Entrepreneur workshop delayed by scheduling conflict

ALTON – A hospitality workshop planned this month by several organizations has been delayed by a scheduling conflict among speakers.

“Raise the Bar: Build an Exceptional Brand,” originally scheduled for Oct. 28, is now being put off until after the first of the year, organizer Ron Tanner said.

The event is being planned by Alton Area Business Development Association, Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, and River Bend Growth Association.

The event aims to apprise area businesses, non-profit organizations, government staff, and civic leaders about economic development and entrepreneurism opportunities.

Updated information will be posted on MarketFreshNetwork.org.

“Successful economic development is not an accident,” said Ron Tanner, event organizer, entrepreneur, business consultant and AABDA Board member. “Sure, community and/or economic fluctuations are the result of many factors, but sustained growth is a planned series of events strategically executed for the greater good. This event is an important first step toward that plan.”

AABDA is a nonprofit recently founded to create and run a small business incubator and local food hub called the Great Rivers Market Fresh Network. It is a collaborator with the Southwestern Illinois and St. Louis Regional entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The Convention Bureau is a destination marketing organization serving northern Madison, Jersey and Calhoun Counties. The bureau was established to educate visitors about the many attractions the region has to offer by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels.

The RBGA is an economic development organization for the communities of the Riverbend.

For more information about this event or the collaborating organizations, contact Tanner at altonabda2012@gmail.com or (618) 570-9125.