Webinar on Joplin disaster

Business and civic leaders in Joplin, Mo., got a crash course in using social media for disaster communications following the May 22 tornado that tore through the city, killing 160 people and damaging or destroying about 8,000 homes and businesses.

Darius Joseph of Microware Inc. will be the presenter. Joseph is an information innovation consultant who specializes in advising for small- to medium-size businesses.

The evening begins with a social event while which members and guests network and exchange ideas for growing their business.

Flat or recessionary economy in the coming year

- 88 percent of those businesses responding expect a flat or recessionary economy in the coming year. That's the highest it's been in two years, according to the survey.

- 45 percent of small businesses responding said they expect no growth opportunities in the coming year. That's up from 40 percent in December.