MN Technology offers Training Courses at the Center for Research and Innovation

“Net Returns – Maximizing Web ROI”
Companies that truly maximize the advantages of the internet have taken the time to develop a Web Strategy that aligns with their business goals.  Experts from MN Technology will help participants identify the potential of your company’s Web site related to sales, market reach, customer services and business development.  The course is scheduled at CRI on January 13, 9am-11am.  Click here to read more about the class. Contact MTI at 800 325 3073 or visit www.minnesotatechnology.org to register.

“Trim Down Up Front – Lean Enterprise”
For an organization to become lean and stay competitive, you need to apply Lean Principles to the entire operation, including the office.  This workshop will help you learn the 8 wastes in the office and see how they affect cost and lead-time. The course is scheduled at CRI on January 19, 10am-12pm.  Click here to read more about the class. Contact MTI at 800 325 3073 or visit www.minnesotatechnology.org to register.

“Hide and Seek – Internet Marketing””
Being online means more than having a web site, it means having an Internet marketing strategy.  This workshop will help you understand Internet marketing; introduce you to e-business vendors, and how you some tools that will help you develop an Internet strategy. The course is scheduled at CRI on January 19, 1pm-3pm.  Click here to read more about the class. Contact MTI at 800 325 3073 or visit www.minnesotatechnology.org to register.

Earn a Professional Development Certificate in Human Resources at Your Convenience
The Center for Research and Innovation is launching a new on-line professional development non-credit certificate in Human Resources Management. On-line learners can “go” to class at their convenience: lunch break, evenings or weekends. The 12-week course is designed for professionals who are new to the human resources field or human resources assistants and staff who provide technical or administrative support. The interactive design of the program will help participants build a network of resources and people that will last long after the course is completed. Additionally, the final project of the certificate program will be immediately applicable in participants’ current position: new position descriptions, a training outline, an updated job application or something else agreed upon by the instructor and learner. The online certificate program will begin January 10, 2005. Click here for more information or to register.

Bemidji State University to Explore Partnership with Ankara University
Bemidji State University has received a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of State to design a vocational education degree plan using distance learning between BSU and a Turkish university system based in the nation’s capital of Ankara.  “Ankara University has a system of 12 two-year colleges and more students than they can handle,” said Dr. David Kingsbury, BSU executive director of corporate and educational relations and grant designer.  “We think that we can help improve their educational capacity and at the same time further our understanding of issues and cultures of the Middle East, especially Turkey.” Read the full story.

Learn to Use Quickbooks More Effectively for Your Business
Tired of searching through endless piles of papers to file taxes for your organization?  Quickbooks is financial software that will make tracking the details of your organization easier.  Join Michelle Landsverk, QuickBooks Certified Pro-Advisor, to learn how to use this software more efficiently.  An introduction to Quickbooks is scheduled to be held at the CRI on Tuesday, January 18.  Advanced Quickbooks is scheduled at CRI on Tuesday, January 25.  This training is offered jointly between the MN Women’s Business Center, the Small Business Development Center and the CRI.  Call 218 755 4900 or 888 738 3224 for additional information.

OSHA Course Offered on Fall Protection for Construction Workers
MN Department of Labor and Industry Workplace Safety Consultation will present a course of fall protection, scaffolding safety, ladder use requirements and excavation safety.  This seminar is scheduled from 8:30am-12pm on February 10.  The cost is $59 and advanced registration is required.  Contact the CRI to register.

January Schedule for the Center for Research and Innovation and the NW Regional Small Business Development Center
Our office will be closed on January 5 and 6 for a staff retreat with Alliance partners and January 17 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.