The smell of freshly brewed coffee and simmering soups fill the air as Tammy Makram of Luverne, Minn., rings up a customer’s bill. Her business, The Coffey Haus in downtown Luverne, has been a gathering spot for good coffee, good food and good company since 2005. But like many business owners, Makram feels the impact of a stressed economy even in the most southwest corner of Minnesota.

 

“The current state of the economy has affected my business the same way it has everyone else’s,” Makram said. “People aren't buying as much as they used to buy or, in my case, they just aren't eating out as much as they used to.”

 

With some businesses in the region feeling high stress and low morale in the midst of economic turmoil, the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) economic advancement staff teamed with business consultant and Ridgewater College Instructor Duane Hoversten to offer a “Surviving the Recession” seminar to Microenterprise Loan clients like Makram, SWIF loan clients, entrepreneurs, bankers and economic developers.

 

“Being in business can be lonely,” SWIF Microenterprise Loan Program Officer Kurt Thompson said. “Some folks aren’t necessarily feeling the recession but they’re worried about what might happen.”

 

The seminar - presented in Luverne, Ortonville, Windom, Litchfield, Montevideo and Hutchinson - includes an overview of how the economy got to where it is now and discussion of what’s next for businesses. It also provided “17 Action Steps” owners can immediately put into place in their business, with the first step addressing attitude.

 

“Ninety percent of our problem is attitude,” Hoversten said. “We’re just not sure what’s going to happen.” His advice to business owners during challenging economic times is simple: “Don’t quit doing what you should be doing.”

 

The seminar also highlighted marketing and networking. By sharing success stories and ideas, participants were able to connect with people who are dealing with similar challenges and can provide needed encouragement.

 

“Everyone who came to the seminar went home happy with what they heard,” said Greg Raymo, executive vice president of First State Bank Southwest in Worthington. “The timing was wonderful,” he added, noting that many business owners took a hard hit during the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

Raymo encouraged the bank’s loan officers to invite and accompany their clients to the seminar. This approach proved successful and Raymo said the group plans to meet at least quarterly to provide a platform for local support.

 

Ortonville Community Development Coordinator Vicki Oakes is also planning a follow-up gathering and hopes to include more people. “The way Duane presented got our business owners thinking beyond where they are,” Oakes said. “Those who came to the seminar left charged up.”

 

An overall feeling of optimism and enthusiasm seemed to accompany each seminar. “I got enthused myself,” Hoversten said. He shared that generally, businesses in southwest Minnesota seem to be doing better than what is perceived and business owners are guardedly optimistic that it will be an okay year.

 

SWIF Program Specialist Jackie Turner-Lovsness said the organization is eager to offer continued support, including business consultations, small business classes and “Step Up Your Business” networks. “We’re excited about the positive responses to our seminars,” Turner-Lovsness said. “We’ll continue to provide opportunities to help businesses succeed.”

 

For more information, contact Jackie Turner-Lovsness at jackiet@swifoundation.org or 800-594-9480.