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Success Stories |
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 Winter Business Plan Contest Winner
Sunrise Donuts
Congratulations to Holli Cohoon of Gloucester! Holli is a graduate of the Winter 2010 Business Training Program of the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership. Her business plan for “Sunrise Donuts” is the winner of the recent Business Plan Contest. The MPBDP is pleased to award her a check in the amount of $50. We wish her much success with her new business as she continues to prepare Sunrise Donuts to open for business late summer in the White Marsh area. Sunrise Donuts will be an “old fashioned” donut shop offering made-from-scratch yeast and cake donuts 5 a.m. – 1 p.m. six days each week. For more information or suggestions, contact Holli at sunrisedonutsva@yahoo.com. |
 Winter 2010 Graduates
MPBDP
Our Winter 2010 Graduates include:
• Wallace Allen, Allen Air, LLC, Essex County
• Jack Callis, Middlesex County
• Holli Cohoon, Gloucester County
• Lenora Davis, Gloucester County
• Annette Greene, Gloucester County
• Martha Hayes, Summer Haze Pottery, Mathews County
• Patsy Hemp, Patsy Jeanne’s, LLC, Mathews County
• L.T. Jackson Plumbing, Middlesex County
• Jeff Stillman, Gloucester County
• Mary Williams, Williams Custom Shop, Inc, Gloucester County
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 Allen Air, LLC Receives Financing
Allen Air, LLC
Wallace Allen, currently enrolled in the eight-week business training series through the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership, receives a check from MPBDP. Allen Air, LLC was established in October, 2006 and has been operating since early 2007. The company is owned and operated by Wallace Allen, a fully licensed, certified and insured air conditioning and refrigeration technician and operates from Center Cross, (Essex County) Virginia. Allen Air, LLC provides repairs, parts, and new installations for off-road equipment air conditioning. They specialize in Red Dot Equipment for loaders, dozers, farm equipment, excavators and logging equipment.
The Center for Community Development, Inc. (CCDI) would like to congratulate Mr. Wallace D. Allen of Allen Air, LLC for being also awarded a loan funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). CCDI along with the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership (MPBDP) has worked with Mr. Allen to finalize his business plan to apply for funding through the USDA Intermediary Relending Program. Since 2005, CCDI has been an intermediary lender with USDA to provide potential funding up to $150,000 for entrepreneurs on the Middle Peninsula.
The Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership (MPBDP) is a mission-based, non-profit organization which has provided training and assistance to over 1500 small business owners in the Middle Peninsula and has helped countless numbers of entrepreneurs obtain financing to start their business. MPBDP is pleased to be able to partner with CCDI to provide financing to keep this business in the Essex community. This project was supported in part by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). DHCD is a state agency that works to support our communities and create healthy, safe, and affordable places for Virginians to call home.
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 Prize Winning Business Plan
Prince & Princess Birthdays Delight
Congratulations to Kari Jackson of West Point! Kari is a graduate of the fall 2009 business training program of the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership. Her business plan for “Prince & Princess Birthdays Delight” is the winner of the recent Business Plan Contest. Kari’s new venture will be a service specializing in themed birthday parties for boys and girls ages 4-12. Kari’s services include invitation mailing, private, decorated space catering to the birthday child’s interest, games, activities, snacks and gifts for all children attending the parties. Kari’s plan was simple, yet comprehensive. The MPBDP is pleased to award her a check in the amount of $50. We wish her much success with her new business venture!
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WEB.jpg) GRAND OPENING of More Healthy Solutions, Inc.
More Healthy Solutions, Inc.
Saturday 11.14. & Sunday 11.15.
Now located in the Hayes Shopping Center (by Farm Fresh), we welcome you to our store for Organic/Natural/Specialty Foods, Herbal and Nutritional Supplements, Edgar Cayce-remedies and information, as well as Massage Therapy and Yoga Classes.
FREE demonstrations in our large classroom! FREE antioxidant scans – are your supplements really working? TRY a relaxing 15 minute foot massage and a refreshing smoothie from our Smoothie Bar! SIGN UP for our Sixty Minutes to Serenity class in December to beat the Christmas stress! ASK ABOUT our classes starting in January!
OPEN 10AM – 6PM Tuesday through Saturday 12PM – 5PM Sunday, closed Monday Contact us at 804-684-2888 or info@morehealthysolutions.com
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 NEW BUSINESS GRADUATES
mpbdp
Congratulations to our most recent graduates of the Middle Peninsula Business Development program including those seated left to right: Peper Heunemann, Lara Crawford-West, Kari Jackson, Sara McClain
Second Row left to right: Julio Nieves, Antichella (Shelly) Monroe, Linda Young, Denise Carter, Alyssa Greek
Back Row left to right: Ryan Kittrell, Matthew Owens, Brandon Bagby, Brandon Vergara
Our thanks also to the Gloucester County Community Foundation’s 2009 Safety Net Fund for providing scholarships to four Gloucester County businesses for the fall training series. Our next Business Training Series will be held in January. |
 Cotton Pickin' Paycheck by Joan E. Gosier
www.cottonpickinpaycheck.com
Congratulations to Joan Gosier on the publication of her book "COTTON PICKIN' PAYCHECK - a 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery. Joan, also the creator of HBCU Kidz, Inc. an Internet-based store for all things related to Historic Black Colleges and Universities!
Check out her web sites!
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 Scholarship Winners
Hands to Hands, Nieves Sightly, Annointed Hands
The 2009 Safety Net Fund of the Gloucester Community Foundation recently provided scholarships to 3 potential new businesses in Gloucester County. The $150 scholarship covers the cost of the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership’s eight-week business training program that began September 15. Classes are designed to assist with the development of a well thought out business plan that includes all aspects of the new venture including finances and marketing. MPBDP will also assist the entrepreneur identify ways to access capital to help the business get off the ground and grow. During stressful economic times, self-employment often becomes the option of choice when a person loses their job through downsizing or lay-off. MPBPD is proud to partner with the Gloucester Community Foundation through this tuition-assistance program for our fall training.
MPBDP commends the scholarship recipients for their commitment to their new enterprises. Recipients include:
• Denise Carter, Hands to Hands, not-for-profit serving home-bound patients with personal care products.
• Antichella (Shelly) Monroe, Anointed Hands Salon & Spa serving men, women, and children of all ethnic backgrounds.
• Julio Nieves, Nieves Sightly Home Improvement. Licensed repairs, room conversions, and more.
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 NEW BUSINESS STARTS IN URBANNA
V Company Home Renovations
June 29, 2009 - Saluda, VA V Company Home Renovations starts operations in Urbanna with a loan from the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership. Brandon Vergara, owner of V Company Home Renovations, is a licensed and certified contractor specializing in repairs, replacements, and renovations of residential dwellings. His services include light electrical, custom drywall, HVAC, flooring, gutters, shutters, trim and molding as well as project consultation, design and management. Brandon also offers materials pick-up, delivery and disposal service for homeowners and contractors. For more information, contact Brandon at 757-235-9696. |
 WATER PRO INC EXPANDING SALES
Water Pro, Inc.
Water Pro, Inc. is the most recent recipient of a low-interest loan from the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership. “We have thrived through the worst of the economic downturn, and plan to use the money to purchase more inventory and equipment for our growing sales,” said Dorothy Bayford, President. Dorothy also mentioned that Water Pro has been greatly encouraged by signs of improvement in the building and real estate industries, and the number of inquiries we have been receiving about our water treatment and well-drilling services.
Dorothy, a 2001 and 2008 graduate of the MPBDP business training program, and her husband, Brian, started Water Pro, Inc. in 2001. They operate from their office complex at 9977 John Clayton Memorial Highway (Route 14) in Gloucester. Water Pro, Inc. provides quality water treatment solutions and equipment with an emphasis on household systems. However, Water Pro also actively markets their products to restaurants, mini-markets and other small businesses in the area. Water Pro provides service and repairs to their own equipment as well as competitor’s.
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 PIECES OF PEPER OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Pieces of Peper
Pieces of Peper is a unique jewelry artisan store and studio located in the Taylor Building on Cross Street in Urbanna. Owned and operated by Peper Heunemann, the store/studio will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday beginning May 1!
Four years ago Peper began to make jewelry after attending several classes and has been selling necklaces, bracelets, pennants, and earrings ever since. She has designed and produced over 100 pieces of jewelry and is a sanctioned instructor of fine silver as well as a member of the Precious Metal Guild. Peper will offer her own hand-crafted beaded and fine silver jewelry as well as selected pieces from other local artisans.
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 Business Plan Contest Winner
Red Hawk Properties, Inc.
Congratulations to Red Hawk Properties, Inc. the winners of the most recent Business Plan Contest through the Middle Peninsula Business Development’s eight-week business training series. Jacob, Stuart and Ellie Galloway comprise the management team of Red Hawk Properties based in Gloucester. This Class A Contractor Corporation offers design and construction services with a primary focus on “aging-in-place” solutions. Additionally, Red Hawk Properties is dedicated to building affordable housing for the Gloucester community.
Ellie and Jacob Galloway are recent graduates of the eight-week business training program offered by MPBDP. The business plan submitted was selected as first place winner from all plans submitted from this graduating group of 23. MPBDP wishes to thank all who participated and submitted plans to us, making our choice a difficult decision.
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 MPBDP Graduates Largest Class
MPBDP
Congratulations to our most recent graduates comprising the largest class yet to complete the program! The Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership wishes to commend the following people for investing the 20 hours of classroom training toward the development of their enterprise and wishes them all continued success!
Our Winter 2009 Graduates include:
• LaJean Browning-Smith, Cross Street Coffee, Middlesex County
• Brenda Burnett, B.R.W. Burnett, Printing Services, Middlesex County
• Matthew Burnett, Handyman, Middlesex County
• Steven Carouthers, Lawn Sculptors, LLC in Essex County
• Leslie Carter, Feeder Insects, Gloucester County
• Jessica Chapman, King William County
• Tammy Condron, Tiffany’s Pizzeria, Gloucester County
• Marina Eller, Massage Therapy, Gloucester County
• Toril Eller, More Healthy Solutions, Gloucester County
• Rocky Fladstol, Green Garage Outfitters, Gloucester County
• Pam Foster, Fostering Care At Home, Gloucester County
• Shannon French, Southern Trade Realty, Gloucester County
• Ellie Galloway, Virginia Senior Concierge, LLC in Gloucester County
• Jacob Galloway, Red Hawk Properties, Inc., Gloucester County
• Tina Haynes, Tina’s Bargains, Gloucester County
• Ernest Hudnall, Boat Detailing & Tree Pruning, Northumberland County
• Judith Jenkins, Divine Alternations, Gloucester County
• Arthur Miller, A.W. Miller, Gloucester County
• James Ryan Modr, Modr’s Service Center, King William County
• Walter Myers, Nate’s Trick Dog Cafe, Lancaster County
• Larry Pratt, Affordable H2O, Gloucester County
• Wendy Roundy, Photo Reflections by Wendy, Gloucester County
• Joseph P. Vavala, Vavala Earl Construction, LLC, Middlesex County
Our next Business Training Series will be held in September. Evening and weekend workshops will be offered on a variety of topics until the fall. For more information check our web site at www.mpbdp.org.
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"You Are Not Alone"
Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce
By Tom Chillemi www.ssentinel.com
After winning her battle with cancer Elizabeth Goins of Urbanna knows the power of her faith. Trusting a Higher Power helped Goins through the low points this year, including the loss of her mother.
"When you've got a situation that you can't control, let God control it," she said last week. "There is nothing you can do but trust Him and believe that He's going to bring you out of it.
"I thank God, he gave me faith and lifted me off my sick bed," said Goins, who is a licensed minister.
It was Goins' energy the revived the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce in 2006 and helped it grow to 76 members before she got sick last winter. She is still president of the organization that will start its third year in January. Goins is a Water View native who pursued a career in Washington, D.C. before returning to Middlesex.
This bout with breast cancer was not Goins' first. About 17 years ago, at the age of 38, she lost a breast to surgery.
In February 2008 a routine mammogram revealed an abnormality. "I was in denial when they first told me," said Goins. Even after a specialist confirmed there were two spots of a very serious cancer, she refused the surgery and opted to have four chemotherapy treatments. "It was a nightmare. I had to take the stronger dose and it took all my hair out."
During this time her mother Katherine Goins Green went to glory. "All this made me feel like I was in a never ending tornado," said Goins, adding the loss of her mother put Goins in another state of mind.
Doctor's did not think the chemotherapy would work against this tough strain of cancer, she said, and surgery was the best option. Today, 8 months after surgery, she feels stronger than before.
During the depression that cancer brings, Goins drew strength, not only from her faith, but family and friends, and others with the disease.
She was self conscious when all her hair fell out and she didn't believe people who told her she looked good. "But they never knew how I felt on the inside," said Goins. "I felt like I was less of a woman. My breast was gone, my hair was gone, and I just had a hard time feeling like I was beautiful.
"Well thanks be to God there were people around me that kept telling me that until I would eventually believe it myself."
The power of faith
It was at the cancer counseling center that Goins sorted things out in her mind. "Everybody there was the same as me . . . trying to get better." Some people didn't make it, their absence from the meeting put things in perspective, Goins said. "I'm just thankful I'm still alive. I tell my kids, 'I'm just going to enjoy my life and be happy with what I have.' "
Much of the literature at the counseling center referred to faith and the power of positive thought. Goins plans to write about her experiences battling cancer. "I would tell others to, 'Stay positive and stay around positive people.' "
During trying times, Goins got lots of encouragement. "People told me, 'Keep the faith. God told me you're going to live.' All kinds of people prayed for me and that was a blessing.
"I really want people to know my story because if there is someone out there going through something similar I want them to know they are not alone and that they can fight it and make it through with God's help." |
 USDA RBEG Awards $100,000 to MPBDP
MPBDP
On August 5, the MPBDP was awarded a $100,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. Most of this funding will allow MPBDP to make low-interest loans to new or emerging entrepreneurs in the Middle Peninsula. Part of this funding will also allow the MPBDP to provide technical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs in completing their loan applications. “The current credit crunch we are experiencing makes our loan program invaluable to small, start-ups”, said C. Newman, Program Director. “Having this funding also allows us to make lower-interest loans than we would otherwise be able to make.”
The MPBDP is a mission-based 501(c)(3) organization whose goal is to promote compatible economic development in the Middle Peninsula by providing business support to potential and existing micro-entrepreneurs, businesses of 5 people or less. Since 2000, over 1200 entrepreneurs have received technical assistance and training through the MPBDP. A total of 24 businesses have received assistance with financing. Seventeen have received funding directly through the Program representing over $700,000 in loans.
The Program itself consists of 3 phases of assistance: education, technical assistance and access to loan funds.
Photo left to right: Betty Miller, EVB and MPBDP Board of Directors; Saundra Wilson, Family Tax Services, LLC; Betsy Witt, Go2Row, Inc.; Dan Kavanagh, Chair MPBDP Board and Executive Director MPPDC; Congressman Rob Wittman, Ellen M. Davis, Rural Development State Director; Carlton Revere, Revere Gas and Chair Board of Directors MPPDC. |
 Poised for Growth
A Special Occasion
Suély Maszack epitomizes what for many of us represents the American Dream. Suély immigrated to the United States in 1985 from Brazil. When she arrived with a B.A. in Education from the Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, she spoke no English. Determined to support herself and her family, Suély learned the restaurant business from entry-level up, teaching herself Spanish in the process.
In the ensuing 22 years Suély graduated from Banquet Manager to Garde-Manger Chef to Chef in New Jersey. In 2005 she relocated to Virginia, transferring through her employer, Sage Dining Services, to Christchurch School in Saluda while she began renovations to her new home in Mattaponi to add a certified commercial kitchen in her house. With the completion of her home-based kitchen was born “A Special Occasion” Catering in July 2005.
In early 2006, Suély received an SBA Community Express loan with the help of the Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership to install additional septic capacity for her commercial kitchen. Suély also registered for the MPBDP’s eight-week business training program, graduating in March 2007. Since that time, “A Special Occasion” Catering has continued strong and steady growth. In spring 2007, “A Special Occasion” purchased a delivery van to accommodate the regular weekly catering functions as well as the growing wedding and special events catering from Williamsburg to Washington, DC and points in between.
“A Special Occasion” Catering provides quality food elegantly presented whether casual or fine dining for two or 2,000. Suély will provide breakfast, lunch or dinner for any function from small, personal meals or dinner parties to large wedding receptions and holiday galas. Lunches may be ordered and delivered the same day. To provide better service, orders must be called in or faxed by 10:30 a.m. Weekly and seasonal dinner menus are available. Weekly dinners may be ordered and will be delivered on Monday for the week. This option is great for seniors who find it difficult to prepare meals, or for busy families who don’t have time. If set-up and/or clean up is required, a charge of 12% is added as well as Virginia sales tax.
“A Special Occasion” takes pride in personalized wedding reception planning tastings. Appointments are made with the family to come, sit and enjoy tastings of the different menu options before deciding on the event menu. Along with more traditional menu offerings, Suély is happy to share the culture of Brazil through some signature dishes prepared upon request.
The Middle Peninsula Business Development Partnership has been honored to work with Suély and to watch the growth of this entrepreneur. In Suély’s own words: “Who would’ve guessed that 25 years ago when I arrived in the U.S. not speaking one word of English that today I would own my own home and my own business.” Congratulations and much continued success!
For Catering Services, call 804-785-1008.
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 GO 2 ROW OPENS FOR BUSINESS
Go2Row, Inc.
Go2Row.com is a new Internet-based retail business created by Elizabeth “Betsy” Witt to meet the needs of fans of the sport of crew. Betsy is a graduate of the Fall 2007 Business Training Series of the Middle Peninsula Business Training Program. The 8-week training assisted Betsy with her idea and business plan so she could apply for start-up financing. Go2Row offers cool t’s, hoodies and wearables for every season, coolers, chairs, duffels, totes, umbrellas and other great regatta essentials as well as stuff for Crew Moms and Crew Dads. (Maybe even Crew Grandmas!!)
Go2Row will also do custom team orders for t-shirts, hoodies, hats, chairs and more.
Go2Row.com is committed to supporting crew at the high school level and beyond donating 2% of all sales to high school crew teams. The first team to be sponsored is Gloucester High School since that is where Go2Row originates. (Betsy is a Crew Mom whose son rowed for GHS!) Check out www.go2row.com for more information about the company.
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 Promoting Cultural Awareness
Turtle Island Sanctuary
Alice Elk Moon Call, a member of the Me’tis Nation, operates Turtle Island Sanctuary in Gloucester County. Turtle Island is home to over 80 animals, located on a 5 ½ acre farm. Alice specializes in rescuing farm animals and exotic pets, providing them with a permanent home for the remainder of their lives. Any new babies are adopted out to appropriate families. Normally, Turtle Island does not take in cats or dogs. To support this operation, Alice accepts donations to cover the cost of feeding and bedding the animals.
In addition to operating the animal sanctuary, Alice also offers Native American educational programs including Native American stories and cultural practices. Alice can be seen at many of the area festivals telling stories to children and explaining some of the cultural aspects of Native American life.
Alice is also licensed to perform weddings in Virginia. Reverend Call can assist with planning a traditional, modern or Native American ceremony.
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 Primitives & Quilts Grand Opening
Primitives & Quilts
Opening March 29 at 618 Main Street in West Point is Primitives & Quilts owned and operated by Joann Tisi, a Fall 2007 MPBDP graduate, with assistance from Lynn Carruth also a Fall 2007 MPBDP graduate. “Ps & Qs” is a retail operation inspired by early American country style, selling new and gently used home furnishings and accessories. Primitives & Quilts specializes in primitive décor, vintage fabric, quilts and samplers.
Joann spent over 15 years in the banking industry in New York, New York and West Point, Virginia. For the past 7 years she has worked in the home décor and antique retail business in Williamsburg, Virginia. Joann entered the MPBDP program last September with an idea for her own retail operation. After completing her business plan analysis, she located retail space in historic downtown West Point. “Ps & Qs” Grand Opening was Saturday, March 29!
Congratulations! Photo left to right: Joann Tisi and Lynn Carruth. |
 GILLIE BOATWORKS RELOCATES
Gillie Boatworks
Gillie Boatworks, owned and operated by Thomas E. Gillie, III, better known as Toby, has served the Chesapeake Bay region since 2003 in Deltaville. Recently, Gillie Boatworks relocated to new quarters at the B.E.S.T. Boatyard at 1228 Crafton Quarter Road in Saluda, where they can work on large restoration projects in addition to providing customers with fiberglass fabrication and design and precision structural and finish marine carpentry including structural refits and upgrades to production fiberglass, wooden yachts, Charter and work boats.
Gillie Boatworks is a marine fabrication and repair institution specializing in quality marine interior design and construction, hull repairs, and restorations. According to Toby “If the task is possible, there is no reason why we cannot accomplish the job successfully.”
The latest project is a major refit of a 42 foot Trojan aft cabin motor yacht built in 1968. Structural upgrades include replacement of strut, rudder, and shaft log blocks. Finish improvements will include teak and holly sole throughout the interior of the vessel, new headliner throughout, and electronic upgrades.
For more information on Gillie Boatworks, see our web site at www.gillieboatworks.com.
B.E.S.T. Boatyard is a new dry boat storage facility, and a true full or self service boatyard for all vessels. You or anyone of your choice can work in our yard, on your boat, with no additional fees. There are also rental self-storage units, offices, workshops, and buildings that 50' restoration projects will fit into. As a do-it-yourself storage and maintenance yard, we're open seven days a week. Long term projects and wooden boats are welcomed here.
B.E.S.T. Boatyard is located approximately one mile downstream of Urbanna, Virginia, on the southern bank of the Rappahannock River, just off of Buoy #6. That’s approximately fifteen minutes from the Chesapeake Bay and Deltaville. We have a quarter mile of white sandy beach for your recreation and over one hundred high and dry acres, which makes us the largest boatyard in the state.
We currently have a 30 ton Marine Travel Lift, a 20 ton Clark lift truck and a brand new Wiggins Marina Bull lift that will handle 36' foot boats with ease. A 150 boat boatel building is currently under construction and will be opening this spring.
Photo: Craig Dahlbeck and Toby Gillie, January 2008 MPBDP Graduates |
 USDA Loan to Family Tax Services
Family Tax Services of SeeUs ReGroup, LLC
Congratulations to Saundra Wilson, President of Family Tax Services of SeeUs ReGroup, LLC our most recent loan recipient! Saundra, a May 2006 MPBDP graduate is the president and founder. She is a native of Gloucester who attended colleges in both Connecticut and Virginia and is currently enrolled in online classes with Ashworth College. Saundra is employed by Bay Aging as a Senior Employment Program Coordinator and as the Middlesex Senior Lifestyle Center Manager. Saundra is married to husband Kenneth, Tax Office Assistant, for 39 years. They have six children and eleven grandchildren.
Family Tax Services of SeeUs ReGroup, LLC was organized in 1996 as a female-minority owner/operator, community resource company focusing on the needs of low to moderate income, single parents and families with children. The office is conveniently located near the Gloucester County Business District and is central to other neighboring communities. Family Tax Services (FTS) is a full-service, income tax preparation and electronic filing service covering 14 states and 35 jurisdictions in Virginia. FTS also acts as an affiliate, or referral source, for other financial service companies. According to Saundra ”FTS believes in setting trustworthy examples while actively engaging in today’s world of business. By learning more we will educate; by applying knowledge, we will share; and by growth, we can share the joy with our customers.”
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 GRADUATE UPDATE!
MPBDP
On August 19 several graduates of the MPBDP Business Training Series got together to share accomplishments and trade business cards. The event was hosted by Dee Carter at the Ya-Ya Retreat above the Forget-Me-Not Consignment Shop on Cross Street in downtown Urbanna. Attendees toured the Retreat facilities. Food was provided by Suely Maszack, A Special Occasion Catering from Mattaponi. Shown in the photograph are (left to right) Jennifer Zemanek, SCUTI Handbags (also shown in the foreground), Dee Carter and Pastor Elizabeth Goins, President of the newly formed Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations and best wishes for your continued success! |
LOCAL ARTIST CHOSEN FOR PHILADELPHIA EXHIBIT
Mary Ellen Lee
As reported by the Southside Sentinel July 26, 2007: A work of art by Mary Ellen Lee of Urbanna has been selected to be shown at the Red Bull Art of Can Exhibition at The F.U.E.L. Collection from October 18 to November 2 in Philadelphia. Lee's "Bullheaded Redneck Girl" was chosen in a national contest. It was the first time Lee has worked with metal. She regularly paints in watercolors. The inspiration for Lee's work came when she went to her first NASCAR race with "a bunch of redneck girls," she said. She described her creation as "Terminator Girl meets Red Bull." Lee used 130 Red Bull cans and her friends helped by drinking and collecting the cans. She set them using a hair-styling mannequin as a base. Lee's "Bullheaded Redneck Girl" will be on the exhibit's website at www.redbullartofthecan.com by the end of July. Lee is invited to attend the kick-off private gala reception on October 18 where her work will be viewed by a panel of judges, members of the media, and fellow peers in the art community. A watercolor painting by Lee, who is a professional hair stylist, was chosen for the 2002 Urbanna Oyster Festival poster. |
 NEW DAY CARE OPENS
Mother's Love Home Day Care
Mother's Love Home Day Care in Wake opened on Monday, July 9, 2007. The owner, Cynthia Beverley, is licensed through the Middlesex County Department of Social Services. She has 25 years experience working in local school systems, as a 4-H Camp Counselor and assistant youth church director. She also has many additional certifications.
The ages accepted by Mother's Love are 16 months and up, as well as before and after school care. Hours are 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 776-0238 for more information.
Cynthia will teach pre-school activities and take field trips to the movies, bowling alley, pumpkin patch, Chuckie Cheese, library and ice cream shop. "I believe that, like building a new home, if you set a strong foundation, the house will forever stand and give you joy. Therefore, I will set a strong foundation at an early age for my little ones, and they too will forever stand." |
 Lamb Exterminating Receives Award
Lamb Exterminating
Seven businesses were recognized for their exemplary efforts at sustainable development at the Bi-Annual Awards Dinner hosted by Tidewater Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council. The recognition is hosted to recognize companies that have excelled in their business impact, use of indigenous resources, positive environmental impact and/or contributions to the community.
Chris Lamb of Lamb Exterminating accepted the award on behalf of Lamb Exterminating for the 2007 Micro-Enterprise Award. According to Mr. Lamb, while operating a traditional exterminating business, he began learning more about some of the newer more environmentally friendly products that are being manufactured. In the last two years he has added EcoSmart Botanical Products which use essential plant oils that are classified as "generally recognized as safe" by the US Food and Drug Administration. The MPBDP nominated this new and emerging business in recognition of their efforts to provide clients with a safer product and for their community contributions.
The award, according to RC&D Chair Steve Pope is to provide recognition to some of the proven leaders that balance economic needs with the environmental and social needs of the community.
Congratulations! |
Tanning By The Bay Opens
Tanning By The Bay
Opening August 14 on Main Street in Mathews, Tanning By The Bay will offer a clean, convenient way to tan indoors! Doris Jenkins, a June 2006 graduate of the microenterprise program, offers a number of tanning packages and popular products for new customers. Three new tanning beds and a stand-up tanning booth make it easy to schedule appointments. Tanning By The Bay's flexible hours insure that there is virtually no inconvenient time to tan! "Look like you spend hours in the sun; spend part of your day Tanning by the Bay." Tanning By The Bay offers membership and non-member packages. Walk-in service is also available with Tanning By The Bay's educational tanning guidance and clean, sanitized and friendly atmosphere. |
 The Nut Haus Coming to a Festival Near You
The Nut Haus
John Hutchins has been involved with the family business since the age of 4, so you could say that the entrepreneurial spirit is in his blood. In fact, it has been through his experience as a customer service rep at trade shows that he came up with the idea for The Nut Haus, a roasted nut concession business coming soon to a trade show or festival near you!
After completing the four week business training course offered quarterly by MPBDP, Mr. Hutchins put together a comprehensive loan application and business plan that reviewed the local market as a whole and enabled Mr. Hutchins to better understand what his new role as an owner would be. MPBDP approved The Nut Haus' loan application enabling John to purchase start-up inventory and equipment.
Financial support for this Program is provided by the Virginia River Country Economic Development Partnership, DHCD's Virginia Enterprise Initiative and USDA's Rural Business Enterprise Program. |
 Local Artist Expands
Dorothy Fagan Waggener
Dorothy Fagan is expanding her art business to include a collection called My frogPrince Originals. The collection features her paintings and poetry in the form of artist's handmade books and bookplates. She is offering them at kiosks in local businesses, like the one in the Mathews County Visitor's Center and wholesale to galleries and gift shops nationally. She features excerpts from her books in her syndicated blogs; If I Am the Earth at www.ifiamtheearth.org and Dreamer's Moon at www.dreamersmoon.org. They are also available on her creativity website www. myfrogprince.com |
 Fishing Business Back on Track
Bennie Jenkins Seafood
Bennie Jenkins came to the MPBDP in early February 2004 with a specific need....Capital to grow his business. Bennie was referred to MPBDP by a commercial loan officer at BB&T to the program and was immediately put on a fast track to loan application. Mr. Jenkins needed funds for over 300 crab pots that were lost during Hurricane Isabel and he needed them by early March. After completing a business plan and financing proposal, Mr. Jenkins submitted his loan application and was approved in early March 2004. Bennie used the funds to purchase and rig over 400 pots for this years crabbing season. Thanks to the MPBDP, Mr. Jenkins was able to provide for his family doing what he's done all his life......fish. |
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