The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Success Center has received several awards and much recognition in the last two years. The chamber is proud to present the following three news articles about the center:
Today's Local News, Jan. 11, 2008 issue:
• Headline: Strawberry Fusion, forever.
• Subhead: Entrepreneur turns Carlsbad's red berries into greenbacks with dressings, condiments, spreads and barbecue sauces.
• Background: Chamber member, Russ Bruhn, owner of Carlsbad Gourmet, was profiled for his small business success and his entrepreneurial spirit. His jams and sauces, made from local strawberries and products, are currently sold at more than 50 locations, including nine Costco stores in San Diego County and LEGOLAND.
• Excerpts: The article states, “Bruhn had owned small businesses in the past, but he needed help making connections in the food industry. Andrea Korogi, director of small business development at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, put him in touch with consultants, restaurant owners and finance companies, and directed him to workshops on employee benefits, insurance and taxes.”
“He (Bruhn) has such a great energy level, and he loves what he's doing,” Korogi stated in the article. “The thing you learn after doing this for a while is that there is a type of person who does really well starting their own business. They're not afraid to take chances, they learn quickly from their mistakes and they have to be extremely enthusiastic about their product. Russ is all of those things and he just exudes it.”
The Daily Transcript, Dec. 11, 2007 issue:
• Headline: Your roadmap to business success.
• Subhead: Guide your growth with a well thought out plan.
• Background: The Daily Transcript printed an article by Andrea Korogi, director of small business development at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, on the value of writing a business plan.
• Excerpts: “Developing a business plan is considered to be the most important step to take in starting or expanding a business,” Korogi stated in the article. “One of the most common mistakes in starting or growing a business is not understanding your personal strengths and weaknesses. If you are excellent at what you do, but hate to sell, you have much less chance at success. All businesses have to sell, and if that is not your strength, then find a partner who is strong in that area or plan to add more financing to hire a salesperson or produce a great marketing plan.”
Biz San Diego, January 2008 issue:
• Headline: Dialogue, Ideas from the front lines.
• Subhead: Blood is boiling.
• Background: Biz San Diego magazine asked Andrea Korogi, director of small business development at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, to write an article on conflict resolution in the workplace, and she was happy to oblige.
• Excerpts: “It usually costs twice as much to hire a new employee than to retain one, so if an angry situation can be resolved, it's better for everyone,” Korogi states in the article.
She goes on to state, “Look for some type of common ground, such as agreement on goals, change proximity and responsibilities to avoid repeat conflicts with employees and, instead of telling employees they are wrong, point out other ways to address situations. And once it's all over, mend fences and celebrate successes.”
For small business counseling, workshops or training, e-mail Andrea Korogi at [email protected].