June 2, 2006, FARMINGVILLE, NY – Supervisor Brian X. Foley will be the keynote speaker at the Town of Brookhaven’s 3rd annual “Helping Your Business Thrive“ conference June 13 at Town Hall on Independence Hill in Farmingville.

A combination of speakers, workshops and round-table discussions, the event will feature a broad variety of government and private professionals to help the small business owner navigate through various agencies, laws and business strategies.

“Helping business, big and small, thrive in the Town of Brookhaven is a key goal of my administration,” said Supervisor Foley. “This conference is a great way for small business owners to learn how to handle any problem they might encounter in forging a successful future in Brookhaven. Small business is the engine of job creation and innovation and this conference will help promote its success.

“The Small Business Advisory Council has worked all year to build on last year’s success and the small business owners who attend won’t find a more comprehensive selection of professionals anywhere to answer questions and provide opportunities for their continued success.”

Councilwoman Connie Kepert is the liaison to the town’s Economic Development Department and played a key role in promoting the conference. She will be a guest speaker at the conference.

“Each year we find more agencies are willing to reach out to assist the 17,000 businesses that operate in the Town of Brookhaven,” said Joan Stong, co-chair of the planning committee of the Small Business Advisory Council. “The Small Business Administration, Long Island Development Corporation, and Small Business Development Center have all provided speakers. In addition, we have rounded up members of Brookhaven’s Building and Economic Development Division and professionals in banking, non-traditional funding, accounting, bookkeeping, law, human resources, business coaching, web development and much more.”

Roundtable discussions featuring area professionals will be held on a number of topics, including: navigating through Brookhaven Town’s building and economic development departments, finance, accounting and bookkeeping, legal issues, computer literacy, marketing and advertising, work/life balance, health, liability and property insurance, LIPA, and much more.

There is no charge to attend and the Council urges pre-registration; complete details available at 631-451-6927.

The Town of Brookhaven’s Small Business Advisory Council assists the small business community with its desire to access and benefit from town government. Under the direction of Supervisor Foley and the Economic Development Division, the council’s goal is to provide knowledge-based seminars and programs to educate the small business community on the hundreds of resources available to them through local, state and federal government, as well as private entities.

The SBAC also acts as the small business liaison to the Town Supervisor and Town Boards. The council is comprised of small business owners and professionals who work together to provide these services on a volunteer basis. If you would like to learn more about how the council can help your business, or how you can become a member contact us at 631-451-6927 or visit www.brookhaven.org.

Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6955 • Fax (631) 451-6677
www.Brookhaven.org