Jeanne Poppe likened it to the seemingly automatic training that little boys often get in the repair and maintenance of automobiles from their fathers, while little girls tend to have to take a class if they want to learn how to change the oil once they grow up.

Tuesday, September 07, 1999

Jeanne Poppe likened it to the seemingly automatic training that little boys often get in the repair and maintenance of automobiles from their fathers, while little girls tend to have to take a class if they want to learn how to change the oil once they grow up.

Only Poppe was talking about business, not auto mechanics. More specifically she was referring to the upcoming "Creating Connections for Women and Business Conference" Saturday at Riverland Community College.

"Maybe men have been given more business opportunities and training traditionally," Poppe, who helped organize last year’s first conference, said. "This conference gives women a wonderful opportunity to learn more about running or setting up their own business at several different levels."

Conference coordinator, Janet Anderson, explained that the day had much to offer both women who are already operating a business, and those who are contemplating the idea.

"I think there are a lot of people who are maybe frustrated in their current work, or who are looking to use their entrepreneurial skills," Anderson said. "This conference offers a lot of practical skills and information, as well as a more intimate look at what kind of impact someone could expect such a move to have."

Anderson wanted to remind area residents that they can register for the conference through Thursday. There are still spaces available for the Saturday conference.

The conference is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the West Building at Riverland. Cost is $35, which includes morning refreshments and lunch planned with Silver Palate, operated by Elaine Wilcox. The lunchtime panel discussion will feature local businesswomen: Bonnie Mogen of Bonnie’s Hallmark; Pat Ray from The Gift Gals; Dr. Faye Bollingberg of Bollingberg Chiropractic Clinic; Marie Fryer of Belles and Beaus and Bonita Moeller, who operates the Fountain View Inn on the Lake in Albert Lea.

Free on-site child care is available for ages 2 and up if arrangements are requested with registration.

The day will commence with a short session offering Helpful Hints on Record Keeping and Bookkeeping by Karen Thomas, CPA. Each participant will chose two workshop sessions. The six options include the following: Business Plan without Tears; Taking Your Financial Package to the Bank; Business Assistance Grants and Other Resources; Laundry List for Starting a Business and Reality Check – Entrepreneurship as a Career Option and Marketing Your Business. The Crating Conference will end with a session designed to motivate participants to achieve their goals.

An official registration form is available by calling the Development Corporation of Austin (DCA), the Austin Chamber or the Small Business Development Center in Rochester. A registration form is not mandatory, a clearly printed name, address and daytime telephone number with the $35 fee made payable to the DCA (send to DCA, 1900 8th Ave. NW, Austin) is enough.

The Creating Connections conference is sponsored by the DCA in partnership with Riverland Community College Women’s Centers, the Austin Chamber, SE Minn. Private Industry Council, Small Business Development Center of Rochester and the Initiative Fund.

Participants can call or e-mail the DCA with any questions at 433-0345 or dca@smig.net.