News from Morehead State University SBDC

May 2014

Greetings!enjoy the latest news from the Morehead State University Small Business Development Center

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center is a network of 15 offices located throughout the commonwealth that help existing and start-up businesses succeed by offering high quality, in-depth and hands-on services. These services include: no-cost confidential business consultations, affordable business workshops, seminars and research to help business owners make informed business decisions. For more information or to locate a consultant near you, visit www.ksbdc.org.

The 17th Annual

2014 Award Winners

Catlettsburg, KY . . . The 17^th Annual Northeast Kentucky Small Business Awards were presented during a ceremony on Thursday, May 15, at the Boyd County Community Center in Catlettsburg. The event recognized small business owners and advocates in Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

Rob Johnson, WSAZ News Channel 3, served as master of ceremonies.

The event was coordinated by the Morehead State University/Ashland Small Business Development Center and 11 of the area's top leaders in banking, economic development, business and industry, and education including representatives from Ashland Community and Technical College, City National Bank, Community Trust Bank, FIVCO-ADD, Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce, Teresa Brown Business Coaching & Mentoring, and United Way of Northeast Kentucky.

"Small businesses account for more than 95 percent of our local economy," said Kim Jenkins, event coordinator. "We are fortunate to have so many innovative, hard working entrepreneurs who contribute time, energy and financial resources to numerous community and civic organizations." This year the group received a record number of 70 nominations in 10 categories.

This year's winners were:

New Business-(Boyd County) Marty & Erica Myers, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt - Ashland;

Emerging Business-(Greenup County) Kyle & Annie Robinson, Print My Threads;

Retail/Wholesale-(Boyd County)Melanie Tierney, Melanie's Custom Bows and More;

Service-(Boyd County) Paul Grant & Tom Grant, Grant Inc./Giovanni's Pizza;

Professional-(Greenup County) MJ Wixsom, DVM, Guardian Animal Medical Center;

Construction/Contracting-(Boyd County) Chris Riffe, Riffe Contracting;

Downtown Business-(Boyd County) Betty Korros, Don's Men's Shop & Don's Formal Wear;

Family-Owned Business-(Carter County)Scott Porter & Jennifer Harris, Porter's Tire & Auto Service, Olive Hill;

Non-profit Organization-(Boyd County) Nancy Hutchinson, Kentucky Educational Development Corporation;

Small Business Champion-(Carter County) Mark Strother, Commercial Bank of Grayson.

The 2014 Northeast Kentucky "Small Business of the Year" award was captured by Betty Korros, Don's Men's Shop & Don's Formal Wear. Additional information about the Northeast Kentucky Small Business Awards is available at www.nekysba.com or call 606-329-8011.

Betty Korros being presented the award from Ralph Ross, SBA

SUCCESS STORY

The Untangled Thread

Tonia Bartley's love for crafts and desire to own her own business has led her to open "The Untangled Thread" in Paintsville's Mayo Plaza, 429 North Mayo Trail. A craft supply shop that carries yarn and accessories for crochet and knitting, "The Untangled Thread" will have other craft products available soon. Being locally owned crafters will no longer need to travel for supplies and inspiration.

Unsure of the proper procedures of opening a business, Bartley sought the assistance of management consultant Michelle Spriggs of Morehead State University's Small Business Development Center.
The two met in February to review her business plans, location, budget, licenses, taxes, insurance requirements, and marketing outlets to promote her business.

Kentucky's SBDC has 15 offices state-wide with more than 30 years of experience. The Paintsville SBDC office has been providing free small business consulting services for more than 11 years to the citizens of Breathitt, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Pike and Wolfe counties.
It also provides exporting services to companies interested in assessing its export potential.

"In the process of opening my business I found myself with many unanswered questions and uncertainties," said Bartley. "After meeting with Michelle, I felt confident in my business plan. With the assistance of the SBDC, I was able to get the answers and correct information needed to open my business. I found them to be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to open a new business."

The Untangled Thread opened on April 1, in Paintsville kicking off with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony. A gift basket was given away filled with craft goodies and refreshments were catered by "Tastefully Made," throughout the day. For additional information on The Untangled Thread contact Tonia by calling 606-789-YARN (9276)

Click above for The Untangled Thread's Facebook Page

TRAINING SCHEDULE

Paintsville Center

SBA Lender Training - 6/19

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 SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Equal opportunity organization.

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