About 50 local small business owners munched on Serrano’s tacos and salsa Wednesday night as they gathered in the L Club room of the PMAC to learn how to develop a relationship with the University.
Small businesses often desire to create a mutually beneficial relationship but struggle to find the starting point, said James Pelton, chairman of Baton Rouge Area SCORE, a group that assists local businesses.
“As small business people, we don’t always have the best intentions to get into a major system like LSU,” Pelton said.
Charles D’Agostino, executive director of the Louisiana Business and Technology Center, explained how small business owners can easily engage in business with the University by introducing ACCESS LSU.
ACCESS LSU is a free program that provides small businesses with a phone number to call, and the LBTC will “do the legwork” and find the right resources with whom to connect the businesses.
D’Agostino said aiding local businesses is important for the University’s image, and it’s imperative for the school to be involved in Louisiana’s expanding economic development.
Mary Feduccia, director of Career Services, explained how small businesses can reach students and alumni. Career Services offers on-campus interviews, access to student resumes, recruitment events and an online job-posting service, Feduccia said.
Scott Bull with Lofton Security Services said he attended the seminar to find out how to “get past the gatekeepers” in order to do more business with the University.
Bull said his company has done security work for the University in the past, but he said he knows there are other large-scale events where additional security is needed, and he wants to provide that service.
Adam Knapp, CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, reiterated recent economic development press announcements.
Knapp announced a new talent development program that will collect resumes in an effort to bring companies and alumni back to the Capitol area.
Knapp said Pixomondo, a digital media facility, will open a branch in Baton Rouge, marking the company’s second American branch and 10th worldwide. Pixomondo recently won an Oscar for its film “Hugo.”
 
 
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Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]