Dr. Al Bates: “Making Money in a Tough Market”—Today's business and economic climate—impacted by the housing decline as well as a credit crunch—is a constant source of concern. Bates, of the Profit Planning Group, will focus on three key issues: maximizing sales in a slow-growth period; properly managing your gross margins; and how to re-think your payroll costs.

Alan Beaulieu: “Planning for Change”—Eliminate hunches and guess work when planning your company's future, says economist Beaulieu. He will talk about implementing economic forecasts and analyzing them effectively. A senior analyst with the Institute for Trend Research, Beaulieu has consulted with companies in the United States and Europe, showing them how to plan and prosper by analyzing business cycles

Mike Foster: “Protecting Vital Business Systems”—Ever since the catastrophic damage left by Hurricane Katrina, business owners have been taking a close look at their preparations for a natural disaster. Foster, founder of the Dallas-based Foster Institute, believes far too many businesses lack good emergency plans. Foster will provide STAFDA attendees with his recommended checklist of things to do to prepare for a natural disaster.