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News Briefs |
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News, tools and resources from national and state sources. |
New Bill to Aid in the Growth of Your Business
Obama signed a bill this week to extend SBA loans and create a Small Business Lending Fund. Read More |
Can You Raise an Entrepreneur? Lessons to Teach Your Children
Is Entreprenererism genetic? Or can you teach your children about business and inspire their creativity and passion to become a business owner? Read More |
Let Passion Drive Your Risk
Richard Branson, President of the Virgin Group offers advice on finding the opportunity of risk. Read more |
Opening a Franchise...the real story from a real Franchisee!
Moe's Southwest Grill Franchisee offers insight on getting started with a franchise. Read more |
Is a Franchise the Right Fit for You?
Franchise consultant lays out the basics for determining if this is the right business option for you. Read more Read more |
Become the "Mayor of Paducah City Hall" today! Foursquare is the answer!
Learn how to use this application to bring in business. Read more |
The Business of Doing Good: Social Entrepreneurism
Ny Times article provides perspective on the business of doing good. Read More |
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Supporting our hometown entrepreneurs |
No Ticket to Vegas? Attend the Perfect Business Summit with EntrePaducah
October 7-8 at the Paducah Chamber of Commerce. Join us at any time Thursday or Friday for the live streaming of VERY INFLUENTIAL SPEAKERS presenting at the summit. Click Here for a schedule. |
Looking for Innovation? Check Out Highlights From the Idea Festival
EntrePaducah's Concierge, Brandi Harless attends the Idea Festival in Louisville, Ky. Check out www.ideafestival.com and EntreMan Facebook page for highlights from innovators. |
Future Business Owners Attend Entre101
Monday, September 27, EntrePaducah hosted the first Entre101 event; a 2-hour crash course in starting a business. More than 20 people attended to hear from Chris Wooldridge of Murray State's Small Business Development Center address all the steps to getting started. Look for the next Entre101 event November 22! |
| EntrePaducah featured at Atlanta Economic Devl. Conference
EntrePaducah Executive Director/Concierge Terry Reeves gets the chance to share the EntrePaducah story to economic development and business professionals in the Southeast in October.
"Beyond the Storms...achieving competitiveness in a changing world" is the theme of the Southern Economic Development Council's regional conference Oct. 24-26 n Atlanta.
"Representatives of the SEDC attended the meeting of the Southern Growth Policies Growth Board meeting earlier this year where EntrePaducah was awarded the "Innovator Award", said Reeves. "The award recognized our work with displaced workers and struggling companies in the height of the recession."
Reeves said it was the concept of EntrePaducah that SBDC organizers wanted attendees to hear about.
"Thanks to the foresight of our local and state leaders, EntrePaducah is off to a strong start helping entrepreneurs with their startups. We're happy to share that vision with other communities in the Southeast." |
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Community resources and events to help your business. |
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Murray State to Offer Veterans Business Course Murray State will offer a course for veterans on planning a business. Class starts October 5, 2010. Hopkinsville Campus. Call 270-886-8666 for more information. |
From Paducah to Frankfort--Contracting with State Government
The Minority Economic Development Initiative of Western Kentucky, Inc. is offering a "lunch and learn" opportunity to learn how to identify and pursue contracting opportunities with the state. October 7 @ Noon. Contact MEDI at 270-885-8885 for more info. |
Brush Up on Your Computer Skills at McCracken County Libraray Three formal classes offered weekly for "Basic Computing", "Building a Resume" and "Searching for a Job Online". All classes begin at 1pm. Call 270-442-2510 ext. 140 for more information. |
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Inspirational stories. Q&A with local entrepreneurs. |
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The Business of Doing Good
Pamela Whinnery, founder of Celebrity Cookbooks is an example of a social entrepreneur--one who starts a business with the intent of doing good. Using the influence of Kentucky-native celebrities who agree to share their favorite recipes, Celebrity Cookbooks raises funds for non-profit and charitable organizations. In addition, Pamela hopes that the distribution of this cookbook will also be a tool for promoting Kentucky's tourism, businesses, industry and the beautiful history and landscape of the state.
What made you decide to start a business?
I worked at USEC, took early retirement, my son was going off to college, and I decided I needed something to do. A Hobby! Some people play golf, fish, or quilt. I chose to do this. I love to cook, read cookbooks and I feel God has blessed me. Creating the cookbooks and using them as a fundraiser for non-profit organizations was a way I could give back to the community. I do the cookbooks for fun, not for profit and I am having so much fun!
How do you think you were prepared to start a business?
First of all I prayed. This was the most important preparation for this project. Second, I worked in a quality control lab and this experience enables me to be meticulous and conservative in decision making.
Why did you choose Paducah to start a business?
I grew up in Ballard County and have lived in Paducah for a number of years. I have so many wonderful friends and family here, I cannot imagine starting a business anywhere else. Kentucky has such a great history, it was just the perfect fit to do a cookbook on Kentucky.
Who supported you in the beginning?
First of all my husband, Walter. He is the most patient and supportive individual I have ever known. He is also incredible with computers. He created a website for me, recovered files I thought were lost forever, and even brought my computer back when it had the "Blue Screen of Death". Without him my cookbooks would never have come to completion.
Next, all the wonderful people from all across Kentucky or former residents of Kentucky who took the time from their busy schedules to send recipes and stories. That is what makes the cookbooks so special.
Thirdly, Terry Reeves and the Paducah Chamber of Commerce. When I went to the first EntrePaducah meeting, I knew it was just what I and so many others needed for support in our projects. I cannot say enough about how supportive Terry has been both to my small business, but to friends (with businesses) as well. Terry is so good about adapting meetings to include topics which I and others have expressed an interest in. The program has created numerous networking opportunities. The Chamber is made up of so many important businesses I am humbled that they have taken the time and consideration to create and continue their support of the EntrePaducah Program.
Most important! God. I believe he is constantly creating opportunities for the cookbooks and fun activities for me. |
About EntrePaducah 