Rachael Carter shared the microphone with me on one of my radio programs last summer to promote a Miss-Lou Tourism Summit. Carter, an Extension associate in community and strategic planning at Mississippi State University, will be one of the featured presenters for the upcoming Webinar series we will be hosting here at the Extension office this fall.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu.

As part of the National e-Commerce Extension Initiative, the Warren County Extension Service will host one-hour Webinars at 2 p.m. Thursdays starting this week. These events are co-hosted by the Southern Rural Development Center. The SRDC works with 29 land-grant institutions to address critical contemporary rural development issues impacting the well-being of people and communities throughout the rural South. This Webinar series seeks to expand the application of e-commerce strategies by small businesses, entrepreneurs, small business owners, community development professionals, community leaders and others.

Here is a list of the topics and presenters, along with a brief description of the lessons:

• A Beginner’s Guide to e-Commerce: Easy Tools for Profit — Thursday; Dr. Kimball Marshall, instructor. If you or someone you work with is looking to turn an existing skill into income, grow a small business or expand the market for a rural business, then this session is for you. Discover how to use the Internet to generate income.

• Web Site Basics: A Primer for Hispanic Small Businesses — Nov. 19; Dr. Brian Whitacre, instructor. The Internet can open doors for Hispanic small businesses through effective Web site design and online shopping options. Participants will learn how to use the Internet to add value to these businesses and increase awareness of their products and services among Spanish speaking customers.

• Marketing Food Specialty Products Online — Dec. 3; Rachael Carter, instructor. How can food retailers, such as grocery managers, farmers, restaurants or food specialty entrepreneurss, use the vast amount of online marketing options? If you want to gain skills in online business decision-making, you will want to join us for this session.

There is no doubt that this educational series is timely. In these tight economic times, it seems small businesses, entrepreneurs and others need to be aware of every advantage possible to market their products or services.

And, don’t forget, a floral design presentation by Ralph Null, an award winning, internationally recognized leader in the floral arts and retail floriculture, will be broadcast via interactive video Friday morning at the Extension office. Null’s arrangements have graced White House dinners, presidential inaugurals, the windows of Macy’s and Saks and have been featured in Neiman Marcus catalogues. The presentation is free.