A panel of economic and business experts focused on issues of importance to the Southern Nevada business community on Nov. 8 at the second of a series of roundtable discussions being held at the Henderson Convention Center. Workforce Connections, a Department of Labor investment board, is partnering with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, as well as other chambers, to present the grassroots business forums.
The discussions are designed to offer business owners, managers and professionals financial strategies in the current economic climate followed by a dialogue with attendees to develop actionable projects intended to provide positive and enterprising benefits to local business.
"The purpose of these forums is engaging the business community about programs that will encourage businesses to hire more employees," said Cornelius Eason, director of regional strategies with Workforce Connections.
Business Roundtable—Session V featured panelists from various lending institutions and a Service Corps of Retired Executives business counselor.
Larry R. Seeding, the president and chief executive officer of USSA Savings Bank, has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He spoke about micro loans as a source of capital for both existing and new businesses.
Bob Hart is a vice president and a Small Business Administration relationship manager with Nevada State Bank. He has more than 35 years experience in finance and banking. Known as a small business loan specialist, Hart spoke about the criteria that potential borrowers must meet to be eligible for SBA loans.
Paul Rubino is a vice president and sales development manager for small business with Wells Fargo bank. Rubino described a good business plan as being "priceless" in demonstrating the viability of a business startup and its eligibility for a loan.
Edward Brown has been the chief of finance in the SBA Nevada District Office, Las Vegas since 2007 and is a 35-year-career veteran with the U.S. Small Business Administration. He cautioned against the legitimacy of business grants and advised attendees to be on the lookout for fraud and scams in the lending industry. Brown also encouraged potential business borrowers to contact the SBA before anyone else.
Olav Vangstad is a Service Corps of Retired Executives business counselor and a businessman with extensive accounting, finance and management experience. Vangstad talked about ways to optimize revenues, the cost element of human resources and how to effectively manage assets. He also invited attendees to participate in the seminars and workshops that SCORE offers.
A question and answer period followed the panelists' presentations. Attendees asked questions about the financing requirements of a franchise; the advantages of working with a larger lending institution, as compared to a small one; and how to handle business expansion and cash flow challenges.
Michael Aschberger, an account executive with First Financial Merchant Services and an ambassador with the Henderson Chamber for the past four years, thoroughly enjoyed the forum.
"I learned a lot about the SBA loans," Aschberger said. "And I am a big fan of SCORE. They help a lot of people start businesses."
Workforce Connections and the Henderson Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the next forum on Dec. 6 at the Henderson Convention Center, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The event is free, but space is limited. Attendees must register for the event.
To register for third roundtable discussion, contact the Henderson Chamber of Commerce at 565-8951 or email Workforce Connections through its website at nvworkforceconnections.org.
