2014 Business Plan Competition

Hello, this is Letha Stowe, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador with your Weekly Chamber Update.  

The joint Economic Development Committee kicked off the 2014 Business Plan Competition. We have four entrepreneurs participating in the challenge this year, including Toby Derth with Just Sew Pretty and Jeff Patalan with Franklin Currahee Sanitation. This year there are 14 prize package sponsors, totaling more than $8,000. We look forward to assisting with developing their business plans and connecting them with the resources they need to operate a successful business.

The Clean Up the Community Challenge 2014 Kick Off is March 1st. This year to be even better than last, and that’s a real challenge. Cash Prizes of $1,000 for 1^st place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for 3^rd place. Last year was extremely competitive with 21 teams and the results were the best in 10 years. The challenge is open to all citizens of Toccoa – Stephens County. The Chamber will have a team. If you’d like to join our team please call the Chamber at 706-886-2132.

The Chamber is now conducting “Mystery Shopping” in Toccoa-Stephens County to help retailers and restaurants get an objective view of: staff customer service, facility appearances inside and out,  merchandising and the “overall” shopping experience.  What makes a business better is the way it addresses the known areas of need. It’s an ongoing process that makes a business better over time. The Chamber is here to help with this process. Call us today to learn more. 

Next Thursday, at 10am, we have a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Evan Oglesby Foundation on Pond Street. Join us as we celebrate this nonprofit who is recognized for empowering our youth to achieve excellence in education and athletics.  

Also next Thursday is a Business-After-Hours with Cindy Mathews and the Mountain Ed Charter High school.  Come meet new people and make new business connections.  

So, what can the Chamber do for you today? Need help with Facebook? Need help with promoting your “Hot” Deals? Need help posting calendar events? That’s what I’m asking when I’m out and about visiting with members and delivering delicious Heavenly Dessert cookies. I look forward to hearing all about what you need to grow your business this year.   

That’s your weekly update! I’m Letha Stowe, your Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador with your Weekly Chamber Update!