Monroe County is celebrating National Small Business Week May 1st – May 5th with a week of local events aimed at recognizing small businesses while providing educational and development opportunities to businesses, employees and elected leaders.
Among the week’s speakers will be Zach Hobbs from Sydor Optics.
Hobbs will discuss two projects undertaken at Sydor Optics with the Pollution Prevention Institute (P2I) that resulted in increased reclamation of used Cerium Oxide. Cerium Oxide is a rare earth used by precision optics manufacturers as a polishing compound. The reclaimed ceria is collected, recycled and reformulated by Flint Creek Resources (Ontario County) for use back at Sydor Optics.
In the first project, P2I collected data and performed testing to recommend a solution to increase our collection of used and spent ceria. The second project included the final design and implementation of a system that will enable Sydor to increase their collection efforts by up to 2X and allow the company to be more sustainable with a resource that is primarily imported from China.
Part of the week’s agenda:
RIT Sustainability Roundtable – NYS Pollution Prevention Institute
May 1st, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: RIT – Louise Slaughter Building, 111 Lomb Memorial Drive, Building 78, Room 2220
Description: This informational panel discussion will educate area businesses on the benefits that sustainability can have for their bottom line and will provide government officials with information on sustainability initiatives practiced by local businesses.
Featuring: Zachary Hobbs – Sydor Optics, Daniel O’Connell – American Fuel Cell, John Erbland – Paradigm of NY, John Urlaub – Rohrbach Brewing Co., and John McCurdy/Bill Popham – Locust Hill Country Club
Registration: http://bit.ly/p2ismallbusiness
MCC Corporate College: Training and Development Open House
May 4th, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: MCC Economics & Workforce Development Center, 1057 E. Henrietta Rd., Suite 300, Rochester, NY 14623
Description: Presented by MCC Corporate College. Three sample training sessions will be offered to local businesses and employees to explain how MCC Corporate College can support small businesses in our community. The three sample training sessions being offered are: Managing Different Personality Styles, Microsoft Excel Tips and Tricks, and Learn to Fly – sUAS (drones).
Registration: http://www.mccediws.com/smallbiz/
A Community Together for Education: “How Your Business Can Partner with Local Schools”
May 4th, 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Village Gate Atrium, 274 N. Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14607
Description: A Community Together for Education delivers positive messaging about our local school districts, encourages community support of public education, and promotes positive partnerships within the community. Come learn how to promote your business’ brand in the community, network with leaders of local school districts, and see student displays in the fields of robotics and technology.
Registration:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-your-business-can-partner-with-local-schools-tickets-33709563211
For more information on all of Monroe County’s Small Business Week events please visit www.monroecounty.gov/nsbw2017.