I’m not a numbers person by nature. I was a writer first, then a journalist, before I got into business. I’ve learned the hard way, though, that managing the basic numbers is critical to business success. And if it’s your business, then you either manage them yourself or work with somebody you really trust. With that in mind, here’s my summary of the most important and most basic numbers in the business, and how to manage projections and tracking and steering ahead with them.

The darkest days of the Great Recession are over, so we are told, but I'm finding that sales have increased only slightly for some small-business owners, while revenue remains deeply depressed for many. While some customers are loosening up their wallets a little, it is clear purchasing habits have changed.

Bank of America through its corporate responsibility arm presented LAEDA with a check in the amount of $50,000 to support its Entrepreneurial Development Training Program and a feasibility study for a potential commercial development project.

What is the condition of your business? This was the subject of the first session of the Business As A Second Language Series presented by LAEDA in partnership with Wells Fargo Bank.

During the banquet, LAEDA and community leaders recognized the 39graduates of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP). In addition, the EDTP Alumni nominated a fellow graduate, Rosetta Brown, who represented the drive, commitment and sense of community that makes for a successful business person to be honored at the Banquet. Savoy Caterers served a gourmet meal, amidst their elegant ballroom.

The Latin American Economic Development Association, Inc. invited the community and business leaders to join in support of the 23rd Annual Fundraiser Banquet and Casino Night. This extraordinary event took place on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010, at Coleen’s at Savoy Caterers with Chef Les, located at 1444 Rt. 73 North, Pennsauken, NJ, from 6:30 pm to 12:00 am.

LAEDA’s President and CEO Raymond Lamboy revealed, for the first time, LAEDA’s enhanced website and logo to the audience during our 23rd annual banquet. The new website and logo give a new face to LAEDA.

Eunice Jose Reverend Eunice Jose is the true definition of persistence. As the owner and operator of LoidaDevelopmentCenter, Ms. Jose achieved in her retirement what others have strived for all their lives, business ownership. Children have been a passion of Ms. Jose all her life. Throughout her career, Ms. Jose has work in various positions working with the children of Camden. Continually working to improve her skills, Ms. Jose graduated from Glassboro State College in 1976, earning a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education. As an elementary school teacher at CramerSchool for 11 years, Ms. Jose began planning for her next steps after her career in public service.

EDTP: The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program provides an alternate route to gainful employment for economically disadvantaged individuals through the establishment of their own business. This year we finished successfully two sessions. As a result we will generate businesses in the following industries: Business creation has been in all number of industries they include: construction: cleaning services, day care centers, hair salons, and so many more.

Succession Planning This January, LAEDA is undertaking the next step in its evolution – Succession Planning. Over a four week period business men and women will learn how to prepare themselves, their businesses and their families for the next stage in their lives, retirement. Sell to a third party? Sell to the next generation? Remain owner under a silent partner arrangement? These questions and more confront each business owner. We hope to see you then. Click here