The City’s Department of Development, in conjunction with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, recently hosted a free interactive retail and restaurant seminar to provide an informational and consultative experience to local restaurant and retail merchants.
The seminar was conducted by Marc Willson, who serves as a national retail and restaurant consultant for the Virginia Small Business Development Center Network. Willson discussed ways that businesses can attract new customers, the importance of updated technology, and the value of creating an outstanding customer service experience as well as reviewed industry specific case studies.
In the afternoon session, businesses met with Willson for one-on-one meetings where he reviewed the businesses’ marketing plans, shared ways on how to continue increasing profitability, and discussed the importance of monitoring profit and loss statements.
For future events hosted by the Department of Development contact the office at 757-926-8428.