By JOHN BURCH / Community Columnist

As a business you have to be connected. Yes, you need an internet and probably social media. You need suppliers, and a marketplace.

But I’m thinking one step beyond that.

For most businesses in a small town like Helena, our business is somewhat of an extension of who we are in the community. As a business owner we get close to our community by serving the needs of its citizens and not just through the products or services we offer.

The Helena Business Association is about facilitating these kinds of connections too. One way to get connected is to come alongside our community educators to help prepare the next generation to be successful in business. Whether owners or employees, we want our youth to be prepared to succeed when they move to the next phase in life.

Mark your calendars for two business-to-education connection opportunities.

On Friday Oct. 7, the Shelby County BOE in conjunction with HBA and the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will host a networking event from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Helena High School for local businesses to connect with the Career and Technical Education program.

In addition, please save Nov. 4 for Senior Interview Day. From 8:30 a.m. until around noon, HHS needs seasoned business professionals to participate as mock employers and help our young people learn vital interview skills.

More information is available on the HBA website if you are interested in these two great opportunities to get connected.