Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza

3950 I-10 South & Walden Rd

Beaumont, TX.  77705



Day 1

Day one consists of a series of seminars at the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza. Sessions will cover topics relating to marketing, professional development, entrepreneurship and business growth and expansion. A professional group of presenters will share their expertise in areas important to local businesses.

Attendee Name *
How did you hear about Business Development Week?:

8 AM - 9 AM:
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM:
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM:
11:30 AM - 1:15 PM:
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM:
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM:

Price: $35.00

    "Stirred Again" - Mike Hawkins, Hawkins Homes
    In this presentation, Mike speaks about discovering those passions we possess and serving them to others; thereby finding a passionate, meaningful life. He believes when we lose our flavor in life it is because we’ve settled. The key is to realize that what we need is already inside of us. We must stir up those gifts and talents that we possess, for it is in this, that our life becomes full of flavor again.

    Round-table Discussion: Planes, Trains and Automobiles: How Legislation is Shaping Infrastructure - Monique Thierry, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
    Come hear from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's top expert on transportation issues and gain insights into the issues shaping legislation that will impact federal funding. Local transportation authorities will be invited to this session and it is open to others interested in infrastructure projects.

    4 Disciplines of Effective Leaders (Part I) - Jeff Dyson, Lamar University
    This two part session will focus on systems, business owners and managers should implement which are essential to success.

    Are You Tech Savvy? - Charles Teel, Pocket Watch, LLC
    Learn about the technologies that you can use in your business to make your life easier, increase your productivity, and provide a better experience for your clients. We will talk about The Cloud, iPads and iphones, Apps, Social Media, and more! 

    How to Buy or Sell a Company - Rodney Ames, Black Ink Solutions & Affiliated Partners Group
    This presentation will provide an overview of the process when buying or selling a company. How do you find the right business or the most qualified buyer? What is the right price and financing options? What is involved in preparing a business to be sold? Should you seek professional experience when buying or selling a business? This session will help to answer the many questions associated with either buying and selling a business.

    Good Bye Business Plan - Hello ACTION! - Dave Mulcahy, Lamar Small Business Development Center

    Learn how to build your business with the new action oriented process that stays true to the way most entrepreneurs think and work.

    4 Disciplines of Effective Leaders (Part II) - Jeff Dyson, Lamar University
    This two part session will focus on systems, business owners and managers should implement which are essential to success.

    "People Power" Investing In You - Jarren Garrett, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
    Successful business leaders know the most important asset of any organization is its human capital. Simply put, it is about "People Power." Business achievements occur and are sustained when a leader builds upon the foundation of personal and staff development. However, if a leader is not willing to develop and evolve, long term success is not achievable.

    The Dangers of False Advertising - John Paschall, Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas
    In this session, you will learn about the importance of subjective advertising and the cons of objective advertising. The BBB’s Truth in Advertising Standards will be presented. Attendees will see examples of poor advertising as well as documentation of BBB complaints that could have been avoided if advertising had been clearer and more concise. There will be time for open discussion and questions.

    Cover Your Assets! - Linda Tait, Port Arthur Small Business Development Center 
    Selecting the right business structure for your business is vital. It will determine how well your business and personal assets are protected, and how you are taxed. This seminar will cover the pros and cons of corporations, LLC's, sole proprietorship, and partnerships. Don;t wait until you are in trouble before gaining a basic understanding of various business structures! 

    Forecasting Your Success - Mike Hawkins, Hawkins Homes                  
    As a leader, you set the thermostat for the climate in your business. We will talk about how you can add value to others and therefore increase your own value at the same time.

    Controlling Cost with Managed IT Services - Derek Bell, CMS IP Technologies
    Technology is no longer a simple convenience, it is a requirement to conduct business every day. Learn how a proactive managed approach to IT services can not only drastically reduce overall costs but will help to protect your critical business data from information theft or disaster.

    The Affordable Care Act: Employer Compliance - Ross Carmichael, Talon Insurance, a Higginbotham Company
    The Health Insurance Exchange opened October 1, 2013, kicking off the first of many Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) provisions. As we countdown to 2015, now is the time for employers to understand which requirements have been delayed, which are due for implementation and how they impact compliance.

    Who's Your Customer? - Dave Mulcahy, Lamar Small Business Development Center
    We will look at identifying who will most likely spend money on our products or services. We will focus on what business sector our customers are coming from (private or public). In this session, you will take a logical look at the geographic market, the industry, the distribution channels and the size of the customer base as well as spending power.

    Capturing & Cultivating Leaders! - Kent Hutchison, C. J. Baxter Group, LLC  As small business Owners and Managers prepare to compete in the chaotic and challenging environment of today, there is not a more important theme than "Leadership." In this session you will learn that it is not necessary to change the world or become a household name to become a great leader.

    Managing Your Stress - Crystal Breaux, Your Fitness Designer
    Identify your personal symptoms of stress, as well as gain an understanding of your coworkers, associates and family. In this session you will learn how to develop various strategies for anticipating and managing stressful situations and how to incorporate a life of complete Wellness and Life Balance.

    4 Generations in the Workplace - Deborah Verret, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
    Good business is based on good communication. Understanding generational characteristics is key to good communication. In this session, you will learn about the four generations that compromise the workforce; the Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xer’s and Millenials. You will explore the different values, work habits and ways the different generations communicate. And, you will discover methods to manage these differences to work effectively and efficiently, for greater productivity and quality, in your business.

    Funding Your Dream - Linda Tait, Port Arthur Small Business Development Center
    This session will take you past the rumors on the street to the facts about business financing. Linda will cover the types of funding available to businesses as well as how to qualify for the various finding sources.