Smoke Signals
March 1993
PageS
Entrepreneur of the Month:
Charlene Freeman
By Tracy Olson
Charlene Freeman is a perfect example of an entrepreneur who changed the lack
of efficiency in her business with the help of the Tribe'sEconomic Development Department.
In recent months, Charlene, owner of C Street Hair in Independence, Oregon, has
worked very closely with Elaine Moore, Economic Development Specialist.
Said Charlene, "Elaine has helped me change my business for the better. I know
a lot about beauty and cutting hair, but I wasn't really concentrating on my business before.
Elaine let me know what things I could do to improve it."
Charlene has been doing hair for a long time. A graduate of Phagan's
Beauty School, she has established a regular customer base of about 200 clients. When she
decided to open her own salon, they followed her. While attending Phagan's Charlene
became friends with itsowner, KarenDikeman, who helped prepare her for the responsibility
of becoming her own boss.
"During a time when I had very little money, Karen sold me beauty equipment very
cheaply. Also, my landlords sold me furniture for C Street Hair, and let me make payments
on it."
Now that Charlene has established her business and regular clientele, Elaine Moore
is helping refine the details of her beauty salon. For example, Charlene now has all of her
customers on data base, and can refer to any address, phone number, or appointment with
the touch of a button. "I'm also discovering new tax write-offs, spending my money more
wisely... you know, things I never would have thought of doing on my own," she said. "All
my finances and bills are on computer, and I know what supplies I need to buy and how often.
Elaine is also encouraging me to hire some help, because it would bring in more business.
Right now I handle all the clients myself."
Charlene added that her business began with the help of family and friends and very
little economic investment. She knew what she was good at doing, but the Tribe has helped
her with the business specifics.
"Thanks to the Tribe I am a lot more organized," Charlene said. "I have learned
more than I ever dreamed. Everyday there's something new."
Charlene says much of her success lies in the loyalty of her clients. Many of them
are beginning to bring in their children, which makes her realize how long she's actually been
in the hair care line of work. Most of her clients make appointments, but Charlene does
operate on a walk-in basis. C Street Hair has grown this past year which has been a difficult
one for Charlene. Her husband recently passed away, and she has been faced with some new
business decisions. "I'm paying the rent," she said. "That's the main thing."
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A little corner of C Street Hair in Independence, Oregon.
March Business Development Seminar:
Preparing a Marketing Plan
Your business' Marketing Plan can be more than an unproductive
document sitting on your bookshelf . A Marketing Plan can assist you in meeting your bottom
line goal increased profits. By determining who your customers will be, your business can
prevent wasting advertisement dollars, and utilize your limited marketing budget to best
meet your customer's needs. Lawrence Edwards of K-P Graphics in Salem will be instructing
the Seminar at the Tribal Community Center March 16th from 6:30 to 9:00 P.M For those
of you in business or considering a new venture, come learn what "marketing" really is, how
it affects your business, and what decisions you can make to maximize your efforts. Mr.
Edwards will hold a follow up session, "Marketing II Positioning Your ProductService"
on April 20th. Both classes are open to the general public, so bring a friend!
Business Assistance Classes
Offered By IMPACT
IMPACT Business Consultants, in conjunction with the Oregon Economic
Development Department is offering several FREE seminars on "Resources and Opportunities
for Minority Women Owned Businesses". Presenters from IMPACT, Oregon Economic
Development Department, Small Business Development Centers, and the Small Business
Administration will present information on: contracting opportunities from the federal
government, keeping informed on available government contracts, technical assistance
available for small businesses, steps to take in starting a business, and the dos and don'ts from
other successful minoritywomen owned businesses. Classes will be held:
Thursday, March 1 1, 19933:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Small Business Development Center
123 NW 2nd Avenue, Portland
Thursday, March 25, 19933:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Training and Economic Development Center
Chemeketa Community College
356 Ferry St. SE
Salem, Oregon
For registration information contact IMPACT Business Consultants, Inc., at (503)
245-9253. 8959 SW Barbur Blvd., Suite 102, Portland, Oregon 97219.
Looking For A New Career?
Here are two exciting opportunities for those of you looking for your first job, and
those of you who wish to change from your existing career: SST Azumano Travel Schools,
Inc., will hold a free slide presentation and discussion on training and employment
opportunities in the travel industry on March 3 rd at 7 P.M. The class will be held at the school
on 512 SW Broadway, Suite 210, Portland. Reservations are required, so call (503) 223
9885, for a reservation and more information.
Career Connections, '93 is an opportunity to meet with many of Portland's major
employers and learn about career possibilities. Career Connections "93 will be held at the
Red Lion Lloyd Center in Portland March 5th and 6th. Career Connections is sponsored by
the Urban League of Portland and its Employment Partnership Business Members. For more
information you can reach the Urban League of Portland at (503) 280-2600.
Computer Training Available
Have you always wanted to learn more about computers but have been a little afraid
to try? This isyour chancel The Small Business Center at the Economic Development Office
will be holding a "Basic Computer Skills" class on March 5th from 10 A.M. to Noon. Space
is limited to four people, so reservations are required. Call Dcbby at 1-800-422-0232 for
a reservation.
Quicken Accounting software is currently a very popular, easy to use small business
accounting program. The Small Business Center at the Economic Development Department
is sponsoring two training sessions on setting up Quicken books and using the software. For
those of you currently doing manual bookkeeping, come and learn how easy it is to operate.
For those of you who are planning on starting a business, why not take this opportunity to
gain some basic bookkeeping skills? Classes will be held on March 9th from 6:30 to 8:30
P.M. and again on March 18th from 10:00 A.M. to 12 Noon. Space is limited to four people
per session, so call and reserve a space.
Fax Service
Computer Lab
Library-Magazines, books &
videos
Phone Message Center
Mall Center
Phone Service
Photocopy Service
Business Planning ft
Management Assistance
Training in Management ft
Computer Usage
7-f til MOtMU-OMt
Locution:
9615 Grind Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
at the Economic
DevelopmentPlanning
Modular
Hours:.
Monday thru Friday 800 am
lo noon & 1.00 pmlo 5:00 pm
Sptthl Tuesdiy Houn: S.OO
to 9.DOpm
7
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More Economic Development News On page 11
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