Peru Mall plans New Business Expo

04/03/2008, 6:40 am

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The Peru Mall New Business Expo is planned from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 19, across from Kay Jewelers in the mall's south wing.

The expo is designed to provide potential business owners with information and tools to launch a retail franchise or turnkey business through workshops featuring successful business executives.

"The New Business Expo opens the door to new business opportunities with and for local entrepreneurs, Greg Sturtz, Peru Mall general manager, said in a press release. "We'll help potential business owners answer the question 'Do you want to be the boss?' The expo is an unmatched opportunity for potential business owners to learn what it takes to move from a great idea to open for business within the shopping center environment at Peru Mall.

"The workshops will provide entrepreneurs with vital tools needed to start a new business and become a successful small business owner."

The expo workshop schedule, speakers and topics are:

11 a.m.: Sandra Begly, owner-operator of Didough's Twisted Pretzels. "Is franchising right for you? How to choose a franchise."

Noon/lunch: Roger Trollinger, owner-operator of Furry Babies. "Peru Mall success stories."

1 p.m.: Chris Vaske, Amcore Bank, Peru. "How to write a business plan."

2 p.m.: Bob Powell, owner-operator of Grinder's. "Pros and cons of owning your own business."

3 p.m.: Barb Koch, executive director of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development and administrator of the Illinois Valley Enterprise Zone, La Salle. "How the chamber helps small business."

4 p.m.: Cheryl Knirlberger, regional sales manager for The Radio Group, Peru. "Advertising your business."

Leading national franchises, such as Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Auntie Anne's Pretzel and Cold Stone Creamery, will provide information about their organizations.

The Peru Mall New Business Expo 2007 is sponsored by The Radio Group, Applebee's and Pepsi as well as GK Development, which owns the mall.

For more information, send a request to newbusiness@gkdevelopment.com or call Peru Mall at 815-223-7600.

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