Russia's loss is America's gain 

TH Strenk--a.k.a. Tom--gave us a heads up that wines from the Republic of Georgia will soon be hitting our shores, instead of being horded by Russians (for no doubt nefarious purposes). Here are some further resources for sourcing:

http://www.georgianwinehouse.com/

http://www.wineofgeorgia.com/

http://www.georgianwines.info

http://georgia.usembassy.gov/latest-news/2008-press-releases/press-releases-2008.html

Your 2009 energy makeover 

In the February cover story, Steve Brooks offered up a slew of tips to cut your energy bill and save a lot of money (and go green). Want more info and tips? Here are some sites Steve came across in his reporting: 

www.restaurant.org/conserve - National Restaurant Association Conserve initiative, tips and success stories of restaurants saving energy bills.

www.energystar.gov/cfs - Ratings and specifications on Energy Star appliances.

www.dsireusa.org - State-by-state database of tax incentives, subsidies and rebates for energy-efficient and renewable energy installations.

www.fishnick.com - Food Service Technology Center, the latest technological info on all kinds of energy-efficient restaurant equipment.

The 7 rules of partnering

If you're tightening your market budget--or, really, even if you're not--partnering can be a great way to go. Manufacturers, other local businesses, nonprofits: they can all help get your message out. Dana Tanyeri gave us the rules of the road. Here's some more intel:

http://www.inc.com/resources/office/articles/20040801/partners2.html   Article by Inc.com columnist Rebecca Morgan offers tips on how to establish supply chain partnerships that work. It includes a free interactive partner evaluation spreadsheet that could be adapted to evaluate other types of partnership candidates, as well.

http://www.corporate-partnering.com/cpi/ Want to partner but just don’t know where to start to make it really work? Check out the tools, resources and expertise available through the Corporate Partnering Institute.
 
http://partneringagreements.com/   This sponsored section within the Corporate Partnering Institute’s site gets you to a free download of the “Dangerous Dozen” Common Partnering Mistakes.

http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/partnerships_main.html What sets really effective partnerships apart? This site offers a list of 10 critical attributes to keep in mind and build upon as your court potential partners.