One glimmer of hope in the murky World Wide Web

My existence inside the wondrous World Wide Web hasn't been so wonderful these last few weeks.

Example: I tried to file my taxes online and failed miserably. Frankly, I'm impatient with it all. I won't stay on a site that takes longer than two seconds to download. And some online pharmaceutical company must have me confused with someone else because I have a glut of messages to "BUY CIALIS CHEAP NOW."

Everyone should have their own personal Web address. Mine will be www.here_is_where_patience_goes_to_die.com.

But there is a prize in all my murky discontent, and it will benefit you, the small-business owner.

The Community Business Resource Center recently launched its free online service called the Nevada Business Support Network. Access it through www.cbrc.org or directly at http://nbsn.ecosq.com/kb. I logged onto it for the first time Friday and it was actually navigable. Imagine that. Though it does use a color scheme that reminds me of an 80s Apple computer, especially the NBSN Forum that uses heavy yellow, blue and red type on a black background. But several services on the site could be useful to business owners all over the region. You can request assistance through e-mail, or join a forum on a topic that interests you.

The site is so young that most of the forums only have one or two postings. Make sure to register for the site (the register link on the top right) as soon as you enter, though you can browse as a guest. Topics include agTalk, "To Wal-Mart or not to Wal-Mart" and business success stories.

Free service

The Nevada Appeal has a free service open to new businesses. To be listed in the "Business Card" feature in the daily business section contact Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com.

Drug-free workplace programs

The U.S. Department of Labor has a new Web site for employers to help them establish drug-free workplace programs that protect work safety and health. Employers can protect their businesses from the negative effects caused by employee drug use by developing educational workplace programs. The Web site is www.dol.gov/workingpartners

P.C. Doctor Inc. to expand

P.C. Doctor Inc., a developer of hardware diagnostic and system information tools in Reno, will expand its Asia-Pacific operations to align more closely with the needs of personal computer manufacturers and other customers in Japan, Taiwan, China and other regional countries. For information about P.C. Doctor and its products visit http://www.pc-doctor.com/

Professional photography course

The University of Nevada, Reno offers a new course in professional photography business practices March 4 to 6 from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. at the Continuing Education Building, 1041 N. Virginia St. The course fee is $495 before Feb. 21. To register call Extended Studies at 784-4062. For information call Rich Whitney at 784-4046. Read about the course at www.extendedstudies.unr.edu.

Cactus Jack's named 'Safe Partner'

Cactus Jack's Casino in Carson City was named a "Safe Partner of the Quarter" for the fourth quarter of 2004. The selection was made by the Safety Consultation and Training Section of the State of Nevada's Division of Industrial Relations.

Shop for children

The Children's Museum was selected to participate in Macy's Reno Community Shopping Day Fund-raiser on March 24. The event is from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and it's dedicated to raising funds for local nonprofit organizations. For information on the Children's Museum participation in Macy's shopping day, or to purchase your $10 ticket, or to volunteer to sell tickets, call Ken at 884-2226.

Lori Hadlock attends symposium

Lori Hadlock of Platinum Plus Salon Spa in Carson City recently attended the Redken 2005 International Symposium held in Las Vegas. The three-day symposium is one of the salon industries most important educational events. Contact Hadlock at 884-1001.

David Archer to present marketing seminar

David Archer, a Northern Nevada marketing and management consultant, was selected by the Nevada Small Business Development Center to provide a wide range of electronic marketing services. He will present an electronic marketing seminar on March 17 at the University of Nevada, Reno. For information call 784-1717.

Adele's to renovate

Adele's will complete a multi-phase renovation at the end of February. Owners Charlie and Karen Abowd have upgraded the building's plumbing and electrical and replaced windows and added a verandah.

The remodeling also includes adding a private wine room and cellar. The bathrooms were relocated and made handicapped accessible. A dancing floor and fireplace have also be added to the lounge. For reservations at Adele's, 1112 N. Carson St., call 882-3353.

R Supply Company Inc. sold

Ferguson company recently acquired R Supply Company Inc., with headquarters in Reno. The acquisition included three other Nevada R Supply locations in Carson City, Winnemucca and Elko. Bob Edmonds, former president of R Supply, will continue with the business as president and general manager. R Supply has annual sales of about $36 million and employs 95 full-time associates.

- Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.