November 1998 Publisher's Note

November already? Sheeeesh!
November 1998 Publisher’s Note

WOW! I just cannot believe that it’s already November again. You know what that means, don’t you? It’s Business Fair time again. This is a neat event, and if you get a chance, you should really get over there. Even if you’re not an exhibitor (lucky you), you should make an effort to shuffle down the aisles of one of Central Pennsylvania’s biggest annual events. This being the 12th year for the capital region Chamber, it is a very well developed and executed show. So, you’re saying to yourself, I hate those shows. Well, if you think like me, (and Tim Blosser,) it’s the networking event of the century. You really don’t need a booth of your own to meet new people, all you need is a smile and a sturdy handshake... oh, and a pocket full of business cards. Nowhere else can you meet and mingle with such a diverse spectrum of business professionals. The sermon ends here, but read the article on page 15, and maybe then, you’ll decide to go.

I bet you’re wondering why I put Valerie Grigg, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurial Development Center on this month’s cover? Well... a few months ago we published an article on Harrisburg business resources, and neglected to reference the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), and it’s division the EDC. You can’t imagine the number of phone calls and e-mails I received pointing that out to me. At one point I though they were going to call in my CREDC business loan.

But, believe it or not, that’s not the reason I put Val on the cover. The real reason is, she deserves it. Valerie Grigg is one of the most energetic and lively people I have ever met, and an incredible proponent of the growth of Harrisburg as a community. When I discovered she was named the Executive Director of the EDC, I new great things would be on the horizon. Simply, MODE wants to salute a trooper and publicize her venue as prominently as we can. (We’re so dedicated we shot that cover photo over four times!)

If you’re a small business owner, planning to be one, or thinking about quitting being one, you have to understand one thing. Now you have help. It may seem odd, but help for small businesses and entrepreneurs is extremely scarce. Most "government" facilities are understaffed and overburdened, and consultants really go where the money is. The Entrepreneurial Development Center is a resource of unlimited potential for the "little folk." If you need to, and don’t take advantage of the EDC, you’re a fool.

Read the articles on pages 5 and 7. Trust me.

Finally, there’s a smart little comment box on page 24 that eludes to a rather nasty shot one of MODE’s competitors took at us. If you’re familiar with what I’m talking about, I want your opinion. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re better off. All I want to say is that I am disappointed and dismayed at the petty and immature behavior of those I once considered my peers.

Thanks for reading.

Scot Giambalvo, Publisher