10/27/09 - Madison County

Giving Business a "Jolt"
By: Nick Austin
6:00 p.m.
 
With the economy still trying to come out of a recession, there is no better time for local business operators to take a fresh look at they how they do business.  They had the chance today as they attended JOLT, a one-day, high energy event, allowing them to network and tweak their strategies in order to create a brighter future for their companies and the community.  The event was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
 
JOLT included group sessions, exhibits from area businesses, and keynote speaker Rudy Kalis.  Topics discussed in the group sessions included results marketing, winning customer service, effective leadership, must-know trends, and more.  It was information that event leaders believe can be used immediately to gain results.  "This information today is what we call 'use it now' information.  So hopefully they'll be able to take this information back tomorrow to use in the business.  Not just in the future, but tomorrow," said Lisa Webb, JOLT coordinator.
 
Through improving their relationships with clients, as well as improving communication at the workplace, an overall positive business climate is created which may lead to expansion and more jobs down the road.  "That's going to translate into a better place to come and do business.  So I think we will be able to get some more members in the door to do business with us, and of course that will help in our community. As we grow, then hopefully we can employ even more people," said Rita McCaslin, Executive Vice President of Leaders Credit Union.
 
Steve Pitcairn led one of the group sessions and also believes that the knowledge gained today will carve a path of growth in Jackson and Madison county.  "Maybe it's efficiencies, maybe it's being more assertive in their marketing or in their sales process.  But as they grow, they're even going to be able to thrive more and hire some people in our community."
 
Event leaders were pleased with the turnout, especially since it was the first time it was held.  They look forward to next year's event, as do business leaders.  They think it will be interesting to see how their companies and the economy have improved between now and then.