BUSINESS NOTES

The Social Networking/Online Media Advisory Committee of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber is hosting a series of monthly beginner "Training Wheels" classes and Webinars on various social media tools.

From 7:30-8:30 a.m. Feb. 9 committee member Brandon Knowles, of Faster Solutions, will provide step-by-step instructions on setting up a LinkedIn profile. Knowles uses this tool to promote his own business and professional skills.

"Training Wheels" classes, powered by Charter Business, are one hour sessions, about 30 minutes of step-by-step instruction and 30 minutes of free time to work; and people may participate via Webinar or in-person at Central Lakes College, classroom C222. There is no cost to these classes. However registration is required as classroom space is limited to 30 participants so each can have their own computer. For more information go to www.explorebrainerdlakes.com or contact Miranda at manderson@explorebrainerdlakes.com. Upcoming classes are Twitter on March 9, Blogs on April 13, Connect to Chamber's Social Media on May 11, Monitoring Your Business Using Social Media on June 8 and Google-Claim Your Business on July 13.

A January class on Facebook is available online at www.explorebrainerdlakes.com/chambers/marketing/social-media-newsroom.htm.

CLC offers QuickBooks Pro accounting class

Central Lakes College has scheduled a two-credit course on the Brainerd campus for computerized accounting.

QuickBooks Pro Accounting for Windows is scheduled from 6-9 p.m., Feb. 8 and 22 in Room C222 of the Brainerd campus. The student will learn the basics of system setup, invoicing, cash receipts, deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash disbursements. Each participant receives two individualized, on-site sessions. The instructor is Jay Bock. The student will receive two college credits upon successful completion of the course.

Tuition is $276.92. A $20 application fee may apply. The deadline to register is Feb. 1.

For more information, call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or s855-8142.

'Going Into Business' workshop is Feb. 11

"Going Into Business For Yourself" will be offered from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Business and Industry Center on the campus of Central Lakes College, Brainerd.

This session covers all areas of business start-up, helpful advice on how to get your dream off the ground and stay profitable, including financing a new venture. Follow-up counseling is available to qualified individuals from the Small Business Development Center's team of consultants at no charge to the individual.

Tuition is $49 per person plus $29 for each additional business partner. Instructor is Jay Bock.

The deadline to register is Feb. 4. For information or to register with a credit card call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or 855-8142.

Extension offers food safety, employee training

University of Minnesota Extension is offering a two-hour course for food service workers that covers the basic requirements for safe food handling.

The class is designed for employees who are not certified food managers. A single outbreak of foodborne illness can easily cost a food service operation $75,000. Food Safety Employee Training is one way food service establishments can proactively work towards preventing such losses.

Topics covered in the course include: preventing foodborne illness, food temperature control, personal hygiene, preventing cross contamination, preparing and serving food safely and cleaning and sanitizing.

The course will be at the Morrison County Government Center 2:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 3.

Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. For more information, contact Connie Schwartau at (507) 337-2819 or e-mail schwa047@umn.edu.