‘Breaking Even: Breaking Through’ presents four insightful symposiums with three of the hottest small businesses in the area today who offer keen insights on how creative community thinking has brought their businesses to the forefront of success, and Covington’s Small Business Retention & Recruitment Specialist offers a practical workshop on how to move a great business idea into the realm of the possible. The series is sponsored by the Artisans Enterprise Center, Covington Renaissance and the City of Covington Economic Development Department.

Dates: Four Symposiums in May 2010
Thursday, May 13th 7pm: Lisa Kagan, owner, Melt
Thursday, May 20th 7pm: Rick Hoffman, owner, Covington Clay
Tuesday, May 25th 7pm: Dan Korman, owner, Park+Vine
Thursday May 27th 6pm: Rebecca Volpe, Small Business Insights, City of Covington

Location: AEC, 25 West 7th Street, Covington, KY 41011

Purpose of the Series:
Anyone who wants to learn what makes small businesses successful in Twenty First Century middle America and beyond should attend. Hear the stories of these businesses, how they got started, what challenges they faced, and how they waged victorious with hard work and focus. Learn from their experiences as the owners tell you what inspired them to open their doors and what continues to inspire them to wake up everyday to face the often grueling schedule of a Small business owner.

About the Speakers

Lisa Kagan, owner, Melt Eclectic Deli: Melt brings a community center point to Northside, and reminds people of what it’s like to have community and food! In turn people will travel for what Melt provides! Lisa’s ethical importance on local sourcing, great atmosphere and quality has been the reason why we all keep coming back for more! In this discussion, we will talk about how Melt got started, the power of word of mouth, and the secret to success in making sure the ‘Melt message’ travels?.





Dan Korman, owner, Park+Vine: The rise of the Green General Store. Park+Vine is successful in not only selling stuff, but inspiring people to learn more and adopt sustainable lifestyles. Not only is Park + Vine a general store, but a product thought leader. Dan Korman, the owner, will talk about his past as Community Planner and how his experience led to his business model, and how he retains the loyalty of his customers.






Rick Hoffman, owner, Covington Clay: Rick Hoffman came here from the east coast and settled his business in Covington; a two-tiered business model offers both retail and classes in ceramic and clay. The difference in his business model is that when he started out, he discovered there were few examples of an education-based small business models. Rick sees marketing as an essential capital investment, something that is an essential part of his foundation and it’s paid off.





Rebecca Volpe, Small Business Insights, City of Covington. As the Go-To for all small businesses looking to open their doors in Covington, Rebecca has seen and heard a lot. She will offer practical advice and insights on what makes for a successful business. She will talk about the process of making an idea become reality, what she has seen work and what doesn’t. The session will encourage a Q&A session as well as a review of how new business owners can utilize their local municipalities for additional resources.

For more information, contact: Natalie Bowers 859 292 2322