BEBO Announces Business Plan Competition Winners
July 3, 2013
For Immediate Release
BEBO Announces Business Plan Competition Winners
BURKE COUNTY, N.C. (July 3, 2013) – On July 3 the Burke County Chamber of Commerce and BEBO (Burke Entrepreneurs and Business Owners) announced the winners of its 2013 Business Plan Competition. Hamilton Williams ClayWorks took the top spot in the Established Business category and Southern Couture Bridal Boutique won in the New Business category. Each winner received a $2,000 cash prize. Hamilton Williams ClayWorks has built a loyal customer base throughout its nineteen year history and is in the process of moving to a new facility in downtown Morganton. The company will expand production and open a retail craft gallery. Southern Couture Bridal Boutique has plans to become a full service bridal and formal wear boutique. Taking second place with a prize of $500 was Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery in the Established Business category and LA Nails in the New Business category. According to the Small Business Administration, nearly two out of every three jobs in the United States are created by small businesses. BEBO, the small business arm of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce, recognizes and appreciates all the small businesses of Burke County, which drive our local economy. “The Chamber believes that a key pillar of economic development in a community is to promote the start-up and expansion of local and small businesses,” said Chamber President Michael McNally. “The business plan competition is held in order to promote that belief and encourage prospective business owners who choose to start a business in our community.” Participating businesses submitted written business plans, which were judged by a panel of business and community leaders. Representatives from the winning businesses will be recognized at the next BEBO Networking Event on Tuesday, August 6, where they will have an opportunity to share their success stories with other local business owners. The event, held at the Foothills Higher Education Center, will feature keynote speaker Meredith Powell as she presents on “The Business of Networking”. This no-nonsense, down to basics workshop will focus on how to identify key relationships and nurture those connections to create a strong, strategic network. Powell is an international speaker, certified coach and strategist who helps businesses and people master the relational skills needed to be successful in today’s competitive environment. The event, which begins at 6:00pm, is free and open to the public. Dinner is provided. More information is available at www.facebook.com/bebonetwork. The Western Piedmont Community College Small Business Center offers individual assistance in preparing business plans, confidential one-on-one counseling and free seminars and workshops to help with small business planning. The Small Business Center is located at 2128 South Sterling Street in Morganton and can be reached at 828-448-6719. About bebo bebo (burke entrepreneurs and business owners) is a grassroots organization designed to provide resources, support and networking opportunities to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Burke County, NC with the goal of helping our small business community grow and thrive. For more information like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bebonetwork.###