João-Pierre arrived in 1997 at the door of NJBIZ, then known as Business News New Jersey, as an intern and was hired that same year as a staff writer. For more than 12 years he has covered the retail, technology, and media industries in the state. He also handles principal online news writing at NJBIZ.com. João-Pierre is a lifelong resident of the state and graduated from Rutgers University. 
The New Jersey Small Business Development Centers said a Webinar series will launch on Thursday to help small-business owners tough out the challenging economy.
The premiere installment in the series is set for March 18 at 6 p.m. The first of the 45-minute programs will address mistakes to avoid in Web site development. Other topics that will follow include promoting a business Web site and boosting sales in April, and unlocking the power of e-mail marketing in May.
Each Webinar will cost $25 to attend. More information is available at www.njsbdc.com.
E-mail João-Pierre Ruth at jpruth@njbiz.com
Follow me on Twitter @jpruth
