Imagine you find out that your next door neighbor really is crazy. After all, she's on a number of medications for anxiety and depression, among others. Did you know so-and-so's little girl is on birth control, and John down the street really has THAT disease? You always knew Mrs. Smith was older than she said, and here's her birth date just to prove it! Oh, she has a drug problem too. And Tim fathered a little girl with that woman? Surely not!
How do you know all of this?
Well, your family physician just threw away about a dozen boxes in his dumpster in the back alley. Upon closer examination, you find record-upon-record in these boxes, detailing the names, addresses, social security numbers, birth control methods, medications, employment histories, insurance payments, and health problems of many or your neighbors, friends, and people in town.
A ridiculous thought, right? Would a physician do such a reckless thing with your privacy?
It's actually a true story in nearby Bloomington, Indiana. Reportedly, last October, this exact scenario of medical records spilling out of a trash bin behind Dr. J.B. O'Donnell's Bloomington office was found by a person passing by, who contacted the Herald-Times. The newspaper later published a story and notified officials about the matter.
According to the agreement filed this month in the Monroe Circuit Court, the physician will be fined a measly $1,250 by the state for dumping these sensitive medical records. He also agreed to post information about the security breach on his website for a mere 30 days.
Although state officials promised if he does this type of thing again that he will be in a lot more hot water and face much larger fines, does the current punishment really send a message of how serious this matter could have been?
Do you often wonder (or even ask) how your personal information is handled -- and disposed of -- when you're filling out an application or form? It doesn't necessarily need to be confined to medical records either. The example could be expanded to all businesses, organizations, and groups.
It's something to think about.
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Go Grandma! Go!
An AP story circulating tonight states that an 85-year-old woman, who lives in Point Marion, Pennsylvania, held a would-be burglar at gun-point. To further pour salt in the wound, she forced the 17-year old thief-in-training to call the police himself while she kept him in her sights the article went on to say.
The full story can be seen here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080820/ap_o...
All I have to say is: Go Grandma! Go!
It's certainly a news story that makes you smile! There is some justice in the world.
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
The full story can be seen here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080820/ap_o...
All I have to say is: Go Grandma! Go!
It's certainly a news story that makes you smile! There is some justice in the world.
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
Monday, August 18, 2008
GCBPC: Frequently Asked Questions
Since posting the other day http://gcdailyworld.com/blogs/chriswathen/entry/19858/ I've fielded some questions, regarding the GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION. Of these, I've decided to post some of the more common ones here:
Q: WHAT IS A BUSINESS PLAN ANYWAY?
A: A business plan is a written description of a company you may wish to start. In it, you will describe what the business will provide customers, who the customers will be, how you will market the products or services you will be selling, and other details of your idea. Traditionally, business plans are developed to communicate these ideas to potential investors, bankers, or business partners. Ideally, they are a 'living document' because they will change over time, as you begin, develop, and change the business. If you ask, few business owners actually end up with the business exactly as they first envisioned it. They may stumble upon a different set of customers, who they didn't realize were in need to their product or service, new products or offerings not first identified, or a completely different method of marketing, as examples.
Q: CAN JUST ONE PERSON ENTER OR CAN A GROUP OF PEOPLE?
A: Yes, either. As in business, sometimes it's just a sole proprietorship. At other times, a partnership or group is involved and makes more sense.
Q: WHAT AGES CAN APPLY?
A: Any ages can apply. In fact, in the era of the internet, many young entrepreneurs have done quite well in real-life business.
Q:DO YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN GREENE COUNTY TO APPLY?
A: Not necessarily. Applicants can be from out of the area, as long as they plan to open and run the business they describe within Greene County.
Q: WHAT PRIZES ARE AVAILABLE TO THE WINNER(S)?
A: We continue to get pledges for more prizes from local companies each day, so stay tuned for updates. All of the prizes are aimed to help a beginning business get a smooth start should they decide to begin their business. For example, we have everything from a free advertising package to a company logo design to a business website to scholarships for entrepreneur workshops pledged so far. If you'd like to discuss pledging items or services toward this county-wide competition, you may e-mail gcbpc@yahoo.com
Q: WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?
A:There are many resources available to you, including the local Chambers of Commerce, the Greene County Economic Development Corporation, local banks, and others. Check with any of these for more information on how to develop a business plan. Most of these organizations have websites, too, which can be quite helpful and full of links to other information. No one form or style of business plan is 'correct' as each have 'pros & cons' to their overall outline. Look at several templates, if you so choose, and select items you feel are best for your particular business idea.
Best wishes & good luck!
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
Q: WHAT IS A BUSINESS PLAN ANYWAY?
A: A business plan is a written description of a company you may wish to start. In it, you will describe what the business will provide customers, who the customers will be, how you will market the products or services you will be selling, and other details of your idea. Traditionally, business plans are developed to communicate these ideas to potential investors, bankers, or business partners. Ideally, they are a 'living document' because they will change over time, as you begin, develop, and change the business. If you ask, few business owners actually end up with the business exactly as they first envisioned it. They may stumble upon a different set of customers, who they didn't realize were in need to their product or service, new products or offerings not first identified, or a completely different method of marketing, as examples.
Q: CAN JUST ONE PERSON ENTER OR CAN A GROUP OF PEOPLE?
A: Yes, either. As in business, sometimes it's just a sole proprietorship. At other times, a partnership or group is involved and makes more sense.
Q: WHAT AGES CAN APPLY?
A: Any ages can apply. In fact, in the era of the internet, many young entrepreneurs have done quite well in real-life business.
Q:DO YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN GREENE COUNTY TO APPLY?
A: Not necessarily. Applicants can be from out of the area, as long as they plan to open and run the business they describe within Greene County.
Q: WHAT PRIZES ARE AVAILABLE TO THE WINNER(S)?
A: We continue to get pledges for more prizes from local companies each day, so stay tuned for updates. All of the prizes are aimed to help a beginning business get a smooth start should they decide to begin their business. For example, we have everything from a free advertising package to a company logo design to a business website to scholarships for entrepreneur workshops pledged so far. If you'd like to discuss pledging items or services toward this county-wide competition, you may e-mail gcbpc@yahoo.com
Q: WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?
A:There are many resources available to you, including the local Chambers of Commerce, the Greene County Economic Development Corporation, local banks, and others. Check with any of these for more information on how to develop a business plan. Most of these organizations have websites, too, which can be quite helpful and full of links to other information. No one form or style of business plan is 'correct' as each have 'pros & cons' to their overall outline. Look at several templates, if you so choose, and select items you feel are best for your particular business idea.
Best wishes & good luck!
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
Thursday, August 7, 2008
GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
The 1st ANNUAL GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
"Creating the business owners of tomorrow by fostering ideas today"
Recently, Greene County was selected as a pilot community for the Home Town Competitiveness initiative in Indiana, which is modeled after the highly successful program from Nebraska. One of the four "pillars" is "Youth," while a second pillar is "Entrepreneurship". Inspired by these, the 1st ANNUAL GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION will help to uncover Greene County's most promising entrepreneurs.
The contest is open to any legal, U.S. residents with a plan to operate a business within or based from Greene County, Indiana. The mission of this start-up business plan contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the creation, start-up, and early-growth stages of local businesses in Greene County, which will have a positive effect on those aged 1 to 35 in our community. For this competition, a "start-up business" is defined as a new business within the community, not having generated any sales to date.
So, do you have an outstanding business idea? If so, you may be eligible to compete for recognition and prizes in the 1st ANNUAL GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION. Participants have the chance to win prizes, including valuable products and services that will help them launch their businesses, although there is no obligation for winners to implement their plan. More importantly, the winner(s) will be featured in publications and introduced to local groups for feedback and potential networking opportunities with established businesspeople.
The deadline for submissions is October 15th, 2008. Entrants must complete a business plan, along with submitting the name(s) and contact information of an attorney, accountant, banker, teacher, potential investor, or business person, who has helped, discussed, or advised them on the business plan in some way. No set form or style of business plan is required; however, the plan MUST address the following categories, and each will be judged for perceived viability, clarity, and conciseness by a special panel of judges:
Operations: Describe the business in sufficient detail to allow the reader to understand what product or service the proposed company will provide, what goal(s) the company intends to achieve, and what skills and resources will be needed. Entries may include non-profit or for-profit entities. Each plan should seek methods for the company to be self-sustaining within three to five years of starting.
Sales & Marketing: Describe how the company will market and sell its products or services, along with the anticipated costs associated with the plan. This may include descriptions of various media, strategies, pricing and product placement to be used, as well as special audiences or market niches, if any.
Financing: Describe the company's start-up and operating costs used for the first year, how much total capital will be needed, and how these specific monetary needs will be funded. The proposed business should require not more than $100,000 total to begin, whether through debt, equity, or a combination thereof.
Local Impact: Describe how this company will positively affect the local economy and its way of life. Although would-be entrepreneurs in any industry may participate, the business may not promote, sell, or use any product or service, which is adult-oriented, including but limited to tobacco, alcohol, or gambling, among others. Businesses may not discriminate against any race, religion, gender, or other governmentally-protected group.
Youth Component: Although there is no age limits on participation in the business plan competition, participants must explain what positive impact or effects from the proposed business are expected on youth in the community. Describe how the company will employ, train, sell to, or purchase from those aged 1 to 35 in the local community.
Entries must be electronically submitted in Word or PDF formats to the GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION at gcbpc@yahoo.com All of the decisions made by a simple majority of the panel of judges are final.
Some helpful links:
http://www.htccommunity.org/
http://www.in.gov/ocra/2351.htm
http://www.isbdc.org/home.aspx
http://www.score.org/template_gallery.ht...
Some definitions & background info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-profit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niche_market
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_%28finance%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shareholder...
The competition has been endorsed by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce Coalition, the Greene County Economic Development Corporation, the Community Learning Center, and the Bloomfield & Linton Rotary Clubs.
Business sponsors include: the Greene County Daily World, Poseidon Graphics, Kegan's Kandy Web Services, and Linton Office Leasing, LLC.
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
"Creating the business owners of tomorrow by fostering ideas today"
Recently, Greene County was selected as a pilot community for the Home Town Competitiveness initiative in Indiana, which is modeled after the highly successful program from Nebraska. One of the four "pillars" is "Youth," while a second pillar is "Entrepreneurship". Inspired by these, the 1st ANNUAL GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION will help to uncover Greene County's most promising entrepreneurs.
The contest is open to any legal, U.S. residents with a plan to operate a business within or based from Greene County, Indiana. The mission of this start-up business plan contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the creation, start-up, and early-growth stages of local businesses in Greene County, which will have a positive effect on those aged 1 to 35 in our community. For this competition, a "start-up business" is defined as a new business within the community, not having generated any sales to date.
So, do you have an outstanding business idea? If so, you may be eligible to compete for recognition and prizes in the 1st ANNUAL GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION. Participants have the chance to win prizes, including valuable products and services that will help them launch their businesses, although there is no obligation for winners to implement their plan. More importantly, the winner(s) will be featured in publications and introduced to local groups for feedback and potential networking opportunities with established businesspeople.
The deadline for submissions is October 15th, 2008. Entrants must complete a business plan, along with submitting the name(s) and contact information of an attorney, accountant, banker, teacher, potential investor, or business person, who has helped, discussed, or advised them on the business plan in some way. No set form or style of business plan is required; however, the plan MUST address the following categories, and each will be judged for perceived viability, clarity, and conciseness by a special panel of judges:
Operations: Describe the business in sufficient detail to allow the reader to understand what product or service the proposed company will provide, what goal(s) the company intends to achieve, and what skills and resources will be needed. Entries may include non-profit or for-profit entities. Each plan should seek methods for the company to be self-sustaining within three to five years of starting.
Sales & Marketing: Describe how the company will market and sell its products or services, along with the anticipated costs associated with the plan. This may include descriptions of various media, strategies, pricing and product placement to be used, as well as special audiences or market niches, if any.
Financing: Describe the company's start-up and operating costs used for the first year, how much total capital will be needed, and how these specific monetary needs will be funded. The proposed business should require not more than $100,000 total to begin, whether through debt, equity, or a combination thereof.
Local Impact: Describe how this company will positively affect the local economy and its way of life. Although would-be entrepreneurs in any industry may participate, the business may not promote, sell, or use any product or service, which is adult-oriented, including but limited to tobacco, alcohol, or gambling, among others. Businesses may not discriminate against any race, religion, gender, or other governmentally-protected group.
Youth Component: Although there is no age limits on participation in the business plan competition, participants must explain what positive impact or effects from the proposed business are expected on youth in the community. Describe how the company will employ, train, sell to, or purchase from those aged 1 to 35 in the local community.
Entries must be electronically submitted in Word or PDF formats to the GREENE COUNTY BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION at gcbpc@yahoo.com All of the decisions made by a simple majority of the panel of judges are final.
Some helpful links:
http://www.htccommunity.org/
http://www.in.gov/ocra/2351.htm
http://www.isbdc.org/home.aspx
http://www.score.org/template_gallery.ht...
Some definitions & background info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-profit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niche_market
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_%28finance%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shareholder...
The competition has been endorsed by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce Coalition, the Greene County Economic Development Corporation, the Community Learning Center, and the Bloomfield & Linton Rotary Clubs.
Business sponsors include: the Greene County Daily World, Poseidon Graphics, Kegan's Kandy Web Services, and Linton Office Leasing, LLC.
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Free Money For Artists
Recently, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman announced that up to $75,000 is available in the form of Indiana Artisan Trail Development Grants to develop "thematic trails" that will promote Indiana artisans and tourism.
Skillman is quoted as saying, "These trails will direct visitors to areas with hand-made products and stimulate entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas."
Grant requests up to $10,000 will be considered. Those looking to apply for funds must submit a letter of intent by August 15, while the completed applications are due October 15.
The application packet, along with additional information, can be found online at http://www.in.gov/indianaartisan/comm_re...
According to the application, examples of eligible costs include, but are not limited to:
1.Planning and development of original trail concepts or significant enhancement of existing ones
a.Inventory of local artisans
b.Documentation of artisan stories for marketing purposes
c.Creation of an incentive/frequent-user program
d.Development of unique trip packages/itineraries related to the trail
e.Consulting services;
2.Marketing
a.Website development
b.Trail promotion material
c.Advertising and public relations efforts
d.Podcasting and other social media efforts
e.Indiana Artisan signs and other branded materials for retail display;
3.Signage/interpretive panels; and
4.Site enhancement.
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
Skillman is quoted as saying, "These trails will direct visitors to areas with hand-made products and stimulate entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas."
Grant requests up to $10,000 will be considered. Those looking to apply for funds must submit a letter of intent by August 15, while the completed applications are due October 15.
The application packet, along with additional information, can be found online at http://www.in.gov/indianaartisan/comm_re...
According to the application, examples of eligible costs include, but are not limited to:
1.Planning and development of original trail concepts or significant enhancement of existing ones
a.Inventory of local artisans
b.Documentation of artisan stories for marketing purposes
c.Creation of an incentive/frequent-user program
d.Development of unique trip packages/itineraries related to the trail
e.Consulting services;
2.Marketing
a.Website development
b.Trail promotion material
c.Advertising and public relations efforts
d.Podcasting and other social media efforts
e.Indiana Artisan signs and other branded materials for retail display;
3.Signage/interpretive panels; and
4.Site enhancement.
***
This blog post by Chris Wathen was also published in his Linton, Indiana based Greene County Daily World blog entitled, "Riddle Me This".
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