Make Your Business Heard: Free Online Marketing Classes @ Your Library

The Arnold Branch of the Jefferson County Library (1701 Missouri State Rd., at the corner of Astra Way and Hwy. 141) will offer a free informational series of classes in September and October detailing how to use online tools to market your business.  Local web developer Will Hanke will teach classes on leveraging Twitter and Facebook for business and marketing your business website.  

The “Leveraging Twitter and Facebook for Business” class will cover how to set up a Twitter account and Facebook fan page.  Attendees will learn about great tools to grow their fanbase, engage with customers and behind the scenes tricks to get the most out of both accounts.  This class is offered Thursday, September 9^th from 9:30 a.m. to noon or Wednesday, October 20^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The “Marketing Your Business Website” class will teach attendees how to revive a “dead” website and also cover search engine optimization (SEO), online advertising tips, and ways to increase your website traffic.  This class is offered Thursday, September 23^rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 or Friday, October 15^th from 9:30 a.m. to Noon.

        These hands-on seminars will be held in the computer lab at the Arnold Branch so space is limited.  Registration is required to attend this program and priority will be given to Jefferson County Library district residents.  Please call 636-296-5171 or visit the Information Desk at the Arnold Branch as soon as possible to register.   

Mr. Komo discusses tax credits, and jobs created by tax credits, and social issues/services.  Problem with having to protect tax credits, but not having the money to continue the programs. Had about 500 million shortfall to make up; governor still has to cut 200 or 300 million shortfall.  Noted that legislative atmosphere was that the budget cuts were a 'bluff' game; thinks that next year will be the worst year for funding.  Has had estimates that will have about 800 million shortfall next year.  Discusses working together as county; have advisory committee; meet in different areas of the county to keep residents informed.  Rotary and Chambers of commerce are support - with money - the study for the proposed Port for Jefferson County.  Had received information from local school districts - able to support grants for helping schools.  Thanks the group for support.

Mr. Govero asks there any questions for the legislators.  He asks why they have to have amendments to the bills--why the bill can't just get passed as is.  Mr. Komo responds this system has been in place for long long time.  It depends upon the Speaker and his legislative leadership.  The Speaker has most of the power on this issue.  Noted that negotiation is big part of the legislative process.

Mr. Frame discusses mechanics and issues in getting bills to the floor, and getting legislation passed. Noted that there are no contribution limits for political candidates; thinks we need reforms.

Mr. Govero thanks the sponsors of the event: Jefferson College, PC Tech, and KJFF, which is broadcasting the event. Introduces the next speaker, Mr. Sam Komo

Mr. Komo is representative for 90th district.  In last session worked on education support, manufacturing support. Tried to support suppliers of manufactures - hoped to pass legislation supporting jobs in the support businesses. Legislation supported did not pass. Noted that 10 jobs are dependent on 1 auto plant job - multiplier effect is serious.

Notes we are losing lots of manufacturing jobs, recommended set up business incubators for smaller businesses in factories where businesses have left. Discusses benefits of setting up incubators in factories where manufacturers have left the state.  Bipartisan support at start of legislature for ethics bill, to make ethics reforms. Discusses rise in cost of campaigns in the state. The committee for ethics reform prepared bill; but it didn't reach the House floor, and house bill was declared dead. Discussed the problems trying to pass the ethics reform bill in the legislature.

Mr. Roorda in response to question says that tax increases are 'off the table'--he and others suggest the legislature work on closing loopholes to help with funding.  Notes state could collect more sales tax from internet sales-which could help budget.

Dan Govero is speaking--discusses the proposed Jefferson County Port Authority--are raising money to fund studies --asks audience to 'support the Port'.  Introduces Mike Frame.

Mr. Frame represents 105 district.  Knew work would be tough when legislature opened in Jan--everyone knew the state and county needed more jobs-- a lot of work done to try to keep Ford in MO--  All were sent to legislature to create jobs/good business environment.  Need innovative ways and new ideas to create jobs in Missouri.

Mr. Fallert comments on the loss of jobs due to the closing of the automotive plants, and the need to develop replacements for those jobs.  appreciates the support he has received from people in Jefferson and St. Geneieve counties.
Mr. Govero thanks Sarah Davis for work with JCGDA, and efforts in promoting 'Shop Jefferson  County'; they are working on another economic forum; he invites everyone to become involved.  He asks for questions for the first three speakers.  Question from audience ? 350 million to be cut from budget--is that the governor's responsibility, or the legislature.  Mr. Roorda replies that the gov. can sign all the bills, and then do 'withholds' to get the budget balanced; he may also call the legislative back for a special session. Noted that 300 million of the deficit is from 'sinking'  state revenue; notes that it is the governor's decision where and what to cut.  Mr. Roorda thinks this year will be 'worst' year--held back 300 million to use next year--so doesn't expect next to be the 'worst' year. He says they are trying to be optimistic--questioner from audience about a ripple effect of the cuts in state jobs--says there is ripple effect from state job cuts.

Roorda is commenting that many programs are at risk; including Meals on Wheels, Parents as Teachers and many other valuable / essential programs are facing severe cuts.  He got five bills passed--dealing with drugs, ambulance requirements, fire districts, and merger of Highway and Water patrols. Worked on DWI bill and worked with Springfield representative to get it passed.  Noted will get 62 new 'fresh faces' in Legislature next year.

Mr. Govero is asking for support for the upcoming 21th Annual Golf Classic on June 14 at Deer Creek Golf Club.  Is asking for support for the 'Shop Jefferson County' program.
Next speaker is Joe Fallert Jr--jokes that he could leave off the Jr.--since his dad wouldn't stand up here for a million bucks--audience laughs.  Remarks that the term limits causes the loss of a lot of institutional knowledge--are losing a lot of experienced legislators.  Noted non-binding resolutions that the Legislation passed--the 'Non-binding Session' of the legislature.  He has received a lot of information from representatives of local organizations about the need for services.