New SCORE president has a plan to keep organization relevant
In an era when traditional business plans seem passe and specialized
financial advice is only as far away as your smartphone, where do
tried-and-true business counseling programs fit into the
entrepreneurship equation?
It's a tough question, and it's David R. Bobbitt's to answer.
Bobbitt, a University of Virginia graduate, was recently elevated to
president of the SCORE Foundation and vice president of development for
the foundation's parent nonprofit association, a small-business
counseling and mentorship group financed in part by the federal
government.
(SCORE originally stood for Service Corps of Retired Executives.)
Now in its 50th year, the organization, based in Herndon, Va., helps
entrepreneurs with tasks ranging from writing a business plan to
applying for a loan to breaking into the contracting arena. The group
has worked one-on-one with more than 10 million businesses and has built
an army of about 11,000 volunteers, including active and retired
executives. Read more: Daily Herald Business Ledger
Virginia Chamber event: Fed's Lacker says economy is showing signs of sustainable growth
The U.S. economy is
showing signs of stronger, sustainable growth, the president of the
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond said Friday.
Jeffrey M. Lacker
said U.S. gross domestic product should see a growth rate of about 2.5
to 3 percent this year compared with a post-recession average growth
rate of around 2.25 percent.
Economic trends such as rising
household spending and an improving labor market support a “somewhat
brighter scenario” for the economy, he said.
“I think the odds are better now
that the current pickup in growth is going to be sustained,” Lacker told
more than 600 people attending an economic forecast meeting of the
Virginia Bankers Association and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce at the
Greater Richmond Convention Center. Richmond Times-Dispatch
State chamber challenge: Essay contest for Michigan high school students
The Michigan
Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Northwood University, is
pleased to announce the inaugural Michigan Chamber Foundation High
School Essay Contest. The competition is open to Michigan high school
students, who must write an essay on the topic, “How can Michigan become
more economically competitive?”
All students
entering the writing contest must be in their freshman, sophomore,
junior or senior year and enrolled in a Michigan high school during the
2014-2015 academic school year.
Five finalists will be announced at the Michigan
Chamber Foundation’s annual dinner on May 12, 2015 in Lansing. Winners
will receive cash prizes including $5,000 for first place; $2,500 for
second place; $1,000 for third place; and $500 each for the fourth and
fifth place winners. In addition, faculty advisors for each of the
winners will receive a $500 stipend.Read more: Record & Clarion
Membership is up for Vilonia Area (Arkansas) Chamber of Commerce
Some businesses are still down from the tornado, but the membership
is up for the Vilonia Area Chamber of Commerce, said Jill Bonnema,
chamber executive officer.
“Even though we lost some businesses due to the tornado, we have
gained five new members since it,” Bonnema said. “We hope to gain at
least 10 new members this year.”
On that note, Bonnema said, the chamber is currently in the middle of
a membership drive. As well, ongoing memberships are due now with the
cost being $60 per year for businesses and $25 per year for individuals. Read more: Log Cabin Democrat
Highwood (Illinois) Bocce Club to Host Annual Chamber Event
The Highwood Chamber of Commerce is excited to host its annual dinner
and meeting on Saturday, January 24 at the Highwood Bocce Club. Cocktail
hour (cash bar) will begin at 6 p.m., with presentations and dinner at 7
p.m. There will be a DJ, dancing and Bocce, before and after dinner.
Tickets are $50 per person, and the event is open to Chamber members and
non-Chamber members. Reservations are required and should be made by
calling the Chamber office at 847-433-2100. Those planning to play Bocce
must bring a clean pair of soled flat shoes.
“We are excited to have the Highwood Bocce Club host our annual
meeting and dinner,” says Jennifer Zanotti Ori, President of the
Highwood Chamber of Commerce. “The Club has been a staple in Highwood
for over 45 years, and it is the perfect example of a hometown Highwood
business that has evolved over the years.”Read more: Highland Park Patch
Working women in Wisconsin Rapids: Sign-up for Jan. 26 lunch
The Heart of
Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce is accepting reservations for the Jan. 27
Working Women's Luncheon, set for 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at Hotel
Mead, 451 E. Grand Ave.
Cost is $25 for chamber members and $40
for prospective members, and includes lunch and the program, "Find the
Solution, Not a Resolution." Marketplace booths open at 10:45 a.m. Read more: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune
Estherville (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce Executive director Lexie Ruter: Homegrown talent at its best
No
one could cast any doubt on Lexie Ruter's ability to serve as executive
director of the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce. Bachelor's degree
in accounting from Iowa Lakes Community College. Bachelor's in finance
from Minnesota State University at Mankato. Ruter has the credentials
and then some to help carry Estherville's business community to the next
level.
It
was only natural, then, that Ruter would receive the distinguished 2014
Iowa Lakes Corridor Young Professional of the Year award.
Ruter
has something else beyond talent, though. Something special. She has a
love of her hometown that goes far beyond what one usually sees on a
resume.
While
she could have worked anywhere - including a large city - Ruter chose
to come back to where she grew up. Back to the place where her parents
Roger and Laurel Hash tutored her well in the value of community
service.
- See more at: Estherville Daily News
Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner:
Painted Skye Management Offers 11 Ways to Succeed in Business
Tilsen-Brave Heart, 31, was a participant in the Bush Foundation’s Native Nation Rebuilders Fellowship Program
and was also selected as the Native American Instructor of the SBA e200
Executive Management Training for the state of South Dakota. She served
as co-founder of the South Dakota Indian Business Alliance and received the Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and now operates Painted Skye Management
where she offers business training, coaching and management services
for artistic and entertainment talent including comedian Dallas
Goldtooth (Mdewakanton Dakota and Diné), writer Gyassi Ross (Blackfeet),
painter Joe Hopkins (Cree/Seminole), and sculptor Brendon Albers
(Cheyenne River). Read more: Indian Country Today Media Network
A boon to business: Savage (Minnesota) Chamber of Commerce celebrating 50th anniversary
In the last
half-century, the Savage Chamber of Commerce has evolved from a small
group of business owners meeting wherever they could find space to one
of the city’s most prominent organizations, responsible for some of the
biggest events in the community.
And through it all,
the chamber’s goal has remained the same: to be an advocate for local
businesses and to do whatever it takes to connect them to the community
they serve.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, the Savage
Chamber will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at Crystal Lake Golf
Club in Lakeville from 5-9:30 p.m. Anyone who has ever had any
involvement in the chamber is invited to attend the event, which will
also serve as a fundraiser for the organization with a raffle, live
auction and silent auction. Members old and new will reminisce on the
chamber’s history, and the 2015 Business Person of the Year will be
revealed at the party. There will be a dinner and a program. Read more: Savage Pacer
It’s a good time to start a small business, said Dan Mauk, president of the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce and Development. The Nebraska economy has recovered from the recession and there is a good economic forecast for the next two years.
“I think this is perfect,” Mauk said.
North Platte Area chamber: Nebraska economy looks good for small business owners
It’s a good time to start a small business, said Dan Mauk, president of the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce and Development. The Nebraska economy has recovered from the recession and there is a good economic forecast for the next two years.
“I think this is perfect,” Mauk said.
Organizations like the NP
Chamber, the Custer County Economic Development Corportation, Keith
County Area Development and others can help entrepreneurs find their
niche within a community. All three offer business counseling for those
with an idea, a struggling existing business or transitioning a business
from one owner to another. Read more: North Platte Telegraph
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