SANFORD — Businesses stand a good chance of surviving an economic downturn — but it takes know-how, according to Cathy Swindell, Industrial Relations Officer at Central Carolina Community College.

That know-how will be available at the “How to Survive (and Thrive!) In Our Tough Economy” workshop, to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, in Sanford.

Featured speaker Gregg Stocker’s topic will be “Don’t Do Anything Stupid!” — the essential “dos” and “don’ts” in a tough economy. Stocker is a former business executive, widely respected management consultant, and author of “Avoiding the Corporate Death Spiral.”

Central Carolina Community College and its Lee County Small Business Center, Solomon-EOS, Distinctive Human Resources, and Lee County Economic Development are sponsoring the workshop. The cost is $195 per person, which includes lunch and a workbook. Call about group discounts. Reserve a seat now by contacting the Lee County Small Business Center at the D.A. Wicker Civic Center, (919) 774-6442.

“Having come from industry, I’ve seen the typical manufacturing ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to a bad economy of cutting manpower, reducing training, and taking shortcuts in quality,” Swindell said. “This workshop addresses that mind-set and encourages a different way of approaching business while we attempt to survive — and thrive— until the economy improves. This will position industry and business to be ready to respond when the market revives.”

The event will also include breakout and strategy sessions:

“Making the right people moves” — Presenter David Siler, president of Distinctive Human Resources, discusses the correct steps for a business to survive and thrive.

“Supplier Partnerships in Tough Times” — Jeff Bickford, senior associate with Solomon EOS, discusses building effective relationships with suppliers that can help businesses out of the crisis and into the future.

“Leading from the Front” — Bob Jones, managing partner with Solomon EOS, speaks on “leading from the front” and increasing a business’ chances for success.

“More Profit with ‘Rationalization’” — Bob Snyder, senior associate with Solomon EOS, discusses how to separate the “keepers” from the “sleepers” in your portfolio.

“Practical Wisdom for Success” — Noted area executive officers, who have been through this all before, share their experiences and advice in video interviews taped for this seminar.