Chamber News

Small Business Forum -June 29 at PH Community College-Stuart

Small Business Forum: “Finding Resources for Your Small Business� When: Tuesday, June 29, 2010; Refreshments 5:15-6:00, Forum begins at 6:00 p.m.

Small Business Forum: “Finding Resources for Your Small Business� When: Tuesday, June 29, 2010; Refreshments 5:15-6:00, Forum begins at 6:00 p.m. Where: Community Room, PHCC, Stuart Site FREE! Description: The Virginia Department of Business Assistance was created by the General Assembly to provide one-stop-service for assistance related to forming a new business, finding access to capital, and workforce development. The VDBA works with existing businesses as they grow and also mentors entrepreneurs with developing their ideas and launching their first business ventures. Sandy Ratliff, business services manager for the VDBA, will present information on the resources available for small businesses (and entrepreneurs) and will answer your questions about where to seek help for your specific small business needs. To Register: Call 276-694-7181 or simply reply to this e-mail. The event is free and open to any interested small business owners, employees or entrepreneurs looking to find out more about the resources available. The Speaker: Sandy Ratliff is a seasoned economic developer with over 20 years of experience serving the Commonwealth of Virginia. An accomplished industry recruiter and marketer, her vision and expertise in job creation and business retention have driven notable enterprise growth in the customer services industry in far southwest Virginia. As the Business Services Manager for the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) in the agency’s Abingdon office which serves 23 localities in Southwest Virginia, Ratliff works with new and expanding businesses to offer startup consulting, community support services, sales growth mentoring, finance counseling and business information assistance. Ratliff’s primary focus is entrepreneurship development. Mark your calendars for August 24, same time, same place, where the Small Business Forum will host Eric Benfeldt who will be speaking on the development of the local food movement—and what Patrick County can do to become involved! This is definitely a “don’t miss�! You may go ahead and register for this one, too!! The Small Business Forums are jointly sponsored by the Reynolds Homestead Virginia Tech Continuing Education Center, Patrick Henry Community College, and the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce. Lisa S. Martin Senior Program Manager Reynolds Homestead 463 Homestead Lane Critz, VA 24082 (276) 694-7181 x 22