Business in the Park: Tax-Free weekend

The dog days of summer will soon turn into “School days, school days…those dear old Golden Rule days,” or so the lyrics go. Around town parents are enrolling their students for the new school year, collegiate co-eds are returning at Rollins College for the fall semester, and kids everywhere are chomping at the bit to go back-to-school shopping and soaking up the last bit of summer.

If you are a parent, one way to save this season is to take advantage of tax-free weekend, scheduled for Aug. 2-4, 2013. It is a great time to pick up school supplies, clothing, shoes and other back-to-school items. Businesses can also take advantage of the savings on office supplies purchased during this time. Not in the market for school supplies? There are several local organizations that can make good use of items purchased at sale prices this time of year, including A Gift For Teaching (agiftforteaching.org).

Whatever your motive, make the most of your back-to-school shopping and spend your dollars locally. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance conducted one of several studies that found that money spent at local independent businesses generates a greater return in secondary spending than money spent at national chain stores. In one study in Maine, for each $100 spent, independent businesses generated $45 in secondary local spending compared to just $14 at a national retailer. For a list of local businesses, search the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce membership directory at winterpark.org or call 407-644-8281.

Sales training

Students aren’t the only ones heading back to the classroom this fall. The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Education Series returns with impressive curriculum beginning with “Sales Strategies for Growing Your Business” on Friday, Aug. 16. The presentation by Dr. Robert Cascio, an academic researcher, instructor and consultant, will offer quick and easy techniques for businesses to implement immediately.

From learning to working

Finally, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and city of Winter Park will discuss educational and workplace collaborations at an Education Update breakfast on Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Winter Park Community Center. The event will explore “From Learning to Working: How Winter Park Creates a Strong Workforce,” via panel discussion moderated by WKMG Local 6 news anchor Lauren Rowe.

When companies look to expand and relocate their operations, the quality of education and workforce training available is a top priority. You can be part of the conversation on how our community is providing education and workforce training for tomorrow’s jobs. Reservations are required in advance at winterpark.org

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.