Business Awards Luncheon and B ...

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Business Awards Luncheon and Business Academy Programs Scheduled for May 11

SB Informer
Thursday, April 27, 2006; 02:18 AM

GREENSBORO – The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the contributions of small businesses and its impact on our community by hosting its annual Business Awards Luncheon May 11. During the luncheon, sponsored by Carolina Bank and Workforce Development Board, approximately 100 awards will be given out.

"This is one of the highlights of a busy Chamber day,” Lee McAllister, of Weaver Investments and Chair of the Chamber Operating Group, said. “In today's business world we often forget to take time to celebrate success. This luncheon offers the chance to network and be inspired by stories of Business Champions."

The theme of this year’s event “Winning the Game of Business: Recognizing Business Champions,” acknowledges the accomplishments and achievements of individuals and companies from the local business community. Held in conjunction with the Piedmont Triad Business Showcase at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, the Chamber will present the Small Business Person of the Year, the Minority Small Business Person of the Year and the Small Business Advocate of the Year.

The Retailer of the Year Award, presented jointly with Greensboro Merchants Association; the Women in Business Award, presented with the Women's Resource Center; and the Nussbaum Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented jointly with the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship, also will be given during the awards program. The Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities will present awards to local employers and media organizations who advocate on behalf of people with disabilities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will be presenting the Minority Champion of the Year for North Carolina. The North Carolina State Department of Labor Safety Awards also will be presented during the luncheon.

According to U.S. Small Business Administration, 99.7 percent of all employers are defined as small businesses, having 500 or fewer employees, and employ half of all private sector employees.

As part of the activities for the day, the Small Business Academy will be hosting several programs.

    * “It’s OK to Ask Them to Work” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. This seminar is part of the People Make the Difference series. Everyone wasn't raised at your house. Don't confuse motion with progress. Frank McNair, an Affiliate of The HR Group, will be the presenter and the program is sponsored by The HR Group; Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC; Pilot Financial Advisors; and Graham & Associates, Inc.

    * “Catching Your Limit… And More” will be held twice 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. This program is part of The Owner's Challenge...Strategies for Business Owners series. Presented by Kathy Bowman Atkins, The Lattitude Group and Denys Schuler, Leapfrog Marketing, eight secrets to winning and keeping customers will be discussed. The event is sponsored by Breslow, Starling, Frost, Warner, Boger, Hiatt PLLC; Innovative Financial Solutions, LLC; The Lattitude Group; Tuggle Duggins & Meschan, P.A.; FNB-Southeast and Leapfrog Marketing.

    * “Leapfrog Your Competition” also will be held twice at 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. This seminar is part of The Owner's Challenge...Strategies for Business Owners series. Participants will learn about branding and marketing your company. Justo Nunez, Leapfrog Marketing, is the presenter and the event is sponsored by Breslow, Starling, Frost, Warner, Boger, Hiatt PLLC; Innovative Financial Solutions, LLC; The Lattitude Group; Tuggle Duggins & Meschan, P.A.; FNB-Southeast and Leapfrog Marketing.

"Chamber programs help entrepreneurs get started in business,” Chuck Burns, of First Citizens Bank and Chair of the Small Business Council, said. “They help existing businesses remain competitive and vibrant. These seminars teach how to generate revenue and save resources by avoiding human resource issues. We have an impressive line-up."

The Business Awards luncheon costs $30 per individual or $300 for a table of eight. By purchasing a ticket to the luncheon, participants will receive free admission to the business showcase, which features more than 160 exhibitors covering a wide variety of products and services. For more information, or to obtain a ticket for the luncheon, contact Kathy Elliott at 510-1234, ext. 316 or [email protected].

The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business, working to build and sustain a vibrant economy and a superior quality of life in our community. Founded in 1878, the Chamber has an engaged operating group, motivated volunteers and a dedicated professional staff poised to implement aggressive programs that aid in the profitability of its members, build a better community, develop future leaders and enhance small business development and growth.