Obion County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Building Black & White

                                                                                                                                                                          November  2011

With the holiday shopping season approaching, small retailers are looking for any edge they can get over big-box stores and discount websites. Well, new data from A.T. Kearney's Global Maturing Consumer study offers an edge you may not have thought of: catering to senior shoppers.

 

Why should you care about seniors?

Senior Shopper

  • First, they're growing in number: By 2030, nearly one-fourth (22 percent) of Americans will be over age 60.
  • Second, they're growing wealthier: Worldwide, the share of income for those over 60 is increasing and will continue to rise through 2020. And seniors spend proportionately more of their income on discretionary purchases like eating out than do other age groups.

But seniors uniformly say that retailers aren't meeting their needs. Here's why: Most retail shopping centers are focused on younger consumers who are busy with work and family and want to get in and out of stores quickly and efficiently. That's not what older shoppers want. For seniors who are retired and may have little social interaction, shopping is an enjoyable, leisurely activity they want to prolong. They don't like big stores, and they hate being treated impersonally.

 

Can you say "small-business advantage?" The very stores you're competing with-big-box chains-are the ones who aren't serving seniors in the way they want to be served. So what do seniors want when they shop? Here's some of what the study found:

 

Seniors shop often: While younger consumers with busy schedules try to cram all their shopping into big weekend trips, seniors make more frequent trips. Two-thirds of respondents aged 70 to 80 say they shop twice a week or more. They typically shop on weekdays, and prefer to go in the mornings.

 

Readable signage: Seniors felt that signage, prices and store directions were hard to read. Fifty-two percent of those in the 60-70 age group, 58 percent in the 70-80 group, and 66 percent of those over 80 say they can't read labels clearly, even when wearing corrective lenses. While you may not control labels, you do control shelf signage and other elements, and you can make sure staff is available to help seniors read the "fine print" on product packaging.

 

Friendly, well-trained staff: Seniors complain that stores are generally understaffed and, when they do manage to find a clerk, the staff is not well trained enough to help them. They also enjoy chatting with staff, so make sure your employees don't rush them through checkout.

 

Seating: Since many seniors walk to nearby stores rather than drivie, the experience can get tiring. Most respondents (63 percent of those under 70 and 75 percent of those over 70) said they would like to be able to sit down in stores. (I think adding some comfy chairs is a benefit that anyone, not just seniors, would appreciate.)

 

Small size: Seniors prefer smaller stores with a well-edited selection of items.

 

High quality: Seniors buy fewer items than other age groups but generally spend more per item. This holds true even for low-income seniors-they are more focused on quality than price, and are very brand-loyal. For higher-income seniors, there is a trend toward "trading up"-cutting back on quantity but buying higher-quality items, especially in the food, beverage and clothing categories.

 

Online experience: Because seniors have the time to do lots of research before making a purchase, they are typically heavy Internet users. Half of survey respondents use the Internet, and 20 percent use it for buying or researching products, with the youngest, oldest and wealthiest groups the most likely to shop online. The same principles that apply to store signage and packaging also apply online: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, that fonts and color combinations are easy on older eyes, and that you post a phone number or other way to contact a live person prominently.


Some of these findings may surprise you, while others may not. But either way, there's a clear advantage for small retailers who can cater to senior shoppers' needs and wants.

 

 

 Source: 

Retail TrendsOctober 26, 2011By Rieva Lesonsky

http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=870490498&gid=1870430&type=member&item=77728356&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fsmallbiztrends.com%2F2011%2F10%2Fsmall-retailers-dont-ignore-senior-consumers.html&urlhash=Z_oi&trk=group_most_popular-0-b-shrttl&goback=.mid_I119306644*470

 

The Office of Small Business Advocate

 

The Office of Small Business Advocate was created in 2010 by the General Assembly in as effort to provide small business owners with a point of contact for state government.  The office is staffed by the Small business Advocate.  The Advocate's duties include providing information and answering questions for Tennesseans who are thinking about starting or already own a small business.  Additionally, the Advocate serves as an informal mediator between small business owners and state government when issues involving regulatory or enforcement actions occur. 

 

If you have questions, concerns with state government,  or a problem that involves a state agency or particular regulations, please contact the Office of Small Business Advocate.  You can reach the Office of Small Business Advocate by email at smallbusiness.advocate@tn.gov; by telephone at 615-401-7806; or by mail at the Office of Small Business Advocate, Suite 1700, James K. Polk Building, 505 Deadrick Street, Nashville, TN  37243-1402.

Reelfoot Lake Bicentennial Commemorative Auction

November 12, 2011

 

The Reelfoot Lake Bicentennial Committee will hold an auction of donated duck hunts, artwork, books, Folk Art and specialty items, commemorating the formation of Reelfoot Lake 200 years ago.

Items available for viewing all day at the Tennessee State Park's Ellington Hall & Visitors' Center on Saturday, November 12; auction begins at 6:00 p.m. with Auctioneer RUDY TATE of Union City, Tennessee.  Items include:

  • An original 4' x 5' framed painting of Blue Wing Teal ducks over Reelfoot by Waverly, Tennessee artist FRANK BAGGETT, titled "Memories of Reelfoot Lake."
  • A framed print of the original painting by Union City, Tennessee artist DAVID FLOOD, titled "Waters of Reelfoot."
  • Four-day Reelfoot Lake Duck Hunt with Samburg's EDDIE FICKLE, hunting at the Della's Towhead blind. Call Eddie @ 731-538-9163 to arrange hunting dates.
  • An original piece of hand-thrown pottery made by ROB SPICER of Samburg, Tennessee.
  • An original, king-queen Bicentennial Commemorative Quilt made by THE SEWING ROOM, Hornbeak, Tennessee, featuring original Reelfoot Lake photographs by Tennessee State Parks Interpreter DAVID HAGGARD.
  • An original hand-thrown pottery bowl by The Preaching Potter, JIM KEELING of Newbern, Tennessee.
  • An original solid wooden duck decoy, made by Pratt of Joliet,Illinois. Donated by    SHARON SHAW FOWLER CUNNINGHAM of Samburg, Tennessee.
  • Copies of Reelfoot Lake Remembered, book by author RUSSELL CALDWELL of Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee.
  • Copies of Favorite Recipes of Famous Tennesseans by Paducah, Kentucky author PAM WHINNERY.
  • Reelfoot Lake duck call hand carved (no machines) from Brazilian hardwood by HARVIE EUGENE DEXTER of Samburg, Tennessee.
  • Original Reelfoot Lake framed photograph by JOE B.QUINN of Brownsville, Tennessee.
  • 1-day Reelfoot Lake guided fishing trip for (2 people), in the spring of 2012. Donated by JOHN FAGAN of Gray's Camp, Tiptonville, Tennessee.
  • A three-person Photo Tour of Reelfoot Lake by boat or a hike, with Reelfoot Lake Parks Interpreter DAVID HAGGARD.
  • Smoker/ Electric Grill donated by GIBSON COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, Tiptonville, Tennessee.

 For More information contact Reelfoot Lake Bicentennial Chairman David Haggard at

USDA, Rural Development Single Family Housing Programs

 

Direct RH 502 Housing Loans

Purpose: Section 502 loans are primarily used to help low-income individuals or households purchase homes in rural areas. Funds can be used to build, repair, renovate, or to purchase and prepare sites, including providing water and sewage facilities.

Eligibility: Applicants for direct loans must have very low or low incomes. Families must be without adequate housing, but be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, which are typically 24 percent of an applicant's income. However, payment subsidy is available to applicants to enhance repayment ability. Applicants must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere, yet have reasonable credit histories.

Terms: Loans are for up to 33 years. The term is 30 years for manufactured homes. The promissory note interest rate is set based on the Government's cost of money. However, that interest rate is modified by payment assistance subsidy.

Standards: Under the Section 502 program, housing must be modest in size, design, and cost. Modest housing is property that is considered modest for the area, does not have market value in excess of the applicable area loan limit, and does not have certain prohibited features. Houses constructed, purchased, or rehabilitated must meet national model building codes of the state and must meet thermal and site standards. Manufactured housing must be permanently installed and meet Construction and Safety Standards, thermal, and site standards. The maximum loan amount is $131,100.

 

Guaranteed Housing Loans

Eligibility: Applicants for loans may have an income of up to 115% of the median income for the area. Families must be without adequate housing, but be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance. In addition, applicants must have reasonable credit histories.

Approved lenders are pre-approved and must be able to close 30 year fixed rate mortgages.

Terms: Loans are for 30 years. The promissory note interest rate is set by the lender. There is no required down payment. The lender must also determine repayment feasibility, using ratios of repayment (gross) income to PITI and to total family debt.

Standards: Under the Section 502 guaranteed program, housing must be modest in size, design, and cost. Modest housing is property that is considered modest for the area, does not have market value in excess of the applicable area loan limit, and does not have certain prohibited features. Houses constructed, purchased, or rehabilitated must meet national model building codes of the state and must meet thermal and site standards. Manufactured housing must be permanently installed and meet Construction and Safety Standards, thermal, and site standards.

 

Rural Repair Loans and Grants

Purpose: The Very Low-Income Housing Repair program provides loans and grants to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their dwellings or to remove health and safety hazards.

Eligibility: To obtain a loan, homeowner-occupants must be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere and must have very low incomes. They must need to make repairs and improvements to make the dwelling more safe and sanitary or to remove health and safety hazards. Grants are only available to homeowners who are 62 years old or older and cannot repay a Section 504 loan.

Terms: Loans of up to $20,000 and grants of up to $7,500 are available. Loans are for up to 20 years at 1 percent interest. A real estate mortgage and full title services are required for loans of $7,500 or more. Grants may be recaptured if the property is sold in less than 3 years. Grant funds may be used only to pay for repairs and improvements resulting in the removal of health and safety hazards. A grant/loan combination is made if the applicant can repay part of the cost. Loans and grants can be combined for up to $27,500 in assistance.

Standards: Repaired properties do not need to meet code requirements, but the installation of water and waste systems and related fixtures must meet local health department requirements. Not all the health and safety hazards in a home must be removed with Section 504 funds, provided that major health and safety hazards are removed. All work must meet local codes and standards.

 

Local Contact Information:

USDA, Rural Development

1216 Stad Avenue, Suite 3

Union City, TN 38261

(731) 885-6480 ext. 4

www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn

 

Ameriprise Financial

Are you interested in starting a business but need funding?

Are you a small business owner looking for funding for growth?

What are your small business loan options?

What does the lender look for?

 

Come to this free Loan Expo to learn what resources are available to help you properly plan, start and grow your small business.

 

November 14, 2011

1:00pm-3:00pm

 

TN Small Business Development Center is please to host representatives of Borrego Springs Bank, N.A., a proven nationwide lender under the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Preferred Lender Program, for this informative Loan Expo.  Borrego Springs Bank, N.A., offers working capital term loans from $5,000 - $100,000 for both start-up and existing small businesses.  You will want to attend this informative program if you are considering starting a new business venture or have the need for additional working capital for your existing business.   

 

This free Loan Expo will be held at Dyersburg State Community College Learning Resource Center Room 142, located at 1510 Lake Rd in Dyersburg, TN.  To register for this Loan Expo please email Maleia Evans, TSBDC Director at mevans@dscc.edu or call the TSBDC office at 731-286-3205.

 

Speaker: Fred Crispin- Executive Vice President of Borrego Springs Bank, N.A.

 

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the State of Tennessee.  All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.  All TSBDC programs and services are nondiscriminatory and available to individuals with disabilities.

 

 

Maleia M. Evans, MBA CMSR

Director, Small Business Development Center

Dyersburg State Community College

1510 Lake Road

Dyersburg, TN 38024

(731)  286-3201 office

(731) 286-3271   fax

(731) 445-6530   cell

lee@dscc.edu

http://www.facebook.com/tsbdc.dscc 

Do You Need Ideas for Christmas Gifts This Year?

The Tunnel

 Start marking off that list early and join us Thursday, November 10th from 4-6 PM at the Tunnel.  

 We will welcome some of our favorite local artisans and independent consultants who will showcase a range of products thatyou will love!

 Enjoy appetizers, browse through the salon, and treat yourself to an evening out at the Tunnel.

 

Jill Qualls - Scentsy

Beverly Rice - Bebe's BOW-tique

Laura Kingrey - LauraMia handcrafted jewelry

Linda Rice - t-shirt quilts, sock monkeys

Mindy McClanahan - Initial Outfitters

& MORE!

 

 The Tunnel Hair & Tanning Parlour - 120 E. Main Street

Union City, TN

In This Issue
The Senior Shopper
Office of Small Business Adovocate
USDA Family Housing Programs
Ameriprise Financial
Loan Expo
The Tunnel

Obion County

Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Business Matters Event

 

PCI Compliance

November 15, 2011

Join Our Mailing List

November  is National  Aviation Month

2012 Annual International Aviation Art Contest

Everett Stewart Regional Airport 

The Obion County Chamber of Commerce salutes

The art contest, sponsored by the TDOT/Aeronautics Division encourages youth ages 6-17 from all over the world to reflect on aviation at the state level based on the year's theme.  Entries in three categories, ages 6-9, ages 10-13 and ages 14-17, are judged on creativity, presentation, and appropriateness to the theme. First, second, and third place winners are chosen in each category. All first place state winners receive a $200 savings bond, second place winners receive a $100 savings bond, and third place winners receive a $50 savings bond.

The Art Department of each winner's school receives a matching monetary gift to be used exclusively by the Art Department. Artwork for all winners from

Tennessee and from all over the world is forwarded to NASAO to compete at the national and international level. In 2009, for the first time two Tennessee students won at the national and international level. National winners receive a certificate, ribbon, and a framed reproduction of their artwork. International winners receive a certificate and either a gold, silver, or bronze medal.

 (There will be more details to come)

 

  

 

 

Obion County Chamber

Mobile Marketing

Don't miss another Chamber event!!

 Text occc to 96362 to receive updates.

List Your Available Commercial Property With Us

Let us help you spread the word about your available commercial property by listing it at www.obioncounty.org. If you have commercial property you would like to list, please contact Robbie Green, Retail Development Director.

rgreen@obioncounty.org

Add Your Event to the Obion County Chamber Website

Got an event you would like to include on the chamber's website?  Simply click here to see if your event can be publised on our website!

TOSHA Seminars

for more informtaion visit:

www.tnchamber.org

Welcome New Members

Butterfly Estate Gallery

 United Way of Obion County

 

Thank You

 2011-2012 Chamber Members for Your Continued Support

Ameriprise Financial 

Blue Bank Resort & Marina

First Citizens National Bank

Kohler Company

Loden Vision Center

Shoe Shack

Taco Bell 

Westover Arts Market

The first ever held in Westover!

 Nov. 4, 12 to 7pm - 5pm reception

Nov. 5, 10am to 5 pm

Nov. 6, 1 to 4 pm

  • Christmas Gifts
  • Decorations
  • Beautiful Scarves
  • Photographs
  • Paintings
  • Greeting Cards
  • Handmade Clothing Items
  • Concrete Décor
  • Original Jewelry
  • Carvings
  • Christmas Crafts
  • And more

Come, see inside Westover, and enjoy this wonderful old building. (We will be in the rooms built in 1879.) Visit with friends and vendors. See the art accomplished by various artists from the area. Select original presents to give for the holidays, or to decorate your home.

Sponsored by

Westover Center for the Arts

314 W. Florida 731 885-6774

Union City, TN 38261 731-571-2216

Mississippi River Corridor Logo 

Mississippi River Corridor 

New website has launched!

 

MRCT is excited to introduce a new and very innovative Mississippi River Corridor Tennessee website.  Visit msrivertn.org and tour the Corridor with a new interactive map, browse photos of our beautiful scenery and learn about the rich history of this unique region and the MRCT.

 

MRCT Mission

We work to identify, conserve and interpret the region's natural, cultural and scenic resources to improve the quality of life and prosperity in West Tennessee.

We celebrate, conserve and promote our unique natural resources, the rich history of our region, recreational opportunities, cultural legacy treasures, wildlife and "human habitat" in the 650,000-acre alluvial valley from the Mississippi River to the famous Chickasaw Bluffs.

Obion County Chamber Makes It Easy to Get Business Advice

 

Take advantage of the opportunity to get one-on-one business consulting from Erik Markin, Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at the University of Tennessee at Martin.  Markin will be at the Obion County Chamber of Commerce, 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m., Thursday, November 22nd, 2011.  He will be available to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners with advice on a business plan, financing options, marketing, customer service, cash flow and other issues.

The consultations are one-on-one, confidential and FREE. Appointments may be made by contacting the Obion County Chamber of Commerce at 731-885-0211 or by contacting Markin directly at 731-587-7333.  For additional services offered by TSBDC, go to www.tsbdc.org.

Obion County Chamber Presents Business Matters

 

November's Business Matters' guest speaker was Brian Kissell with First State Bank. Mr. Kissell addressed our audience on What Cash Flow means to your business.  The information will great and well received.  Join us this month for Business Matters as we discuss PCI Compliance.  If you don't know what that means for your business, then, that means we should see you at Business Matters : ) !

 

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Lindsay Frilling

Listen in this Sunday at 8:30pm on

Air 1 88.9 FM in Union City,  

 

Economic Development Director, Lindsay Frilling, will give and interview and update on industry and business in Obion County.

 

Our Mission
The Obion County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to providing education and support to strengthen and enhance the economic success of the region for its members and area businesses.