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New group formed to protect, promote business in
Tri-Cities
Kane County Chronicle
By Bethany Krajelis - bkrajelis@kcchronicle.com
January 17, 2008
GENEVA – Ernie Mahaffey may have retired seven years
ago, but he’s spent the past two working to form a group
aimed at encouraging business development in the
Tri-Cities.
The retired international trader from Geneva is one of
nine area residents who recently founded The Center for
Business Education, Innovation and Development. The
center's mission of providing education through community
events began in October and will continue Tuesday with a
panel of entrepreneurs at Geneva's History Center.
“We want to build a network of people that can help come
up with some innovative ideas to really promote small
business growth,” Mahaffey said. “It’s all about
education and if we can identify the assets available in
our community, not only will it be stable but it will
grow.”
With a downturn in the economy and an increase in global
competition, Mahaffey said it’s important for
communities like Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles to be
educated on the issues.
“In this globalized world, so much is being
outsourced,” Mahaffey said. “The industry is not as
anchored to the area as it has been in the past. Factories
used to be built where the owner lived ... These days, the
factories go overseas.”
That idea was the topic of the group's first event in
October, when author Richard Longworth discussed his book,
"Caught in the Middle: America’s Heartland in the
Age of Globalism.”
Mahaffey said Longworth’s presentation provided
background for future events, including a special panel of
entrepreneurs that will take place from 4 to 6 p.m.
Tuesday at the Geneva History Center.
Harriet Parker, manager of the Illinois Small Business
Development Center at Wabonsee Community College,
organized the panel and will be the event’s emcee,
Mahaffey said, noting that Parker's more than two decades
of experience in managing successful start-up businesses.
The panel will include representatives of various small
businesses, including a kick boxing studio in Yorkville,
wool producers from Big Rock, office equipment sales in
Downers Grove and a home furnishing and design showroom
from here in Geneva.
And although Mahaffey said the Tri-Cities have managed to
handle global competition relatively well, he wants this
new organization to take a proactive role. The group plans
on hosting more public events.
If you go ...
What: Panel of Entrepreneurs, hosted by new business
organization
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20
Where: Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St., Geneva
For more information on the panel or The Center for
Business Education, Innovation and Development, contact
Ernie Mahaffey at 630-406-5321 or ernie@emahaffey.net
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