Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Each year, the Morton Chamber of Commerce holds the Morton Forecast. This event gives the community a chance to hear updates from all local governing bodies including The Village of Morton, Morton Park District, Morton Public Library, School District 709, as well as the Morton Economic Development Council and Morton Chamber of Commerce. Wednesday, April 17
The Barn at Bull Run
8:00am- Welcome & Breakfast
8:30am- Program
Monday, April 1, 2024
Elementary 11:55amBrown 11:45am
Jr High / High School 11:00am
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and Illinois Small Business Development Center, at Bradley University is hosting a series of no-cost webinars on digital marketing. Co-sponsor: Grow with Google. Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish. In this session we’ll show you how to:
Create or claim your Google Business Profile
Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps
Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=MORTON ( SMART Local 1 blood drive)
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=MORTONThursday, April 4, 2024
Are you grappling with the pivotal decision of whether to craft a meticulous business plan or dive headfirst into entrepreneurship with a more fluid approach? The debate continues to cause confusion for startup founders. But fear not, for we're here to shed light on this crucial matter.Introducing "An Entrepreneur’s Dilemma: Have a Formal Business Plan or Not?" – the second of three forums is designed to highlight critical decisions founders need to make as part of their startup journey. In this forum, we’ll discuss why the need for a formal business has been challenged by founders and experts in the field of entrepreneurship. What was once taken for granted, has become a more nuanced dilemma. Join us as we hear from two experienced professionals of the pros and cons of both perspectives.
The forums are hosted by Bradley University's Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship. Participants will include students studying entrepreneurship. The forums include a networking session to connect students with local entrepreneurs and resources.
Topics of Discussion:
- Why for some startups, a formal business plan may be critical.
- The increasing focus on lean startup plans including the Business Model Canvas.
- The benefits of both approaches.
- When one approach versus the other would be the best choice.
- How the best of both approaches could be combined.
Who should attend:
- Entrepreneurs
- Founders
- Students
- Resource partners supporting business startup and growth
Speakers:
Don Schwegel, VP, Commercial Banker at Morton Community Bank, Peoria IL
Chris Youngmark, Assistant Illinois SBDC Director, Bradley University
Cosponsor: Distillery Labs
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Introducing "An Entrepreneur’s Dilemma: Growth through Debt or Equity?" – the last in our series of forums is designed to highlight critical decisions founders need to make as part of their startup journey. In this third forum, we’ll discuss another critical decision: take on debt or give up some ownership through equity investments. It is a decision with ramifications that will impact the founder through the full lifecycle of the business. It’s all about one’s risk tolerance, overall cost associated with each option, who will be in control, and ultimately, the exit strategy. Join this lively discussion between a seasoned banker and an equally seasoned entrepreneur. The forums are hosted by Bradley University's Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship. Participants will include students studying entrepreneurship. The forum includes a networking session to connect students with local entrepreneurs and resources. Topics of Discussion:
- When is taking on debt the ideal solution and why?
- Why consider an equity investment when it would dilute the ownership of the founders?
- Why a founder must understand both options throughout the growth of the startup.
- The risks and benefits of both options.
- The impact of this decision on the control of the business.
Who should attend:
- Entrepreneurs
- Founders
- Students
- Resource partners supporting business startup and growth
SPEAKERS:
To be announced
Co-Sponsor
Distillery Labs
Saturday, April 13, 2024
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, CFPA is hosting its 7th annual 5K run/1 mile walk, I Run with Survivors, on Saturday, 4/13, 2024 at 8 a.m. in the Levee District in East Peoria. All ages are invited to participate, and the course is stroller, wheelchair, and pet friendly. Participants are welcome to join in person or virtually. All the proceeds from registration go toward providing free and confidential services for survivors of sexual assault at CFPA. Race day activities include photo opportunities, music from Mix 106.9 and refreshments following the race.
Monday, April 15, 2024 - Wednesday, April 17, 2024
RHMA's Small-Town Pastors' ConferenceApril 15, 16, 17 at 6:30 p.m.
The Public is invited to join us on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Nights.
These sessions are being held in conjunction with RHMA's Small-Town Pastors' Conference at
Grace Church - 1325 E. Jefferson Street, Morton, IL 61550. No costs for evening sessions.
Questions: Contact RHMA 309-263-2350 / info@rhma.org / www.rhma.org
Speakers:
Monday Night - Stephen Witmer - Pastor, Pepperell Christian Fellowship and co-founder, Small Town Summits
Tuesday Night - Marty Giese - President, Oak Hills Christian College
Wednesday Night - Adam Kipp - RHMA Executive Director and longtime small-town pastor
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Bradley University is pleased to introduce Allied Numbers founder Amanda McCormick who will lead this no-cost webinar on Bookkeeping Basics. Establishing good recordkeeping hygiene in your small business sooner rather than later can save a tremendous amount of time, prevent headaches and help you improve your financial management. This virtual training event will help you think ahead, get organized, get best practices and systems in place so you can focus on making wise financial management decisions that will lead to long-term success.Topics:
- What to keep: the essential things to track for your business
- Why you need it: understanding why you need to keep organized records
- How to keep it: options for organizing your financial records
- Spreadsheets
- Accounting Software options for starting out
- When it's too much: how to manage when the paperwork is overwhelming
- Outsourcing
- Hiring help
Who Should Attend:
- Prospective Business Owners
- New Business Owners and Recent Business Founders
- All Small Business Owners Seeking to Improve their Bookkeeping
Speaker:
Amanda McCormick, Professional Bookkeeper and Financial Coach, Allied Numbers LLC, Metamora.
Amanda is passionate about helping others and loves doing the bookwork! After 20+ years providing bookkeeping for small family owned businesses, she now owns Allied Numbers. Working one-on-one with business owners so that they can be organized, knowledgeable and successful in their business.
Cosponsored by: Illinois APEX (Bradley University), SCORE Peoria, and the Minority Business Development