2010 has been a year of challenge. With the current economic and financial environment, the SBAC has worked diligently to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and essential business capital.  We set aggressive goals at the beginning of this year and took actions that would lead us into a solid future.

Our Lenders League initiative has grown to meet the needs of local bankers and professionals looking to expand their business connections.  We sponsor these events to also introduce bankers and local businesses to our programs.  They will hold their last event of the year on December 15th at Meddin Studios - a silent auction to benefit Greenbriar Children's Center and the Community Health Mission. 

The SBAC office saw some major technology upgrades during 2010 thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - a new phone system, reconfiguring our offices, conference room upgrade, the addition of social networking sites to our marketing profile and the Entrepreneur Academy series of webinars held the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm

An office was opened in Bluffton, South Carolina that should give us an even stronger presence in the Hilton Head/Bluffton market.  This was an investment we made that should start paying dividends soon.

Last May, the SBAC went national when we helped to host the NADCO conference.  Colleagues from around the country converged on Savannah and yours truly had to provide entertainment while giving away a door prize - and our reputation stayed intact!

Recent legislation has provided some goodies for us.  The biggest one would have to be the ability to use a 504 loan to refinance debt.  This will be a win for local banks and small businesses as it will give them a different source for taking advantage of lower interest rates in a secured environment.

It has been an exciting year at SBAC - a memorable year.  I have enjoyed the year as Chairman and look forward to the many opportunities 2011 will bring.

Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful holiday season.