News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Angey Murray Date: 3/22/05   SOUTHEASTERN SBDC OFFERS SEMINARS THROUGHOUT APRIL       HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Small Business Development Center is partnering with the Hammond Chamber of Commerce in offering a variety of seminars throughout April on topics such as intellectual property, credit management, military reservists and express loans.       On April 8, Robert Montgomery, a registered patent agent and product development and technology licensing specialist, will be available to consult with interested parties about patents, copyrights and trademarks at the Southeast Louisiana Business Center, 1514 Martens Drive.  Montgomery, author of the “Inventors Journal” and "The Inventor's Guide," is a noted speaker regarding intellectual property.             “Intellectual property is an essential element in any new or growing business today,” said Sandy Summers, assistant director of the SBDC. “The rights to such intellectual property must be acquired, preserved or protected by obtaining documented ownership through the United States Patent and Trademark Office or Copyright Office.”      Consultation appointments with Montgomery are free. To make an appointment, contact the SBDC at 985-549-3831.      On April 12 a credit management seminar from 6-8 p.m. is scheduled at the Southeast Louisiana Business Center. The free seminar will address credit reports, credit scoring, late payments, credit analysis, inquiries and more. Pre-registration is required.      Those businesses employing military reservists are encouraged to attend a military reservist seminar on April 14 from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. at Southeastern’s St. Tammany Center, located on 21454 Koop Drive in Mandeville.  The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Information for employers of reservists will include federal and state laws that offer certain job protection rights to National Guard and Reserve members when they are called to active duty.  Additional sponsors for this event include the Louisiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve and the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce.        On April 19, the SBDC and Hammond Chamber of Commerce will host an event in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration, called “Community Express Loan.” Held from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Southeast Louisiana Business Center, the free event will provide important information on business financing, strategies that work and loan application opportunities. Pre-registration is required.      “If you need working capital for your business, you cannot afford to miss this event,” said Summers. “We will show you exactly how to qualify for the money you need, no matter if you’re an existing or start-up business.”      For more information on all of Southeastern’s SBDC seminars and workshops, contact the Small Business Development Center at 985-549-3831 or sbdc@selu.edu.