By Sherry F. Pruitt

JONESBORO — More than 100 attendees are expected at the state Veterans in Business Symposium on July 16 at the Arkansas State University Convocation Center.

The daylong event, “Vets Helping Vets Succeed,” will begin with registration at 8 a.m. and continue through 4:30 p.m., said Susan Glasgow, training coordinator at the ASU Small Business Development Center.

The symposium is designed for Arkansas veterans and active members of the state National Guard and the Reserves who own their own business, as well as for potential entrepreneurs.

The conference includes miniature workshops on a variety of business topics, including “Recession Proofing Your Business” and “Market Research for Small Businesses.”

Glasgow expects one of the most popular presentations will be “Selling to Uncle Sam,” which looks at federal, state and local governments being the largest purchasers of goods and services.

Business owners and those who want to own a business will attend separate conferences. The presentations are held at the same times.

Speakers scheduled

The special guest speaker is Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard. Wofford will speak about the challenges facing Arkansas National Guardsmen as they continue to transition from civilian to citizen soldier in the continued deployment and what communities can do to help their families.

Other speakers include Glasgow; Stephen Hollowell, director of government affairs in the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office; and Al Hodges, senior vice president of Arkansas Capital Corp.

The symposium targets veterans and guard and reserve members and is free to them and their spouses. It is open to the public at a cost of $30.

“Normally one seminar is $30,” Glasgow said. “This is a bargain.”

Registration is required by Wednesday. Lunch and materials are included, but participants may only eat lunch if they register by Wednesday, Glasgow said.

Participants may register online at http://sbdc.astate .edu or by phone at (870) 972-3517.

The program is presented by the ASU Small Business Development Center, the College of Business, Arkansas Capital Corp., Delta Center for Economic Development, Beck Pride Center, and Arkansas National Guard.

“Our country, state and community are grateful to their military service members, both veterans and active duty, for their courage, dedication and sacrifices to protect our everyday freedoms,” Glasgow said by e-mail.

sherry@jonesborosun.com