Anniversary of the Huntington Small Business Resource and Recovery Center

With one year under its belt… the initiative that was sparked by Hurricane Irene last August is going strong. Councilman Mayoka said “He sees the Small Business Resource and Recovery Center as a great addition and resource to town hall, and looks forward to seeing it thrive as it moves into its second year”.

Bernie Ryba from the SBA in Stony Brook meets with residents every other week, and he meets with current business owners seeking assistance as well as entrepreneurs looking for guidance.+ This year through the Small Business Resource and Recovery Center we have sponsored 3 programs…

We started the year with Job Search Secrets in February. Karen McKenna, owner of Career Vision a Career Management Professional with over 25 years of experience across multiple industries and Bernard Ryba a Certified, Senior Business Advisor-CPA with over 25 years of business experience including public accounting, were on board to help people envision a new future for themselves.

In May we hosted Show Me The Money, a program designed to assist both the entrepreneur and long- time business owner alike navigate the ways and means to gain access to funds to help their business grow. This program had a panel of guests across a broad spectrum. There were representatives from the Suffolk IDA, Black Women Enterprises, LIDC, TD Bank and a Business Development Specialist from the US SBA. + In November just after Hurricane Sandy hit our shores we held Small Business Strategies in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy. Among the distinguished guests on the panel were Burl Kelton from FEMA / US SBA, Patti Bloom of Bloom Resource Group, Sheldon Sackstein from Sackstein LLP, Roz Goldmacher; CEO of LIDC, AJ Weitzberg from Brae Group and Bernard Ryba. Also in attendance were Patricia Kielawa from Gold Coast Bank and Jessica Lucas from Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

We also Sponsored and Promoted Small Business Saturday on November 24th

The website is up and running and while we are working out the last few kinks we are asking for user input: How can we better serve your needs and How can the Town of Huntington save money… www.hsrrc.org <http://www.hsrrc.org>

For 2013 we plan on sponsoring more programs.

1. Exploring crowd source opportunities for small business

2. Tax Seminars on new tax laws

3. For students we plan on sponsoring a Best Business Plan Competition

4. We will host new programs throughout the year

By Allison Lewin (Legislative Aide to Councilman Mayoka)