MERCER, PA. Tour gives business advice

The group will offer advice in 20 counties throughout the state.
MERCER, Pa. -- The 2003 Women's Economic Development Outreach Tour will be here Thursday to offer assistance to women who own businesses.
This is the second year for the tour, which provides free resources and information for women in business endeavors.
The tour is a private effort focusing on western Pennsylvania only and sponsored by Seton Hill University, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and various women's and business groups.
It provides advice from women leaders, including successful business owners; local, state and federal representatives; bank officials; economic development organizations; and women-focused organizations.
The group will provide advice in 20 Pennsylvania counties next week.
The schedule
Each day begins at 8:00 a.m. with a complimentary networking breakfast and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday's stop at the Howard Johnson Inn at Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 19 will focus on businesses in Mercer, Lawrence and Venango counties.
Those interested in participating are asked to visit www.e-magnify.com for a complete agenda and to register online, or contact Susan Ameel at (412) 854-4344. There is no cost for the program, but participation is limited to 100.
The tour offers participants an in-depth look at effective marketing research, sales strategies, business financing, federal and state certification, and electronic commerce. There will also be an opportunity for entrepreneurs to work with local Small Business Development Centers on their business plans.