NOVI – For the past 10 months, Walsh College sponsors have been making recommendations and implementing solutions for two local companies. Hear the results of the small business makeover for Achatz Handmade Pie Co. and Infra Corporation, along with a breakout sessions for seasoned and start-up small businesses on May 6 at the Third Annual Small Business Conference.

In recognition of the economic climate, ticket prices are reduced to $25 for Walsh alumni and partners and $50 for the general public. As always, BLI sponsors and members have free tickets.

Jim Hiller, president and CEO, Hiller’s Markets will be the keynote speaker at the Walsh Small Business Conference. Hiller’s Markets has become a model for Michigan business. In January, Hiller pulled all cigarettes from his seven grocery stores and Governor Granholm named Hiller a 2009 Hometown Health Hero for his decisive actions. Dedicated to promoting Michigan companies, Hiller’s indicates mitten-state products with special shelf tags in every aisle and features Michigan companies on every page of its biweekly circular. A recent first-of-its-kind Michigan Foods Fair at the company’s Union Lake store drew thousands of shoppers over two days.

Other sessions include:

Cash Is King: How To Manage Cash Flow & Increase Working Capital for Michigan Small Businesses

There has never been a more critical time for entrepreneurs to understand how to manage cash flow. This session will provide tips on how to do more with less, maximize the cash you have and offer suggestions on increasing overall working capital. Learn tactics and strategies to increase the liquidity in your business and keep growing. Presenters: Mike Semanco, President & COO, Hennessey Capital; Toby Dahm, Senior Vice President, Hennessey Capital; Jeff Wright, Senior Vice President, Hennessey Capital.

Michigan Business Tax: Are we the Great Rates State?

Just when you thought you had it figured out – BAM – a new formula appears. Get the top ten list of things you can do to make your own economic stimulus plan! Presented by Ursula Scroggs, president and managing partner, Derderian, Kann, Seyferth and Salucci, PC.

H.R. Regulations That Affect Your Michigan Small Business

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From the President’s stimulus package to the Amendments to the Americans With Disabilities Act, employment law has rapidly changed over the past year. This seminar will provide a practical how-to approach for small businesses to learn to manage the new employment laws as well as master the existing laws. Presented by Rebecca S. Davies, Esq., Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.

Superior Operations: “HURON to something!”

How well do you understand your customer? Does your business process align with your customer expectations? During this session you will get an overview of the techniques to ensure that your processes support your customer needs. Are you listening to your customer? Presented by Michael Pircer, president, MAP Business Solutions.

Make Michigan Your Acre of Diamonds!

This session will challenge you to seek opportunities through a defined purpose and to find true wealth and prosperity right here in your own back yard. He will teach you how to grow rich with peace of mind. Presented by Raymond Campbell, Walsh alumnus and president, Mastermind Solutions.

Reviewing Your Payment Processes

There are many ways for even the smallest companies to automate their payment processes. But how do you go about it? Where do you begin? We’ll discuss the various payment applications that are available to help you save money and work more efficiently. You’ll learn to look at your existing payment processes (incoming and outgoing) in a new light and find out how to talk with your financial institution and other solution providers about replacing your manual/paper processes with electronic payment alternatives. Presented by Amy L. Smith, AAP, CAE, President & CEO, The Payments Authority.

Say Yes to Michigan Small Business Resources!

Oakland County, the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Centers and the U.S. Small Business Administration all have resources you can use! Find out what they have to offer, what’s new, and how you can access these invaluable resources! Presented by Walsh adjunct faculty member Lola Ar??, Center Director, Senior Business Development Rep – Business Consultant, Oakland County Business Center

Meaningful Legal Documents for Estate and Business Tax Planning for the Michigan Business Owner

This estate planning session will discuss wills, trusts, various powers of attorney and asset protection planning for business owners, as they were prepared for the makeover companies; presented by Walsh adjunct professor Francis G. Seyferth, attorney with Foster, Swift, Collins and Smith, P.C.

Making a Profit in Michigan?

Becoming a cost efficient Michigan business is a requirement to survive in today’s environment. Understanding the true costs to produce or sell a product or service is critical to sustaining your business. Operating with inaccurate data, lack of intelligent market and business feedback, and ineffective internal controls can lead to the demise of the organization. A structured approach to strengthening profitability and process improvement initiatives is crucial to success. Presented by Alan Lund of UHY Advisors.

Michigan Field of Technology Dreams

Creating and managing your small to mid-size infrastructure and team can seem like a losing game. We will be discussing players in the technology field and playing the IT game one base at a time — from choosing the right server, implementing technology security measures, reviewing employee productivity tools and protecting your business assets – we will help you in your quest for a winning season! Presented by Peggy Feltner, executive vice president at ZenaComp Inc.

Marketing in Michigan’s Economic Climate: Method Behind the Madness

With hundreds of media choices and marketing tactics to utilize… how do you know which will work best for your business? Do you have a plan or are you just winging it? We will break down the marketing process and show you how to determine and strategize effective marketing tactics for your business. Presented by Erin Robinson and Kathy Gambino of Delicious Marketing.

Michigan is Going Digital. Are You Keeping Up? – Social Media Marketing Strategy Development

Social media marketing has made a significant impact on the way many Michigan companies do business. What was once labeled a simple tech fad has evolved into valuable marketing, public relations, customer service and business development tools. But what does this mean for companies who have yet to integrate elements of social media into their operations? Are they being left behind? In this session, we’ll focus on the foundations that make up a corporate digital strategy and discuss some of the benefits and risks associated with social media marketing from the perspective of a business decision maker. Presented by Brandon Chesnutt, Walsh MBA student and Account Executive with Identity Marketing & Public Relations.

Future You.

What if you could see into the future? Learn the basic principles of predictive forecasting and how to position your company for the future. Learn how futuristics is the competitive advantage that every company needs to prosper in this environment. Presented by Mark Young, president, Western Creative, Inc.

Third Annual Small Business Conference

Wednesday, May 6

8 AM – 4 PM

Novi Campus

Tickets are $25 for alumni and friends

$50 for all others

To register online, click on Secure.WalshCollege.Edu