FRANKLIN—The economic climate is tough for businesses these days, but the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce hopes a Wednesday workshop will help retailers succeed despite that.

Casey Willson, a 35-year veteran of the retail and restaurant industry and head of the the Small Town and Merchant Program (STAMP), will be in town to offer advice during a two-hour workshop.

Willson’s seminar is titled “Sustaining Profit and Position in a Changing Economy” and will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Paul D. Camp Community College Regional Workforce Development Center.

Wilson will discuss fiscal fitness, customer retention, economic restricting, recruiting and more.

“It was a big coup to get him here,” said Teresa Beale, executive director of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re hoping his message will help give our local retailers the tools they can use immediately to strengthen their businesses.”

Attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a one-on-one hourlong consultation session with Willson, who also works with the Maryland Small Business Development Center.

“What a great opportunity that will be for them,” Beale said. “They will really gain some great insight from that.”

The seminar is sponsored by the Chamber, Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. and the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads.

Cost is $10 for members of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce and $5 for each additional employee from the same business and $20 for non-Chamber members and $10 for each additional attendee from the same business. Call 562-4900 for reservations.