Jay Sachetti joined Jeff O’Brien, partner at Husch Blackwell and Dyanne Ross-Hanson, president of Exit Planning Strategies talked about the market for mergers and acquisitions, exit planning opportunities for companies that don’t end up for sale and how companies can maximize their eventual sale price during an early October panel at the first Upsize on Tap event at Summit Brewing Co. in St. Paul.
When the state Legislature passed a law requiring employers to provide paid leave and safe time for employees, Justin Bieganek started hearing differing details from friends, colleagues and peers.
Last October, 30 business owners gathered for an extraordinary morning: They presented their best tactics for growing companies at the first Upsize Business Builder Awards & Seminar.
During six panel discussions, nearly 200 people discussed the ideas, asked questions, heard from a topic expert on each panel, and then celebrated with peers at the awards luncheon that followed. As the highlight, the Upsize Business Builder of the Year was named.
It was one of my favorite days so far at Upsize, because it perfectly demonstrates our mission to get business owners together, sharing what works, warning about what doesn’t, and connecting with people who can help.
And it perfectly proved what I know so well: Upsize readers, the owners of small companies, have the best ideas to build their firms but they so often lack the opportunity as most attention goes to giant corporations.
Recently, I chuckled when the promotional people sent me press release after press release about the new work-life balance awards they were handing out. General Mills won one.
I think General Mills is a great company with great programs, don’t misunderstand. But how does General Mills’ experience apply to what small companies can do? They’ve got on-site day care and dry cleaning and a concierge, and probably spend more on these services than most small companies will make in 10 years.The most applicable advice comes from small-business owners themselves and those who have dozens and dozens of them as clients.
Now, small-business owners have an opportunity to participate in this year’s event. Nominations are open for the Upsize Business Builder Awards & Seminar 2006, presented by Employers Association Inc., to be held in October.
Get your nomination form at dev.divistack.com; click on the Upsize Business Builder Awards & Seminar logo. If you want to read about last year’s finalists, click on the December 2005 issue of Upsize.It’s not difficult to enter. You describe in about 100 words your best growth tactic in one of six areas. You add three year’s worth of annual revenue, if you also wish to be considered for the overall award, and include your approach to driving growth. Your company must be based in Minnesota and, of course, have fewer than 100 employees.
The deadline to enter is May 15, 2006. Our judges will convene in July to select finalists and winners, who will present their best practices in October.
I hope to see you, and to hear about your excellent idea, at this year’s great day.
— Beth Ewen editor and co-founderbe***@*******ag.com
