?Thinking Outside of the Big Box,??a free program designed to enhance small businesses in Marion County, will be offered Thursday, Jan. 8 in the Wohlge?muth Music Educa?tion Center on the Tabor College campus.
The afternoon program will begin at 4 p.m. with a presentation by Marion City Administrator Roger Holter focusing on prepping businesses for the incoming big box competition.
Holter is an experienced leader and administrator who has been involved in the retail industry for more than 40 years.
Following a brief break, during which Holter will be available for questions, the evening portion of the program will begin. Finger food will be served starting at 5 p.m.
At 5:15 p.m., Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler Foundation director and co-founder, will provide eight must-do?s for business success in a small town. Founded in 1992, the Kansas Sampler Foundation?s mission is to preserve and sustain rural culture.
Following Penner?s presentation, Tim Smith, president of Tim Smith Consult?ing, will deliver the keynote address at 6 p.m., which will focus on delivering superior customer service.
Smith has been in the training field for more than 27 years. Some of his clients include: Executive Office of Former President Bill Clinton; The Pentagon; New Balance Footwear; Com?merce Bank; and The United States Tennis Association to name a few.
Tim Smith Consulting is a management and work-place training organization in Allentown, Pa.
The free program, which is open to the public, is sponsored by Marion County Economic Development and the Hillsboro Free Press.
