Located on the Library's lower level, the Business Center offers space, resources, and expert assistance for your growing business! For more information about the Business Center, or to make suggestions to how we can better serve you, contact Lynn Koenig at lkoenig@lawrencepubliclibrary.org

Business Resources
The Business Center contains books, electronic databases, magazines, useful websites for entrepreneurs, and information regarding development of a green business. In addition to our reference staff, we have partnered with the KU Small Business Development Center to provide services to those starting business and looking to grow their business. Occasional workshops are also scheduled.

Powerful Business Information Tools

• Reference USA is a powerful database featuring detailed information on more than 14 million US businesses and 115 million households. It is a great marketing and research tool for your business. With ReferenceUSA, you can create and download custom lists of businesses and households across the U.S., identify consumers based on their lifestyles, hobbies and interests, and search the Lawrence geographic area for potential customers who have an interest in your products and services.
  
  
• Business and Company Resource Center provides full text access to business magazines, company profiles, brand information, and more.
  
  
• Gale Legal Forms provides access to thousands of customizable state-specific legal forms, many for areas related to small business, including leases, licenses, transfer agreements, bills of sale, contracts, purchase agreements, and much more.
  
  
• Kansas City Star - read today's full issue of the newspaper and browse past issues.

Conference Room Space
Don't want to meet with clients in your home or the local coffee shop? The Business Center has a four-person conference room available for small business meetings. Make your reservations by calling 843-1178. Use of the room is free.

Videoconferencing
Save time and expense by conducting your next meeting by video. The Business Center offers videoconferencing services for a reasonable fee. Call 843-3833 x113 for reservations. Non-profit group rate is $50/session and the for-profit group rate is $100/session.

Making New Connections
University of Kansas Small Business Development Center (KU-KSBDC)
646 Vermont Street, Suite 200
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 843-8844
www.business.ku.edu/kusbdc

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
646 Vermont Street, Suite 200
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 865-4411
www.lawrencechamber.com

Kansas Business and Industry Data Center The University of Kansas
1541 Lilac Lane, 607 Blake Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-3701
www.ipsr.ku.edu/BIDC

Lawrence Workforce Center
2540 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66046-5754
(785) 840-9675
www.workforcecenters.com/lawrence

Spotlight
When asked what advice she would give to those interested in starting their own business, Karen Pendleton quickly replies, "Love what you do because that is what will carry you through the tough times." Karen and her husband John have worked through their share of tough times as owners of Pendleton's Country Market. In 1980, just after they married, the couple went into business with John's parents on the family farm located three miles east of Lawrence. It was at the height of the farm crisis and the Pendletons, like so many family farmers, began looking for additional income.

In 1981, the couple planted their first half acre of asparagus. Every year since, they have planted more. Over the years, Karen and John have become masters of diversifying their operation. Vegetables, flowers, honey, jams and other products now are offered at their store. Pendleton's Country Market also hosts birthday parties, school trips and farm tours and provides custom flower arrangements for weddings and other events.

At the core of the Pendleton's business philosophy is the importance of listening to customers. "We have come a long way thanks to advice from our customers," said Karen. "It is their input that keeps us going and allows us to maintain our livelihood from the land."