CRI Seeks Consultant for Project-Based Assistance
The Center for Research and Innovation - Custom College (CRI-CC) is seeking a consultant to further expand offerings and increase business and industry outreach efforts. The consultant will be responsible for identifying course offerings that are designed to provide traditional and non-traditional students with advanced instruction, coordinate logistics to offer courses, and market programs to potential participants. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized individual with experience in marketing, project management, and coordination. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, ability to facilitate meetings, and be comfortable using a variety of computer software applications. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Kerry Ross at kross@bemidjistate.edu and include "CRI-CC Opportunity" in the subject line.

Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) Fall Session Continues
ALL's 2009 fall series concludes in November with "Ethical Decision-Making: A Philosophical View" and "Trials and Tribulations of a Playwright." These events are free, open to the public, and take place at CRI. For dates, times, and additional information, read the fall ALL newsletter and check out the complete ALL fall schedule online.

Steam Plant Engineering
Are you a Boiler Operator or looking to become one? This 36-hour course is designed to prepare boiler operators or those preparing for employment as boiler operators to take either the Minnesota Low Pressure (C Level) or Minnesota High Pressure (Levels A & B) Boiler Exam for the following classes: special engineer, 2nd class engineer, 1st class engineer, or chief engineer. The contents include the following: Low pressure - valves, steam traps, pumps, flame safeguards, burners, safety valves, boiler room safety, and hot water boilers. High pressure - condensers, steam engines, mathematical formulas, boiler room safety, and hot water boilers. This course will take place at Northwest Technical College and runs from Wednesday, November 4 through December 5. For complete course information and registration form click here.

CRI Brown Bag Lunch Series - Grassroots versus Astroturf: How to more Effectively Contact Your Elected Representatives
Legislative decisions impact our communities, industries, and individual lives every day. Do you know how to make your voice heard so that you can influence these decisions? Bring your lunch and learn from Richard Reding how to be your own best advocate with your elected state officials. This event takes place on Wednesday, November 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

Traditional Skills Workshop - Hide Tanning
BSU's Office of Sustainability will host its monthly Traditional Skills workshop on the topic of "brain tanning" on Thursday, November 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lower Hobson Union. The cost of the class is $7 and it's open to all community members. Advance registration is suggested. Please note that because the complete tanning process can take a week or longer, there is no need to bring your own deer hides to this event. Simply come with a willingness to learn and get a little dirty in the process. Click here for a registration form. For information about December's workshop on Bread-Making, click here.

Natural Resources Consortium Presents "New Developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)"
GIS is nestling into every corner of our workplace, our travel, our homes, and our hobbies. No longer "A Specialist's Special Tool," Geographic Information Systems have truly engaged the masses. Come learn from the Minnesota DNR's Shelly Sentyrz how "painting the landscape" with laserbeams, forest management from a smartphone, and your Google Earth favorite places are all inextricably connected. This workshop will take place on Monday, November 16 at 3:00 p.m. at CRI.

Marketing for Small Businesses - Social Media Networking
To succeed in today's world, small businesses must cost-effectively promote the products and services that they offer. This class on Wednesday, November 18, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., will teach you how to use social media (such as Twitter and Facebook) to generate leads and increase profitability in 15 minutes a day! This is the second of six classes in the small business marketing series which continues through April 2010 with classes on successful branding, competing with mass retailers, electronic marketing, and more. For complete course information and registration form click here. This series takes place at CRI and is co-sponsored by the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce, Paul Bunyan Telephone, and CRI/BSU.

EVENT POSTPONED-NEW DATE TBD: Northern Minnesota Safety Council Presents "Distracted Driving: Dangers and Implications"
This event has been postponed. A new date will be announced as soon as it is available. Distracted driving is an all-too-common problem that increases the risk for everyone on the road. Minnesota State Trooper Scott Mattfield will show a DVD and lead a discussion on the risks and realities of distracted driving. This presentation takes place at CRI, lunch will be provided, and registration is required. Course registration fee for "Distracted Driving" supports the Northern Minnesota Safety Council and the monthly training series.

Natural Resources Consortium Presents "When the Wolf is at the Door: Exploring Issues of Vulnerability and Capacity in Louisiana's Coastal Zone"
Dr. Carla Norris Raynbird will discuss local parish (county) participation in Louisiana's Local Coastal Program (LCP), related knowledge and attitudes toward coastal issues, and the impact of LCP participation on coastal hazard vulnerability. This presentation is based on research gathered in Louisiana immediately before Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Norris-Raynbird's interests and publications focus on the human/natural environment interface, specifically in building human and organizational capacities in the social management of natural resources, the coastal zone, and disasters. Dr. Norris-Raynbird is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Bemidji State University. This free educational workshop will be offered on Monday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. at CRI.

CRI - November Office Closure Dates
Please note that the Center for Research and Innovation, along with all BSU offices, will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, for Veteran's Day and on Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, for Thanksgiving.

Upcoming Courses from the Northwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

SBDC - Export Essentials: Strategies for Growing Global
Learn the basic export process, how to find information about the best markets for your product, as well as strategies and resources for identifying international distribution networks. Offered in Bemidji, Thursday, November 5 at Beltrami Electric Coop, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., click here to download complete course and registration information. Sponsored by the Minnesota Trade Office, SBDC, and Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

SBDC - Minnesota's Technology Future: Strategically Creating Your "Concept to Commercialization" Technology Development Funding Plan
Are you looking for opportunities to build upon your strategic plan? Are you looking for money to fund your R&D budget and build your product line? This workshop is for entrepreneurs looking for start-up capital, professionals interested in starting a high-tech business, or established small businesspeople seeking to build upon a strategic plan and expand. This class will be offered Monday, November 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at CRI. For more information or for registration, email hayley.rowan@state.mn.us.

SBDC - Marketing In a Tough Economy
Is the slumping economy impacting your sales and bottom line? Has tightening your belt meant fewer advertising dollars? Join us as we highlight proven marketing tips and strategies, getting creative, and doing more with less. Tough times never last, but those companies who can reach their customers do! Offered in Roseau, Thursday, November 12, click here to register. 

SBDC - Computer Classes
A down economy is a great time to update your tech skills. Take advantage of the moment with Microsoft Word or Excel 1, to learn the basics of the 2007 versions of these programs and much more. Word will be offered in Thief River Falls (11/3) and Park Rapids (11/16). Excel 1 will be offered in Park Rapids (11/16).

Ready to take your business operations and business decision-making to the next level? Then take QuickBooks Pro to harness the power of QuickBooks by customizing the program to give you the information you need! Offered in Crookston (11/2) and Hallock (11/9).

For any of the SBDC computer courses, click here to register or call the SBDC at 218-755-4255 for additional information.

Many other opportunities are coming soon. Watch our calendar of offerings from Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation and Northwest Technical College Custom College for all new course info.