The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce & Mitchell Community College Small Business Center announces the kick-off of Commerce Circles - Small Business Forums

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Statesville, NC, August 8, 2024 – The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and the Mitchell Community College Small Business Center have partnered up to launch “Commerce Circles - Small Business Forums” to the Statesville and Iredell business community. “Commerce Circles” are specialized groups designed to foster collaboration and growth for local entrepreneurs and growing businesses. This dynamic platform is designed to empower and connect small business owners, from start-ups to well established organizations by bringing together local experts in a variety of fields to discuss taking a business to the next level. These targeted groups provide a platform to directly connect with those who share your industry interests and challenges.Here are some examples of what “Commerce Circles” are designed to do:

• Allow for an exchange of ideas and best practices by sharing your expertise and gaining valuable insights from peers in your industry.
• The opportunity to collaborate on opportunities by exploring new possibilities, tackling challenges together, and discovering unique business solutions.
• Building lasting relationships and connecting with local business professionals who understand the specific landscape you navigate.
• Fuel your organization's growth by gaining the support and resources you need to thrive in the Statesville and Iredell area market.

The first forum in a series of three slated for 2024 will kick-off on Tuesday, August 20th at 9 AM at the Statesville Civic Center, 300 S. Center Street in Statesville and goes until 11:30 AM. Light refreshments will be served while having productive conversations and networking. The agenda of the day includes a welcome and introduction to the forum leadership team, round table discussions with relevant topics to your small business, networking with fellow business owners, discussion of future forums, and closing remarks. The speakers of the day include:

• City of Statesville Manager - Ron Smith
• Iredell County Commissioner Chair- Melissa Neader
• Iredell County Economic Development - Todd Black
• Small Business Center @ MCC - Suzanne Wallace  
• Small Business Administration (SBA) - Aregnaz Mooradian
• Small Business Success Story -Johnson Greenhouses - Ron and Cheryl Matthews, owners

Small Business Forum Kick-off Details:
Date: August 20th, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Statesville Civic Center, 300 S. Center St., Statesville
RSVP is required: Please visit https://tinyurl.com/3pdutjsu.
Cost: $30 for one session, or $75 to attend all three for members, $35 and $90 respectively for non-members.*This is the first in a series of three events in 2024 starting with August, following one in October and December. The series will extend into 2025 with a variety of insightful and important topics:Commerce Circles 2024-2025 Schedule

• Aug 20th - Business Forum Kick-off
• Oct 8th - Roundtable Discussion - Is Your Strategy Working? Growing/Scaling Your Business and Time Management Tactics
• Dec 3rd - Business Forum - Building Strength in 2025
• Jan 21st - Roundtable Discussion - Hiring and Managing Your Team.  How to hire the best employees, set expectations and quickly address problems
• Mar 11th - Roundtable Discussion - Financial Strength - For Profit & Non Profit
• May 3rd - Roundtable Discussion - The Power of Customer Service
• Aug 12 - Business Forum - Building New Skills

This series is made possible by our sponsor Huntington Bank.For more information about the Small Business Forums or The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, please contact Nicole Kershner, 704-873-2892, Ext. 2  or email nkershner@StatesvilleChamber.org or visit https://www.statesvillechamber.org.*You do not have to be a chamber member to attend. Non-member pricing will apply.