March 1-2 Central Virginia Franchise & Financing Expo, Greater Richmond Convention Center.  Discover how to be in business for yourself - but not by yourself.  An opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from many of the top franchise companies, at every investment level, currently looking to expand in the Central Virginia Region.  Learn about franchises and financing in virtually every industry. Sample products. Attend educational conference tracks. And get all the information you need to find the franchise that matches your skills, interests and budget.  For details and to register (FREE), visit www.cvfexpo.com.  Use Source Code VSBDC

March 5 Workshop Just for eVA vendors - FREE consultation, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  If you are registered in eVA, (the State’s Electronic Procurement System) but you need assistance in learning how to use the system, this workshop is for you. By appointment only – call (540) 568-3227 to schedule a individual 1-hour appointment.  Hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC).  Learn about all SBDC services, training and resources at www.jmu.edu/sbdcenter, or call (540) 568-3227.

March 6 Marketing & Sales, Part of the "Path to Business Success" Series, 6:15 - 9:15 p.m.  Hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC).  Learn about all SBDC services, training and resources at www.jmu.edu/sbdcenter, or call (540) 568-3227.

March 6 Entrepreneur Express Workshop - Free, 8:30 am - 12:00 noon, Blue Ridge Community College, Robert E Plecker Workforce Center.  A free business management workshop with presentations on key elements of business practice. Workshop segments will cover starting and operating a business, growing an existing business, marketing and financing strategies, and the services available from local, state, and federal agencies.  The workshop is free, but registration is required at www.vastartup.org.

March 11 QuickBooks Payroll Reports, 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m., Offices of PBGH LLP, 558 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg.  Fee:  $10 each.  Hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC).Register for SBDC events at the SV SBDC website, or by calling (540) 568-3227

March 13 Legal, Insurance & Human Resource Issues, Part of the "Path to Business Success" Series, 6:15 - 9:15 p.m.  Hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC).  Learn about all, SBDC services, training and resources at www.jmu.edu/sbdcenter, or call (540) 568-3227.

March 14 Marketing on a Shoestring, Holiday Inn, E Market Street.  What low-cost or no-cost tools are you using to inform folks about your business and products? How do you incorporate public relations into your total marketing mix? How do you put your customers' needs first and still tell your story? What are some strategies you can use right now to grow your business?
Presented by John D. Stone, Ph.D., Professor of Public Relations at James Madison University. He has taught in various parts of the world and has written a number of articles and five books, the most recent text dealing with Public Relations Management.  Fee:  $15;  only $12 for members of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce.  Hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC).  Learn about all, SBDC services, training and resources at www.jmu.edu/sbdcenter, or call (540) 568-3227.

March 20  Managing Your Money, Part of the "Path to Business Success" Series, 6:15 - 9:15 p.m.  Hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC).  Learn about all, SBDC services, training and resources at www.jmu.edu/sbdcenter, or call (540) 568-3227.

March 27 Strategic or Operational Planning, Part of the "Path to Business Success" Series, 6:15 - 9:15 p.m.  Hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC).  Learn about all, SBDC services, training and resources at www.jmu.edu/sbdcenter, or call (540) 568-3227.

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April 1 - June 24 Essential Mandarin Chinese for Every Day Use. April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; May 6, 13 and 20; and June 3, 10, 17 and 24.  5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  SunTrust Bank, 919 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, VACC Office at the Lobby, First Floor.  The class fees are as follows: members who join before March 1 and Early Birds registrants pay $200.  Early bird payment date due before March 15.  Members pay any time before April 1.  Non Members pay $235 when tuition is received after March 2nd.  A $20 non refundable administrative fees apply. Students will also need a textbook (under $20) for the class.  Register early to reserve your space and save.  For more program details, or to register, please contact Ms. Luong Luong, Chinese Language Program Coordinator, (804) 798-3975 or aabac@aabac.org.