Friday, May 22, 2009 9:41 PM CDT
Small businesses make big contributions
in our communities
By Cindy Titus
Last week was National Small Business Week. Each year since 1963, the president and the U.S. Small Business Administration designate one week in recognition of the small business community’s contribution to the American economy.
Small businesses today, some 27.2 million strong, generate more than half of all sales in this country and employ about one half of all private sector employees. Small businesses also lead the nation in job creation, providing about 50 to 60 percent of the net new jobs.
We are proud of our members who are small businesses and appreciate the vital role they play in our community’s economy. As always, it is important for us to remember to support our local businesses. Supporting them keeps our local economy strong. Buy Local — It’s Your Choice!
Members of the Spring Class of Leadership Coles County 2009 were honored at a graduation ceremony on May 6. More than 50 people attended the celebration, which was held at the Charleston Country Club. The purpose of Leadership Coles County is to identify and motivate emerging leaders from the area, develop their potential for civic, social, and professional leadership and ultimately affect change and transform our communities
Over the course of the program, the 15 participants in the program attended sessions that covered topics such as: servant leadership, understanding and discovering the impact of thinking styles, systematic approaches to problem solving, collaborative problem solving, servant leadership, building successful personal action plans, and presenting action learning projects.
Spring class graduates were: Tami Babbs, Interim Assistant Comptroller, Eastern Illinois University; Brad Barker, Illinois Directory Sales Manager, Consolidated Communications; Paula Carpenter, Director, Financial Aid & Veteran Services, Lake Land College; Darcy Duzan, Optometrist, Lifetime Eye Care; Ryan Franklin, Director, Mattoon Public Library; Bill Elliott, Director of International Admissions, Eastern Illinois University; Carrie Hooten, Wellness Specialist, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center; Garic Lawrence, Volunteer Coordinator, Douglas Hart Nature Center; Mandy Lewis, Director of Marketing, First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust; Robyn Paige, Interim Director of Fraternity & Sorority Programs, Eastern Illinois University; Greg Petersen, Owner Petersen Properties; Mike Staton, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Classic Real Estate; Jodi Swann, Attorney, Law Offices of Jodi L. Swann; Brad Warner, Technician, Pro-Mow Lawn Care, Inc.; and Jenny Wood, Administrative Assistant, Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce.
Another class will be planned for next spring. Each class is intended to be a diverse group of 20 to 25 men and women, representing different professions, cultures, interests, and talents. For more information about the program, call the Charleston chamber at 345-7041.
There is still time to register to play in the 34th Annual Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing which is set for Friday, June 26, at the Charleston Country Club.
Golfers are invited to “Buy Local — Play Local” with a fun-filled day of golf, networking, contests, prizes, food, drinks, and more. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11 a.m. The all inclusive fee of $100 covers everything for the day, including use of the Driving Range, the Putt Contest for $5,000, 18 holes of golf, cart, four mulligans per team, hot lunch, all games and contests on the course, dinner in the clubhouse, and snacks and beverages all day on the course.
Participants can compete for $5,000 cash in the Putt Contest, sponsored by Consolidated Communications, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the final putt off just before noon. Tee off time for foursomes is at noon immediately following the Putt Contest.
At the end of the day, prizes will be awarded for winners in each division — Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed. Various skill contests on the golf course include two hole-in-one chances, four different skill contests, “Beat the Mayor with the Midas Touch” contest at Hole 8, the Bogus Business Contest and much more.
All golfers are welcome to “Meet and Greet” and enjoy some refreshing mixed drinks at two complimentary “Fun in the Sun” stands this year. The stands will be located at the 9th and 11th holes and are sponsored by Pro-Mow Lawn Care, Inc. and Beurskens Lawncare & Landscaping.
The Par 3 Poker contest combines skill and luck for a chance to win a cash prize of $200. Hole-in-One prizes include a vehicle donated by Diepholz Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac and $3,000 in cash. Golfers will have the opportunity to “Buy A Skirt” on Hole No. 11 with the chance to tee off from the women’s tee.
At the end of the day, golfers will finish up with a social hour and buffet style dinner in the clubhouse beginning at 5:30 p.m. Immediately following dinner, the contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded.
The deadline for registration is Friday, June 19. For more information or to request a registration form, call the chamber office at 345-7041.
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