Nationally Known Destination Business Speaker Headed to Michigan

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Businesses in Michigan from those in busy urban areas to remote rural routes are encouraged to  converge in Battle Creek to hear nationally-known speaker Jon Schallert present his acclaimed business improvement session, Creating a Destination Business on Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

Schallert's sessions teach independent business owners how to turn their businesses into consumer "Destinations" that attract customers from many miles away, past other competitive outlets.  Schallert's workshop also shows businesses how to get local consumers to spend more money locally, and how to stop "retail leakage."  Schallert's consulting firm, The Schallert Group, Inc., is noted for providing competitive tools to independent business owners that are typically used exclusively by large corporate chains to dominate a marketplace.

In today's economy, "the challenge for any business today, regardless of its location and surrounding demographics, is to create such a compelling offering that it is repeatedly visited by consumers.  For a business to be a true Destination, it must also draw customers both locally and from out-of-town," says Schallert.

Schallert has been working with independent business owners since 1983, and contributes his business strategies to national publications like the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Entrepreneur Magazine.  Schallert speaks and consults with thousands of entrepreneurs annually.  

"Most independent businesses that fail today would not have to close if they had adapted to easily recognizable marketplace changes and focused on becoming Consumer Destinations," says Schallert.  "It's an oversimplification to say that all small Mom and Pop businesses are doomed because of today's economic recession."

As part of his visit to the area, Schallert will also conduct a Marketing Roundtable with seminar attendees to discuss pertinent business issues.  The event is sponsored by Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation, Battle Creek Unlimited, Battle Creek Downtown Partnership, City of Marshall and the Columbia Avenue Business Improvement District.

Early bird registration has been extended through March 24 and can be completed at www.bcunlimited.org.  Click on the link in the upper left hand corner Destination Business Workshop.  Register early as space will fill up quickly.  Early bird registration ends March 24 when the rate will increase. Registration dates and rates are listed below:

Early Bird Extended:  Through March 24: $110

Open Registration:  March 25 – April 18: $140

Onsite Registration:  April 19 - $160

For an additional $80, business owners who participate in the morning session can sign up to participate in the Focus Group.

Group discounts are also available by contacting Alyssa Jones at [email protected]

Those wanting to learn more about Schallert prior to his visit are encouraged to visit his company website at www.JonSchallert.com.  Owners may subscribe to Schallert's free "Reinvent Your Business" newsletter at this site.

Schallert's company is located in Longmont, Colorado.  Schallert is a member of the National Speakers Association, the National Main Street Network, and the International Downtown Association.

For additional information on the event, call Alyssa Jones at 269-441-1668 or [email protected].

SOURCE Battle Creek Unlimited