January 2009 Online at www.thesmartcenter.biz

Happy New Year! Is your glass half full or half empty as you toast the new year? Don't let all the negative news going 'round bring your business to a screeching halt. Keep thinking, planning, moving ahead. Check out the entreprenuers in this article, who found: 5 Innovative Ways to Boost Sales in a Down Economy (smsmallbiz.com) Going green, staying lean in 2009 From Flex Your Power: Flex Your Power Awards Best Practices Guides From SmartMoney's Small Business Site: Cost Cutters: Reduce Shipping Costs The World Awaits Your Green Business Good news about gas brings the IRS mileage reimbursement rate down to 55 cents per mile beginning January 1. To learn more read the IRS news release. "Keep in mind that most California state enforcement agencies consider the IRS rate the most reasonable," says the CalChamber HR Watchdog. The success of the recent Accelerating Renewable Energy seminar in Chico points to the interest in this field as a focal point for business development and attraction in Northern California. Congratulations! You will find reports, studies and resources on their website at energynorthstate.com

Advertise! The squeaky wheel gets the grease - or something like that! Your business too needs to bring attention to itself. Start today. From ads to press releases to a catchly little jingle, there are a number of ways to advertise your goods or services. How to Write Ads wikihow.com 10 Steps to Writing Successful Ad Copy startupinternetmarketing.com Not Your Father's Marketing Campaign entrepreneur.com How To Write a Jingle howtodothings.com Changes to FMLA regs take effect on January 16th The Family and Medical Leave Act's Final Regulations is a hefty document. Much easier to read is the Overview on the DOL website and DOL's Fact Sheet on the subject, as are the following two articles: Final rules on family and medical leave published ebn.benefitnews.com 2008 Final Regulations for the FMLA: A Summary emmployerlawreport.com If you wish to find, view or make comment on Federal regulations and other Federal actions see Regulations.gov.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! March 10th: Our annual Spring Hiring Fair will be held in the Smart Center in Redding. April 21st: The third annual "Best Companies to Work for in Shasta County" winners will be announced.	Hiring - Training - HR - and more! Think Smart! Our helpful staff and user-friendly website are here for you when you need business assistance. Our goal is your success. For your convenience, use the Business Request for Information form on www.thesmartcenter.biz
- From all of us at the Smart Business Resource Centers to all of you - Happy New Year! We wish you peace and prosperity in 2009. 1201 Placer Street Redding 40 B Glen Road Weaverville 154 C Tule Creek Road Hayfork