Smoke Signals March 1994 Page 7
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Entrepreneur Of The Month: Lon Mercier Computer Training Schedule
By Tracy Olson
Every so often, if we are lucky enough, a person
comes into our lives and helps us appreciate the finer things
in life. Things like a really good meal, an extraordinary
novel, or a work of art. Lon Mercier is such a person. He
is an artista painter and drawer who can make paper and
canvas come to life.
Mercier Fine Art is the name of Lon's business,
currently being operated out of his home in Portland. He has
entered into a partnership with a person who is experienced
in promotion and marketing work, while he spends his time
increasing his inventory of original paintings.
"Many artists don't know how to promote
themselves," he explained. "My partner calls the galleries
and organizes art shows. I do the art work."
At this time Lon has his work on display in galleries
in Florida, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington. Rainy Day
in Portland carries his work, as well as Indian Heaven in
Stevenson, Washington.
Lon explained the steps an artist must take in order
to become more well-known and in public view. He said,
"We look through art magazines and other sources to find
galleries that might be interested. We send them samples of
my work and a cover letter. I typically receive one or two , , ,l l- l; j nnu
responses for every ten letters, and they are usually pretty " ? eer Wlth A" graphs drawing-" Old
favorable" - Lucy . Shewasawell-knownOrandRonde woman.
Some of Lon's most popular pieces are limited-edition prints he has made from graphite drawings. His work is
almost exclusively Native American or Americana subject matter, and often there's an interesting story behind a finished
piece. Lon has these prints for sale, and can be ordered and shipped through the mail.
Many of Lon's customers are interested in keeping up with his most recent endeavors and completions, and are on
his mailing list
Currently, Lon is working in egg tempera, and wants to build up an inventory of original paintings for shows and
galleries.
A part-time teacher who holds a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University, Lon says he would eventually
like to retire from teaching altogether in order to devote more time to painting.
He said, "My main goal is to have my own gallery where I would feature my art as well as the work of others." He
would like to remain in Oregon, too. "When I was a kid my family lived in Grand Ronde for many years before moving
to Portland. I remember feeling very safe there. It's a very special place."
Lon and his partner invested their own money for this business, and are still working towards getting it back. They
are in their third year of business, and spend part of the year travelling to different art shows. He is discovering that the
more visual his work becomes, the more business increases. Lon's work is very affordable, and high-quality. If you are
interested in a brochure fromMercier Fine Art, you can write Lon Mercier at 1460 S. W. 66th Street, Portland, Oregon 97225,
or call (503) 297-4158.
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Lawrence Edwards
Advertising Info Available
Are you making
crafts but having a hard time
selling them? Is your
business not doing the
volume you think it could
do? If you are suffering from
"business under
achievement", you missed a
great opportunity to learn
more about you, your
business, andhow to make more money. Lawrence Edwards,
independent marketing, advertising and sales consultant,
spoke atthe Tribal Community Center on February 10. Ifyou
would like a copy of the information packet, call Debby in
Small Business Development.
Upcoming Seminars
THURS. MARCH 10 "HowToStartABusinessInOregon"
THURS. APRIL 14 "How To Finance A Business"
THURS. MAY 12 "Budgeting & Cash How Management"
THURS. JUNE 9 "Legal Aspects Of Doing Business"
THURS. JULY 14 "Arts & Crafts Marketing"
THURS. AUGUST 1 1 "Personnel Issues"
All seminars are held from 3 :00-6:00 P.M.
National Indian Business Association
The National Indian Business Association (NIB A)
was created in 1992 to promote, encourage, and advocate
Native American owned businesses. Current NIB A activites
lilude: an annual NIBA Conference and trade show,
compilation of a directory of Indian-owned businesses
throughout the United States, and coordinating with major
corporations in theU. S. to promote Native American business
development. Membership is free. For more info call (505)
256-0589.
Check Out Our Resources!
Have you wondered what resources are available
through your Tribal Small Business Development Center?
Here is a sampling of some of the books, magazines, and
videos available to check out.
BOOK: "Portfolio of Business Forms, Agreements, and
Contracts", 1985, Prentice Hall publisher.
VIDEO: "How To Really Start Your Own Business",
developed by Inc. Magazine.
VIDEO: "Raising Capital: How To Finance Your Business",
developed by Inc. Magazine.
BOOK: "Market Driven Strategies", 1990, Free Press.
BOOK: "Anatomy Of A Start-Up", 1991, Inc. Publishing.
MAGAZINES: Business Week, Craft Supply Magazine,
Crafts Report, Entrepreneur, Fortune, Oregon Business,
Newsweek.
The Business Development Department b offering several
computer training classes in March. Space Is limited to three people per
class, so call Debby and reserve a spot now. The numbers are: 879-2476
or 1-800-422-0232. Ifyou are interested In a specific computer (raining
not offered, call and make an appointment with a stafT member.
BASIC COMPUTERS: Come learn the basics of the computer. We
cover an overview of the computer, learn to use the mouse, and do a brief
overview of Word For Windows. Instructor: Shelley HansonTrevor
Aaron. Offered 37 10 A.M. until noon, and 316 10 A.M. until noon.
WORD FOR WINDOWS: Word for Windows Is an easy to use, quick
learn word processing system. If you are wanting to write letters or
memos, or create reports, Word for Windows Is an Ideal program for
those projects. Instructor: Mitch ConleyTrevor Aaron. Offered 39
1:00-3:00 P.M. and 331 9-11.00 A.M.
PRINT SHOP DELUXE: Do you ever need flyers or signs for your
business or program? Print Shop Deluxe Is easy to use, and creates flashy
designs. Print Shop Deluxe has a variety of pictures and graphics to add
pizazz to your flyers, signs, calendars, or cards. Instructor: Debby
Childera. Offered 317 1-3:00 P.M.
MICROSOFT WINDOWS: Windows Is an easy to use "operating
system" based on a simple point (at a picture) and click (with a mouse)
method. Whether you've used Windows before or not, there are endless
possibilities with this system. Instructor: Mitch ConleyTrevor Aaron,
Offered: 3Z3 1-3:00 P.M.
TURBO TAX: Are you feeling a little overwhelmed about your taies?
Come try Turbo Tax, and relieve a little stress from your life. Turbo Tax
will figure your federal and state tax returns, and print them out for you.
Turbo Tax Is an easy to me, Windows-based system. You answer
questions as you go and after completing the question and answer period,
are ready to print your return. Instructor: Elaine Moore. Offered 375
1-3:00 P.M., 310 9-11:00 A.M.
WORKS DATABASE: Database programs store large amounts of
Information and are designed to be easily sorted and printed. A sample
database b your address book. Have you ever wanted to mail cards or
letters to Just a few people In your book? Come and learn howl
Instructor: Elaine MooreTrevor Aaron. Offered 315 10:00 A.M. to
noon.
Seniors Tax Assistance
Business Development Division staff are offering
tax preparation assistance to tribal elders. Staff members
will input tax information into the Turbo Tax software
program which is designed to help prepare returns. Returns
will be prepared on an appointment basis, so please call
ahead to schedule a time, and to find out what information
you need to bring with you. If you are a tribal elder and
interested in doing this, please call Debby Childcrs at 1 -800-422-0232
for an appointment.
Starting A Business In Oregon
Where do you register your new business? Do you
have a separate business checking account? Do you have to
have a lisence for your business? Remember all of those
questions that run through your mind when you think about
starting a business? Where can you get the answers? Your
Tribal Small Business Development Center is always
available, but here is another great opportunity to get the
information you need. Robin Buzzard, a dynamic,
knowledgable instructor, formally with the Small Business
Development Center in Portland, will be at the Tribal
Community Center from 3:00-6:00 P.M. Thursday, March
10 to answer all of your questions. Robin will also have
available all of the necessary forms and applications you
need to start a new business in Oregon. Remember, Business
Development seminars are open to the public, so please pass
this information on to anyone you know who might find it
useful. For more information about the seminar, contact
Debby Childers at 1-800-422-0232, extension 2476.