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BUSINESS   Small Business Council

The role of the Small Business Council is to address the needs of small business owners and managers within the Chamber membership. It is governed by an advisory committee composed of members of the York County Regional Chamber Board of Directors. The Chamber staff assists the Small Business Council in developing its objectives, membership, and events.

The key action items identified for 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

• Offering small business network events
• Researching ways to provide education and information on local resources for small businesses
• Providing access to small business resources through the Chamber website and creating ways to communicate electronically
• Publishing "Small Business Spotlight" on a quarterly basis in the Connections newsletter
• Partnering with York Technical College, Winthrop University ’s Small Business Development Center, and other local entities.

In November of 2008, the Small Business Council (SBC) held its first networking event. Ronnie Bailes spoke regarding keys to his business, The Men's Shop, success over the last 40 years. The SBC expanded its membership to include representatives from Winthrop University, York Technical College, the Catawba Regional Council of Governments and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. In November the SBC also began its "Small Business of the Month Spotlight" and made Impact Systems, a growing business in York County, its first spotlight. SBC's list of small business resources are available here.

Upcoming Events

• New Program!  - Small Business Council Connection

  How would you like to brainstorm business strategies with some of the proven leaders in the small business community?  If your answer is “I would”, join us for the Small Business Council Connection.  You will join a group of 12 small business leaders in a non-competitive setting to master mind positive outcomes for your day-to-day operations.

• Click here to learn more about the Small Business Council Connection program! Get your application here today! Register here for the Small Business Council Roundtable Kickoff event to be held from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 31.

For information about this event and future events, contact Becky Adams or call (803) 324-7500.

Small Business Council's Advisory Board Members

The Small Business Council is a group of representatives from small businesses, educational institutions, and local governments. The council is co-chaired by Lauren Richardson, owner of Integra Commercial Lending, and Bernie Ackerman, president of Bernard N. Ackerman, CPA.

Chair - Lauren Richardson – Integra Commercial Lending
Vice Chair - Dave Oxendine – Red-Line Chemicals

Bernie Ackerman – Bernard N. Ackerman, CPA

Becky Adams – York County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jim Bullock – Catawba Regional Council of Governments
Edie Dille – York Technical College

Paula Gillman - Paula Gillman & Company

Mary Elkins - Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates PA

Rhonda Huskins – South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Janet Martini - Keystone Substance Abuse Services

Eddie Pickett - Quality Cleaning Janitorial Services

Judy Pinner - Preferred Billing & Management Services Inc.

Lauren Richardson – Integra Commercial Lending
Brian Spittle - Carolina Computer Partners
Larry Stevens – Winthrop University
Charles Wilkerson – Steele Creek Printing & Design
Joanie Winters – Law Offices of Joan Winters LLC