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Success Story |
 Marie Beard worked many years in the print media, both in graphics and in management. She gleaned a passion for the visual impact of words and images. This passion began to fuel a dream of small business ownership. But, in 2006, Marie Beard faced a crossroads. Her husband had just passed away. She was now a single parent with two small sons. Her family needed a fresh start in a place with a community atmosphere. Marie found it in Richmond, Kentucky, and moved her family there. She began courses at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), to complete a B.S. in Graphic Communications Management.
During Marie's EKU coursework, she began generating a small business idea. This idea stemmed from her search to regain the joy in gift giving. This joy had been lost in the daily juggling of time, as a single parent, with two kids, two dogs, college courses and work. It was hard to find time to go to different locations to buy the gift, wrap the gift, and sometimes ship the gift. This time pressure was zapping her of any creativity or excitement that she originally had over the occasion. She was also searching for products that had a positive effect on the environment.
Marie took the idea to Kevin Norvell at EKU's Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She then graduated in December 2008. Over the next several months, Kevin guided her through the process of creating a business plan and obtaining financing. Marie successfully secured a $50,000 loan to start the business, Gift To Impact, which opened on June 20th.
Gift To Impact carries eco-friendly, handmade and organic items. Marie shows that eco-friendly products can be economical and fun! Some of these include recycled gift bags, boxes, ribbon, tissue and wrap; organic chocolates, coffees and soaps; USA-made teddy bears; and personalized invitations and favors.
Gift To Impact will be celebrating Christmas in July, beginning on July 28th at 12noon, with an official, grand opening ribbon cutting. The good cheer continues through August 1st. Customers can enjoy Christmas treats and special offers.
Gift To Impact is located at 2008 Merchant Drive, Suite 11, in the Merrick Crossing Shopping Center (beside Kohl's) in Richmond. Contact Gift To Impact at 859-623-4336 or on the Web at www.gifttoimpact.com.
Marie is thankful to Kevin and the EKU SBDC for providing resources to small business owners, ones those owners can continually tap into, as their businesses grow and evolve. This is vital to the Richmond community.
To celebrate the grand opening of Gift To Impact's opening, please print this coupon and present it at the time of check out.
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Wage INCREASE |
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 Kentucky's minimum wage rate will increase July 1
FRANKFORT, KY - (June 23, 2009) - Workers in Kentucky who are currently paid at a minimum wage of $6.55 per hour will see an increase in their paychecks after July 1. That is when the state's minimum wage rate increases to $7.25 an hour. Although the federal minimum wage mandated increase doesn't become effective until July 24, 2009, the Kentucky General Assembly voted to have the wage hike take effect earlier.
The Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Mediation has received a number of inquiries regarding the upcoming change in minimum wage because of the two effective dates. The later date is the federal deadline for all states to comply with the new minimum wage rate.
"This increase is significant for many Kentucky workers who, like others, have been struggling during these difficult economic times," said Kentucky Labor Secretary J.R. Gray.
The minimum wage rate for tipped employees will remain at $2.13 per hour.
Questions regarding the minimum wage increase may be directed to the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Mediation at labor.desam@ky.gov or at 502-564-3534. |
July 2009
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.