In the wake of the “Great Recession,” at the start of what appears to be economic recovery, two grassroots initiatives have sprung up, offering education and hands-on support to local businesses. While not officially affiliated, the Think Forward Marketing Mastery Series (Think Forward) and Central Oregon Business Education Network (COBEN) share two Bend professionals on their leadership teams.
“Think Forward offers intensive marketing education and hands-on training for local business owners and their marketing staff via quarterly workshops; COBEN brings subject matter experts to speak monthly on various topics that help businesses grow,” says A. Lynn Jesus, owner of Thriveology. “Kelly Walker and I serve on the leadership councils of both Think Forward and COBEN.”
Think Forward quarterly workshops offer hands-on guidance from some of Central Oregon’s premier marketing professionals, with the tools and support needed to excel in today’s ever-changing marketplace. Intrepid Marketing, Thriveology, White Knuckle Studios, Socially Wired and Timothy Park Photography initiated the Think Forward Workshop Series this year to offer personalized help and instruction in 21st Century Integrated Marketing to local businesses. A portion of admission fees are donated to Family Access Network (FAN). Two workshops remain:
Session 3: September 19, 9am-12pm. Learn about Content Marketing and join the round table discussion of your choice. $99
Session 4: November 14, 9am-12pm. Experience branding and marketing guidance in action as panel members analyze several participant business brands, websites and marketing on screen! $99
$149 for both sessions, 3 and 4 Register online at www.intrepidforward.com/workshops. Seating is limited. Think Forward is sponsored by ProCFO, Printer Resources, Cascade Business News, Zolo Media, Bend Broadband, and Bend Radio Group.
COBEN was formed to nurture networking opportunities, employment opportunities and job-seeking avenues for its members. The next COBEN event is a no-host networking opportunity on September 13, from 6:00-7:30pm at Broken Top Bottle Shop & Ale Café. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about COBEN and upcoming speakers and topics. Please RSVP at http://www.meetup.com/COBEN12. The cost for each meeting is $7; lunch is provided at regular meetings, but not at the September 13 event.
“Think Forward and COBEN offer a complete, well-rounded education and training package for local businesspeople,” according to Intrepid Marketing Creative Director, Kelly Walker. “COBEN is shorter and more frequent—one hour a month, and covers a broad range of business topics; the Think Forward workshops are three hours each and give participants incredibly valuable take-home marketing strategies. The admission fees for both are invested directly into operating the events; we are all volunteers dedicated to helping grow Central Oregon’s economy.”
intrepidforward.com, 541-419-9976.
