After a lull in activity over summer months, the Small Business Council will kick-start its monthly seminar series with special guest speaker Donald Sabbarese to address local business leaders.

Another production of the Lunch and Learn seminar series, the Sept. 24 event will aim to give business owners a look into the future of this turbulent economic time. Sabbarese, director of the Kennesaw State University Econometric Center and professor of economics, last spoke at the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting in February.

"He has graciously agreed to come talk to the small businesses of the Chamber about the U.S. and local economies. He's going to focus less on the international stuff, he's going to focus more on what I'd like to call the practical aspect of the economy and what it really means to the small business owners on a day-to-day business," said Saunders Jones III, SBC chairman.

Although economic predictions are ever evolving and never a guarantee, Jones said he hopes that those in attendance can gain some understanding and insight from an expert in the field. The Econometrics Center produces the Georgia Purchasing Managers Survey, the Southeast Regional Purchasing Managers Survey and other research-based analysis used by many industries.

"One of the most important aspects to a business owner is anticipating what's going to happen in the future, and while it's not an absolute predictor of what can happen, the more information you have on the possibilities of what will happen in the future gives you the ability to plan your own business and adjust you own business plan toward the economy," Jones said.

The SBC took a break during the summer to account for family travel of those who would normally attend seminars. Now as businesses focus on closing out the third quarter, Lunch and Learn hopes to serve as a boost to business leaders.

"A way they can kind of get back into the swing of things is to definitely come out to this one to learn about what can kind of be expected over the next year or so, but also to get back involved with the Chamber and get re-energized after the summer," Jones said.

The SBC focuses efforts on identifying issues of concern to local businesses and providing educational information through various means. In October, a seminar will be held to create a long-term evaluation of businesses discussing their eventual sale, transfer or closure, as well as insurance and financing options. November's Lunch and Learn will focus on retail outlets before the big Christmas push.

SBC Lunch and Learn events are free for Chamber members and include a lunch catered by Slope's BBQ. For non-members, attendance is $10, which also includes lunch.

"It's another great opportunity, I think, that the Small Business Council has made available to the business community again for Chamber members free of charge. I think we've kept on doing what we said we were going to do which was continue to provide valuable information whether it be speakers, experts, what not that are relevant to the small business community," Jones said.

The Chamber invites those interested to join the SBC in helping to create such workshops. Local business leaders interested in speaking to a subject of interest may also contact organizers to discuss leading a seminar.

"The whole purpose of [the SBC] and the seminars is geared toward the small business owner," said Martha Macon, Chamber membership services director. "And we are open, anyone who is interested may join us. ... We're constantly looking for speakers and we'd like to use our own businesses in Bartow County or the Cartersville proper area.

"This is all community-oriented and who else could speak on what the community needs than a business owner right here in the area."

Registration is needed for meal registration and seating. To RSVP, call Macon at 770-382-1466, extension 108, or e-mail martha@cartersvillechamber.com by noon Monday.