will feature informative topics that will help small business owners and in most cases professionals who are in between jobs will take place on Thursday, November 17th at 12 noon EST during Global Entrepreneurship Week - GEW
(Nov 14-20). Harland Henry of SunBiz Showcase Alliance will be hosting these webcasts that
are sponsored by IBM Market Development. Register at http://networkingops.eventbrite.com

YOU WILL LEARN
The first webcast is "Networking Options For Business Owners and Professionals in Transition",
the importance of building relationships through networking.
Our panelists will drill down:
• First impressions through non-verbal communication
• Dressing for success
• Making an impact.
The results can either land a job or close a big sale.
Our veteran networkers panelists for the topic in this first series are:
Di-Anne Di Re - Founder/President, Media Resources, Florida
Nancy Frede - President, Frede Enterprises, Connecticut
Harland Henry - Moderator - President/CCO, SunBiz Showcase Alliance LLC
Liz Otts - Founder/President, Florida Expo Services, Florida

Please register early to receive the link that will get you into the webcast on Thursday,
November 17th at 12noon EST at http://networkingops.eventbrite.com. If you have questions,
please contact Harland Henry at harland@sunbizshowcasealliance.com or 321.219.9732.
Once a year, entrepreneurial minds around the world join the GEW movement to foster
originality, imagination and ingenuity through local, national and global activities. Founded by
the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the world’s largest foundation dedicated to
entrepreneurship. GEW helps current and aspiring entrepreneurs gain the knowledge, skills and
networks necessary to grow sustainable enterprises.

Media contact:
Di-Anne Di Re
407-579-9903
dianne@mediaresourcesenterprise.com

Get used to this term "Regional Innovation Clusters"

Regional Cluster Initiative

Shouldn't this be news headline somewhere? Those of you who know me well have had to listen to my chest-beating chants about "localization" and the regionalization of small businesses. Well, to my surprise and delight, it is officially here. I have NOT seen it in any major news (or any media for that matter) but, the idea has been rolled out by others who have much bigger bully pulpits than I.

I encourage you to learn these three letters RIC (Regional Innovation Clusters) coming to a city near you. In fact, I suggest you request a RIC because it may take too ling to arrive.

The Obama Administration announced on September 22, 2011 the winners of the $37 million Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, a multi-agency competition.
http://www.sba.gov/content/regional-cluster-initiative-0.



"The only way to fully restore America's economic strength is to make the long-term investments that will lead to new jobs, new industries, and a renewed ability to compete with the rest of the world."
- President Barack Obama

Where Did The Money Go After 9-11?

Where did the money go after 9-11?

As I began preparing for my September newsletter, I looked around for articles that mentioned 9-11 in relation to its economic effects on small business. I was disappointed that not many directly addressed the relationship between 9-11 and the unfortunate stifling of small businesses across the country. Is it possible that the lack of circulating money was responsible for breaking the back of the economy? I think so. No one disputes the fact that 9-11 was a tragic disaster. It was a sad day for everyone, especially those of us who knew of someone directly or indirectly affected by a loss of life or injury. However, the other tragic loss that seemed to have gone unmentioned is the loss of funding, support, and contracts for small businesses immediately following the incident.

 Prior to 9-11, small businesses had lots of opportunities to be successful. Funding was available, sales people thrived and marketing opportunities were opening everywhere.  Most of all, the larger corporations and government agencies had money to spend with small businesses through their procurement systems.  Many of the small businesses that I know thrived on their annual contracts to supply from nuts and bolts to paper goods and every possible type of service. Then came 9-11!

Before the end of October 2001, budgets were dramatically frozen or cut, many long term contracts were canceled and hundreds of small businesses had to close, retool or rapidly downsize.  Suddenly, landscapers and small appliance maintenance workers had to renegotiate contracts. Everything that had a “small business” label changed. The funding for the very programs that were in place to assist and support these businesses was suddenly cut. Corporations no longer funded, supported or sponsored business showcases, expos, roundtables and forums that brought entrepreneurs and business people together.  Where did the money go?

Now 10 years later, the shock to small businesses has not worn off. The Madoff and hedge fund scandals added to the demise of small businesses, further closing off the pipeline to almost any funding and support through grants and loans. So what is the solution?

Change is possible. The economic debacle that we are in can change if corporations have an interest to make it work. The signs are there, they have been appearing lately. Corporations are beginning to sponsor (though in a very small way) small business events.  Banks are allowing their Business Bankers out on the road again. An upturn in the economy needs a show of confidence on the part of the small business owner and innovators. However, their confidence is based on the tangible support from government, banking institutions and support systems.  The Kauffman Foundation is a great example of what is possible with support. Small business owners don’t necessarily need millions of dollars in loans to hire staff, it’s your support and assurance that they have a credible partner.

I truly believe those making the regulations are well intended.  However, there are a number of simple measures institutions and small government agencies can take to build confidence and assurance for small business. Begin by providing small businesses with procurement opportunities, open contracts for goods and services so that small businesses can generate cash flow, increase inventory, hire and regenerate a viable economy.  Many will tell you that they need small loans or investments as low as $1,500 for inventory and equipment.  Provide the opportunity and support; relax regulations, streamline the licensing process and high credit criteria, make small funds available to businesses and we can get people back to work. Create opportunities by reopening small business forums, sponsor and create panel discussions for innovators. In addition, streamline the start up and licensing process and place Confidence Builders into the communities to coach and consult with the businesses.  Let’s bring the money back into small business. It can start now!

Attend and support the following Business Expos:

1. Saturday September 17^th – 2^nd Annual Pasco/Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Expo at the Rasmussen College, Land O Lakes, Florida. Featuring Julio Fuentes, CEO Florida Hispanic Chamber – Contact Rocio Paulsen at rocio@gf-is.com.
2. Wednesday, September 21^st – 2^nd annual Florida Business Expo at the Rosen Centre, Orlando, Florida. Featuring Luis Cuneo of IBM – Click on link for details.
3. October 3-5, 2011 – Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council’s Business Expo – MGM Grand, Foxwoods, Mashantucket, CT.  -  Click on link for details.

Elizabeth Warren To The Rescue

Treasury Department Announces Launch of ‘Beta’ Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Website

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the launch of a ‘beta’ Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) website, ConsumerFinance.gov, a critical link to the American public for soliciting ideas on the bureau’s creation and priorities and for answering questions on its work.

“We have the opportunity to create a brand new consumer agency from the ground up. This agency will put a cop on the beat to enforce the laws on credit cards, mortgages, student loans, prepaid cards, and other kinds of consumer financial products and services,” said Elizabeth Warren, Assistant to the President and Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on the CFPB, in a new video available on the website. “We want to make sure that the American people are with us all the way while we build it.”

The central aim of the CFPB implementation team’s initial new media efforts will be engagement. The team will reach out to the American public for ideas, input, and feedback on the work already underway and on new initiatives commencing in the weeks and months ahead. In addition, the site will be a valuable tool in recruiting talent to join the staff of the CFPB.

The CFPB ‘beta’ website currently has the following features available online:

Open for Suggestions. The CFPB implementation team wants to hear from consumers, businesses, and anyone who is interested in making consumer financial services markets work better for everyone. One component of the CFPB ‘beta’ website is an application for communicating directly with the American people: “Open for Suggestions.” This feature encourages communication directly with the CFPB implementation team through YouTube video questions, but suggestions can also be accepted through e-mail and other forms of online communication. This feature is just one expression of a larger idea: the CFPB implementation team is listening. The CFPB’s priorities will be responsive to the public the consumer bureau serves. Comments from the public will help the CFPB implementation team understand what consumers and financial services providers need and will inform the work of the bureau.

Interactive Display of Prof. Elizabeth Warren’s Daily Calendar. One of the items most frequently-requested by the public is Prof. Elizabeth Warren’s calendar. The CFPB implementation team has put her calendar online in an interactive, clickable format. Users can explore who Warren is meeting with and hearing from through the online tool, or they can download the iCal feed, subscribe via RSS, or view the calendar as a FOIA-compliant PDF file.

About the Bureau. This section includes an animated video describing the origins of the financial crisis and what the consumer bureau will do to protect American families and improve financial services markets for consumers and providers alike—and ultimately strengthen the entire economy. The video is narrated by director, actor, and producer Ron Howard.

Social Media. Individuals can follow CFPB on several social media sites:
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/cfpb
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/cfpb
• YouTube: http://youtube.com/cfpb
• Flickr: http://flickr.com/cfpbphotos

Additional resources available now include selected financial education materials provided by other government agencies and a tool for determining the agency with current authority for overseeing different providers of financial products and services so that consumers can find help with their financial problems with the responsible agency while the CFPB is getting underway.

POSTED ON February 3, 2011