PLAN B: Tips for this economy

By Diana Popp, Regular Contributor to the Beverage Journal

The following references come from an article that originally appeared in the August 2009 issue of the Michigan Beverage Journal. All websites mentioned in the article can be accessed by clicking the appropriate link below.

These are a few of many websites that provide valuable information to small businesses and the hospitality industry.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN:

• The economic stimulus programs are changing frequently and will likely do so over the next 1-2 years.  To track the allocation of economic stimulus funds, go to: http://www.recovery.gov/
• This page is specifically designed for small businesses: http://sba.gov/index.html
• You can also subscribe to free e-newsletters on the SBA’s website at: http://web.sba.gov/list/ 

MICHIGAN’S CONVENTION AND TOURIST BUREAUS

• These are regional associations designed to bolster regional economies by building collaborative partnerships.  Go to this page to find the bureau for our region: http://mich.info/michigan/arts/bureaus.htm

FOR ENERGY USAGE AND ONLINE CALCULATORS:

• One of the best online guides to reducing restaurant energy expenses can be found at: http://fypower.org/pdf/BPG_RestaurantEnergyEfficiency.pdf.  Although this was developed for California, the same principles apply to Michigan from saving money on appliances to sanitation and water use to HVAC systems to lamps and lighting fixtures.

• Here's a great piece from the SBA on how to save energy:
  
  http://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/sba_homepage/
  serv_energy_going-green_factsh.pdf
  
  Also, Michigan's Energy Office has a lot of resources for businesses and individuals:  http://www.michigan.gov/EnergyOffice 

• This energy page is targeted to business:
  http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-25676_25677---,00.html

• Consumers Energy: http://www.consumersenergy.com/welcome.htm

Choose “Energy Savings” at the bottom right corner and then choose business on the next page.

DTE Energy has launched a new website (www.myenergysavings.com) that is designed for both homes and businesses.

• For ways to finance changes in energy usage, consult the Small Business Administration at:  http://www.business.gov/expand/green-business/
  energy-efficiency/get-started/financing.html.

SMALL BUSINESS STIMULUS PROGRAMS:

This is constantly changing due to changes in the stimulus programs.  For more updated information, contact: www.sba.gov/recovery

ONLINE COLUMNS FOR RESTAURANT AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS:

• You can subscribe to an RSS feed for (restauranting@about.com and smallbusiness@about.com .  These two newsletters have lots of ideas 
• Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration., Center for Hospitality research. http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/chr/

MARKETING:

There are now too many blogs to follow about new marketing strategies using the web.  Here are a few of my favorites:

• This blog is constantly cited as one of the best for understanding marketing in the new economy:  http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blog/  Caution:  opinions often served with attitude!

• This one is by Joan Stewart, a national public relations strategist:  http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

REDUCING STRESS:

• The American Psychological Association’s website has a great deal of consumer information about reducing stress.  Go to: www.apa.org/ and search for “stress.”

© 2009, Michigan Beverage Journal