A new Vancouver business association is taking shape, emphasizing education over networking.
“Our goal is to help people maintain and build their business, and to educate themselves to be able to do that,” said Donna Owen, who formed the Business Success Association in April. She is a former Clark County Chamber of Commerce employee who founded and sold three businesses in Billings, Mont.
Acting as Owen’s adviser is Walt Ronish, principal of Vancouver-based W.R. Business Directions and last year’s interim president of the Clark County Chamber of Commerce.
“There are a lot of business owners with angst and concern about their business, and people contact us just to talk about it,” Ronish said.
The group presents local speakers at each free meeting – 8 a.m. Mondays at Elmer’s Restaurant, 7105 N.E. 40th St. in Vancouver. About 15 people attend weekly.
Owen plans to hold half-day workshops on topics such as business planning, small business budgeting and intergenerational workplace communication.
“We want people to walk away with something of value to their business,” said Owen, who plans for the group to hold a business expo in March.
Half-day workshops will cost $100 and membership is $85 annually.
