Facilitated by Gail Glanville of Change Bistro. “All too often,” Glanville explains, “entrepreneurs miss the point that today’s conscious consumers are looking for a different message. What was useful and unique last year won’t be perceived that way in 2009. Our customers have changed dramatically; our copy approach needs to change too.” “New market research shows 80% of consumers are now feeling exceptionally high levels of anxiety and distrust. The first thing I look for is Copy that Connects v. Copy that Lectures. Plus, it helps to know the four top ways to wrap your product or service in confidence and give it the flavor of long-term value.” Bring your promotional materials for Gail to review. For reservations, call 401 849 5900, or for information go to www.changebistro.com. Please bring non-perishable food for the Martin Luther King Center.

Location: Winds of Change Professional Development and Wellness Center, Irongate Complex, 438 East Main Road and Forest Ave. Middletown, RI (Entrance off of Forest Ave.)

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In this economy are you concerned about getting financing for your business? Did you know that even the greatest business idea can be spurned by a fussy lender if the paperwork is filled out wrong? Well don’t lose hope, come learn how a lender looks at your loan request and gain insight on the needs and limitations of lending institutions. Credit quality, cash flow and collateral are key. This presentation will focus on preparing your existing business or startup for financing. Sources of capital, including SBA guaranteed bank loans, will be discussed. The clinic is $45 and requires pre-registration. To register visit www.RISBDC.org or contact Lelani Bonner at (401) 598-2702.

Location: Johnson & Wales University, Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence RI 02903

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WHAT: Don’t miss the latest vehicle trends at the 2009 Northeast International Auto Show. From fuel-efficient compact cars and alternative fuel vehicles to the latest crossovers, SUVs and tough trucks, the auto show will showcase a vast selection of new models from major domestic and import manufacturers. The auto show provides one convenient location where attendees can get behind the wheels to try each vehicle on for size, learn about the latest automotive technology for 2009 and beyond and explore futuristic concept cars, all without the pressure to buy. WHEN: Thursday, January 8 Noon – 10 p.m. Friday, January 9 Noon – 10 p.m. Saturday, January 10 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday, January 11 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. WHERE: Rhode Island Convention Center One Sabin Street Providence, RI 02903 WHO: Representatives from leading manufacturers will be on-site to answer questions and provide information on the latest vehicles. The Northeast International Auto Show is presented by the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers Association and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, LLC. TICKETS: Admission to the event is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors (62 and older), $5 for students with ID and $4 for children (7-12). Children six and younger are admitted free. On Kids Day, Sunday, January 11, children 12 and younger will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Additional info and weekday discount coupons are available on the official auto show Web site, www.ProvidenceAutoShow.com. Advance e-tickets may also be purchased online at a savings of $1 off the regular adult admission price. WEB SITE: www.ProvidenceAutoShow.com

Location: Rhode Island Convention Center One Sabin Street Providence, RI 02903

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Bring your business card and 30 second commercial to the Chamber's Leads Group for members only. This popular and exciting networking event focuses on building relationships, sharing ideas and exchanging leads. Pre-registration is required.

Location: Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, 30 Exchange Terrace, Providence.

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Capitol Ridge at Providence and the Benchmark Assisted Living family of communities have been named one of The Boston Globe's Top 100 Places to Work 2008. The public is invited to celebrate this acheivement with a Top 100 Celebration Open House. Capitol Ridge at Providence offers independent living, assisted living and the Harbor Program of specialized care for those with Alzheimer's disease and other memory impairments.

Location: 700 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908

Capitol Ridge at Providence and the Benchmark Assisted Living family of communities have been named one of The Boston Globe's Top 100 Places to Work 2008. The public is invited to celebrate this acheivement with a Top 100 Celebration Open House. Capitol Ridge at Providence offers independent living, assisted living and the Harbor Program of specialized care for those with Alzheimer's disease and other memory impairments.

Location: 700 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908

The NASBITE (CGBP) is a nationally-recognized professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s competency in international business. For companies in the global trade arena, the International Business Certificate Program at Bryant University provides an opportunity to increase efficiencies, maximize effectiveness, gain expertise in global commerce and excel as a global competitor. The distinction and nationally recognized credential increase your opportunities in this expanding field. Upon successful completion of this certificate program, you will earn a Bryant University Certificate and will have learned and demonstrated proficiency using best practices in the field of international business in four core areas: Global Business Management, Global Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Trade Finance. We will also prepare you to sit for the CGBP (Certified Global Business Professional) exam administered by the nationally renowned NASBITE organization (www.nasbitecgbp.org). The national exam date following our course is February 21, 2009 in Boston, MA. Individuals passing the exam will receive the CGBP designation and may use the credential logo and wordmark on resumes, business cards and other collateral identifying them to the public as individuals proficient in global commerce. There are currently over 300 individuals who have obtained the credential in the two years it has been offered and the national average pass rate for the exam is about 70%. Join us for this comprehensive seminar series specifically designed to help individuals prepare for the CGBP exam while providing practical, real-world information on all aspects of international business. Unit I – Department of Commerce Regulations, Export & Trade Compliance: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 Instructor: Barbara Secor, CGBP, President, EXIM Associates Unit II – Trade Finance: Tuesday, January, 20, 2009 Instructors: Helen Lesieur, CGBP, Vice President for International Trade, Citizen’s Bank; John Joyce, Regional Director, Small Business Administration, Boston Office Unit III- Global Management, Marketing & Cross Cultural Communications: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 Instructors: Joseph McWilliams, MBA, CGBP, Instructor, Johnson & Wales Graduate School of Int’l Business; President ITEC Corporation Unit IV – Supply Chain Management, Import Regulations and Legal Issues: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 Instructors: Paula Connelly, Esquire, Partner, Middleton and Shrull Law Firm; Richard Goyette, CGBP, Materials Manager, Speedline Technologies *Additional guest speakers may be added to the program. LOCATION: Bryant University, Smithfield, RI DATE/TIME: Tuesdays, 1/13/09 – 2/3/09 - 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. PROGRAM COST: $995. for full program (50% discount is available to alumni of Bryant University), the single session cost is $375. CREDITS: Each session provides 1.4 CEU’s or a total of 7.6 CEU’s for the full program REVIEW: Review Session at Bryant: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 (optional) EXAM: Exam in Boston: Saturday, February 21, 2009 (optional) CGBP Certificate Program: Cost to take the full program is $995.00 which includes all text books and materials. Scholarships are available to RI companies. Each session provides 1.4 CEU’s or a total of 7.6 CEU’s offered for the full program. To register or get more information, call the Chafee Center at Bryant University, (401) 232-6407. Reimbursement for RI Businesses: Eligible Rhode Island for-profit companies may apply for a 50% reimbursement of the cost of this series. Multiple attendees from the same company may also apply. Reimbursement is available for up to 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, please call Kathy Tufts, Associate International Trade Director, RIEDC, at 401-278-9139. Note: The seminar cost does not include NASBITE exam fees. To take the exam, you must register directly with NASBITE. Eligible candidates for the NASBITE CGBP credential must have completed at least two years of college-level classes OR worked in the international trade field for at least two years. More information is available on their website: www.nasbitecgbp.org .

Location: Bryant University 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917

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Marketing Coach Peter George will host his next “Monday Night Networking” event. This event will mark the first anniversary of Monday Night Networking. Last January, 11 people attended; in December, there were more than 200.The event takes place the second Monday of each month at various locations.

Location: Cricket's restaurant, 280 George Washington Highway, Smithfield

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The past 18 months have been described as an economic perfect storm. One of the conerstones for re-building our economy is the recovery of the housing sector. Join us for a conversation on the economy, housing and what might be key economic development strategies for Rhode Island. $20 per person, pre-registered and pre-paid; $25 pre-registered and pay at the door; $35 for non-members. Sponsored by HousingWorksRI.

Location: Providence Marriott Downtown, One Orms Street, Providence.

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