Join Chamber member Shalana Poole for the free presentation of “Scott Hamilton: The Power of Perseverance.” This event will take place on Tuesday, July 8^th at 7:30pm at the office of Edward Jones Advisor Shalana Poole, 14101 290 W., Ste. 400 A.
 
About the Presentation:
 
Scott Hamilton is a contradiction to the saying, "Nice guys finish last." In fact, his achievement as an Olympic figure skating gold medalist is just one example of how he has overcome many obstacles in his life to forge a path of success and inspiration.
 
As a commentator, a best-selling author, a philanthropist and, most importantly, a cancer survivor, Scott Hamilton's dedication goes beyond the boundaries of athleticism.
 
There are many parallels between Scott Hamilton's focus on his objectives and maintaining an optimistic outlook when it comes to your investing goals. Join us for our video program as Hamilton discusses how perseverance has been a key to his professional and personal success.
 
To reserve your seat for this free video presentation, Scott Hamilton: The Power of Perseverance, contact Shalana’s office by calling (512) 894-0665.
 

Join the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) for their Annual Historically Underutilized Business Forum on Thursday, July 10, 2008, from 1:00 pm – 4:30 p.m. at 611 East 6^th Street, Austin, Texas.
 
The forum will provide information about the TLC’s HUB program, procurement processes, and Mentor Protégé initiatives.  It will also feature a roundtable networking session with key Lottery Commission staff and prime contractor representatives.  Roundtable assignments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the forum. 
 
The TLC HUB Forum is FREE of Charge!Register on-line on or before 7/8/08 at: www.txlottery.org/hub For more information contact: Joyce Bertolacini, HUB Coordinator (512) 344-5293 joyce.bertolacini@lottery.state.tx.us.

The City of Austin’s Small & Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) is hosting a Certification 101 Workshop on Wednesday, July 9^th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm in the Waller Creek Building located at 625 East 10^th Street.
 
Certification 101 gives businesses a chance to find out about the opportunities available for small minority-owned or women-owned business enterprises (MBE/WBEs) with the City of Austin. SMBR also certifies vendors as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) so that they can participate in federal procurement opportunities dealing with highways and transportation.
 

The U.S. Small Business Administration has introduced two new free online finance courses to help small business owners with the basic principles of finance and borrowing. 
 
The new self-paced courses, Finance Primer: Guide to SBA’s Loan Guaranty Programs at http://app1.sba.gov/sbtn/registration/index.cfm?CourseId=29 and How to Prepare a Loan Package at http://app1.sba.gov/sbtn/registration/index.cfm?CourseId=28, walk business owners through steps that answer questions about what debt financing is, what loan programs are available, what small businesses should know about borrowing money, how to prepare a loan package and how loan requests are reviewed by lenders.
 
“It is important for the SBA to provide information tools to help our nation’s entrepreneurs who desire the personal freedom and economic independence that can come with business ownership,” said SBA Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza.