Newsroom

New independent business owner conference to launch in October

Friday, September 14, 2007
Austin Business Journal

A new conference looks to provide small to medium-sized businesses in the Austin area advice on how to grow.Austin Open 4 Business will launch its first one-day event on Oct. 10. A roster of speakers and presenters will offer expertise and practical solutions to key challenges facing independent business owners today."Achieving and managing sustainable growth is a key strategic objective of every business and especially for small- and medium-sized companies," says Steve Farrer, executive director of Austin Open 4 Business. "We are delighted that the event has secured such high caliber speakers and panelists to share their expertise and experience."State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, will open the conference with a discussion of Central Texas' economic development status and business-related issues that could arise in the state legislature. Jamie Rhodes, CEO of Perceptive Sciences Inc. and founder of the Central Texas Angel Network, will lead a panel of angel investors providing information on submitting plans for potential funding.The conference will feature four tracks: sales & marketing, finance, human resources and law. Presentations will include e-marketing, health insurance, recruitment and business formations. Clayton Christopher, CEO of Sweet Leaf Tea, will close the event with the story of building his business in Austin.