Business - Doing Business in Santa Monica

Marketing and Sales Seminar--Weds, Dec 3rd from 6-8:30 p.m. at SMC Bundy Campus, 3171 S. Bundy Drive. This workshop concentrates on establishing a presence in the marketplace, targeting your audience and landing sales. The instruction also addresses four major concerns when dealing with customers including making the initial contact, winning trust, ensuring satisfaction, and expanding opportunities. FREE. Offered by the Santa Monica Small Business Development Center. To register for the course, contact (310) 434-3566 or visit http://www.smc.edu/sbdc/sbdc/workshops-reg.html

Business nominations are now open for the prestigious 2009 Sustainable Quality Awards. Nominations close December 1^st.

Since 1995, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santa Monica have honored local businesses and organizations that make extraordinary contributions by enhancing our economy, community and environment with the Sustainable Quality Award (SQA). You can nominate any business or organization (including your own) if they are located in Santa Monica (or outside Santa Monica if a Santa Monica Chamber member AND in operation for minimum 2 years. For more information and to download SQA nomination forms visit: http://www.smchamber.com/images/images/NominationForm09.pdf or

http://www.smsqa.com

Santa Monica Chamber Business at Sunset Mixer--Weds, Dec 17th at 5:30p.m., location TBC. With over 100 members at each event, it is a perfect way to network and make important business contacts. Our guests enjoy food, drinks, and each host adds unique touches to make the event memorable. Cost $15 members, $20 non-members. For more info and to register, contact 310-393-9825 or visit www.smchamber.com

Reducing the Cost of Business. Southern California Edison (SCE) has a variety of programs and services with cash incentives to help local businesses reduce their operating costs and manage their energy use. Beneficiaries have included hotels, supermarkets and refrigerated warehouses, food service companies, telecommunication and cable firms, office buildings and many other types of businesses. Free Services and Programs include: Energy Walk-Through Surveys and Audits, New Construction Design Assistance, Rate and Regulatory Assistance, Technology Recommendations for energy efficiency, and Energy Efficiency Rebates and Incentives.

Besides helping you reduce operating costs, manage energy wisely and minimize your carbon footprint, these program offerings support regional and statewide efforts to ensure reliable, adequate energy supplies during peak use periods. For more info, visit www.sce.com/RebatesandSavings/LargeBusiness/.