Released August 15, 2003

AUGUST 15, 2003

SMALL BUSINESS COURSES SET AT SOUTHERN MISS GULF COAST

LONG BEACH -- Anyone trying to start a new business will be able to get help with a variety of courses offered next month by The University of Southern Mississippi Small Business Development Center. The courses are offered at various locations along the Gulf Coast. Course offerings include "Be Your Own Boss," which will be offered from 1-3:30 p.m., Sept. 11, at the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce, 693 Beach Blvd., Biloxi Port Commission Building, second floor, in Biloxi. General small business start-up information will be covered, such as licensing, taxes, zoning, business planning and financing. The fee is $20 in advance. "QuickBooks Pro for Beginners" will be offered from 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Sept. 17 and 24, at the SBDC, which is adjacent to the Gulf Park campus. This two-part, hands-on computer workshop is for beginners interested in learning the basics of QuickBooks. Topics to be covered include: financial statements, invoices and much more. The early bird fee is $225, with payment received before Sept. 10. The regular fee is $265 (after Sept. 10). Seating is limited. No "pay at the door" fees will be accepted. "Writing a Winning Business Plan" will be offered from 6-8 p.m., Sept. 18, at the Gulf Park campus. Topics to be covered include business plan do's and don'ts, length, content and resources. The fee is $20 in advance. "Creating a Webpage for Your Small Business" will be offered 9 a.m.-noon, Sept. 27, at the SBDC. This hands-on computer workshop will assist the participant in the process of creating his or her own Web page. The early-bird fee is $89 (if paid by Sept. 20). The regular fee is $99 (after Sept. 20). Seating is limited. Fees cannot be accepted at the event. To prepay course fees, mail a check made payable to USM SBDC to the USM Small Business Development Center, 136 Beach Park Pl., Long Beach, Miss., 39560. For more information, contact the SBDC at (228) 865-4578.

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SOUTHERN MISS ELI TO OFFER NIGHT COURSES

HATTIESBURG -- The University of Southern Mississippi's English Language Institute (ELI) will be offering two new night classes beginning this fall. The first, Advanced English for Academics and Professionals, will be offered Tuesday nights from 6:30 - 8:45 p.m. The course will focus on writing, pronunciation and comprehension. The second course, Learn English!, will be offered Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 - 8 p.m. The cost for each course is $250. For more information on these night courses, contact the ELI at (601) 266-4337.

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SCHWARTZ JOINS SOUTHERN MISS STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

HATTIESBURG -- Dr. Alan Christopher Schwartz has joined the Southern Miss Department of Student Health Services as a staff physician. Schwartz is the former clinical director of MEA Medical Systems Clinic in Pearl, a combination ambulatory medicine and occupational medicine practice. While there he served on the board of directors, the professional standards committee and the quality assurance committee. Schwartz is a graduate of Southern Miss and received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. At Southern Miss, he was president of Sigma Chi fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Delta and Omicron Delta Pi. While at UMC he received the Virginia Stancil Tolbert Leadership Award. He completed his internship and residency at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. He is a member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association and the Southern Miss Honors Foundation.

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