To recognize outstanding business success in 2009, Carroll County Economic Development and The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce will join together for the 3rd Annual Business Awards program on November 5th at the Portico of St. John in Westminster.

The evening will feature presentations to fifteen companies who have significantly enhanced the local economy through their business growth and investments. Director Larry Twele said “This year we changed the program from a dinner venue to an informal networking event and awards program. This change will give attendees more time to socialize with existing and potential business partners.”

Registration for the Business Awards program closes October 30th so register today at www.carrollcountychamber.org or download a registration form here.

Many of our downtown businesses are suffering through this slow economy, but all hope is not lost.

A National Main Street Center economic and business specialist will be in Westminster to share practical ideas that business owners can immediately implement to enhance sales. Find out how store and merchandise design can effect the ringing of the cash register; learn how focusing on some basic business ideas can make a big impact; and much more.

Wednesday, November 4th
9:00am - 12:00pm
Koontz-Yingling Learning Center
Carroll County Historical Society
216 East Main Street
Westminster, MD

To register, visit www.NeighborhoodRevitalization.org and click on “Training”.

Do you want to do business with state, local and municipal government agencies? How would you like to meet those government purchasing professionals all in one place?

On November 10th from 8:00am – 2:30pm purchasing professionals from across Maryland will be gathered at Martin’s West in Baltimore as part of the Maryland Public Purchasing Association’s 2nd Reverse Trade Show. Exhibits, directories and upcoming procurement opportunities will be shared. Register today at www.mppainc.org.

If you have an interest in hiring an intern from an area college or university, check out the Baltimore Collegetown Network. This web portal has an Internship section that connects 16 colleges and universities (including McDaniel College) so you have one place where you can reach out to a large number of students looking for internships in all types of careers.

The Baltimore Collegetown Network states “Internships can help you develop a pipeline of future employees, complete tasks and projects, and give students the opportunity to learn about career choices. Successful internships generally have clearly defined position descriptions, provide appropriate supervision for students, and include at least 10-15 hours of work per week (with less than 20 percent being clerical responsibilities). Internships may be paid or unpaid.” Comprehensive information and assistance is also provided on the website to help employers establish new internships.

World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) recently announced the launch of a redesigned website at www.wtci.org. Check out the many programs and services available to Maryland companies to help expand international business opportunities.