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The Chamber is made up of a variety of members, but its newest member, Caleb Hunter, just may be the most unique. Hunter is the CEO of Estate Xposures, a business that provides framed, aerial photographs of small business real estate using drone technology. After giving a business pitch to the Chamber Board, Estate Xposures was awarded an honorary membership by Daryn Russell, Vice Chairman of the Business Development Division, at the July Chamber Board meeting. “Caleb’s professionalism, polish and poise were remarkable, as Caleb is only 14 years old, making him the youngest Chamber member,” noted Russell. Despite his age, Caleb works with a number of clients and has a good grasp on the business world. He credits his knowledge to the support of his parents, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and Betty Morgan, Vice President for Business Development at the Chamber. Estate Xposures was created by Caleb with the help of the Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy during the 2018-2019 school year. YEA! is a 26-week after-school program that teaches kids in grades 6-12 how to start and operate their very own business. At the end of the term, the students pitch their ideas to a panel of investors for real money to launch their business. Caleb won the competition with Estate Xposures, earning him a trip to Rochester, NY to compete nationally. YEA! was only the beginning for this new Chamber member. His clientele has continued to grow over the summer. “Since completing the YEA! program, I have delivered photos to TKO Nissan and Cadillac dealerships in Valdosta and I am currently working on a project for Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie,” Hunter shared. When asked if other kids his age could run a business like estate Xposures, Caleb answered undoubtedly. “I know for a fact that if anyone is willing to work hard and try, they can do everything that I have done and more!” he exclaimed. 
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The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce is sowing economic and entrepreneurial success with their very own SEEDS Resource Center. The SEEDS Center’s primary goal is to foster and assist entrepreneur development, build an entrepreneurial eco-system and create business links in the community. The center provides up-to-date information for aspiring entrepreneurs, startup businesses and existing businesses as well as individuals searching for custom market data, industry profiles, demographic reports, targeted sales and competitor information. SEEDS is an acronym which stands for sowing economic and entrepreneurial success. Premiering in 2004 with the support of Georgia Power, the SEEDS Center seeks to meet and serve the needs of local businesses with a variety of services, workshops and classes. Whether a starter business looking for a helping hand and a leg up or an established businesses wishing to rebrand and rebuild, the SEEDS Center has something for each unique, local business. The SEEDS Center not only provides on-site assistance but works diligently to connect businesses in need with other business who specialize in their service. The center hosts a Business University that provides entrepreneurial training with the focus of building knowledge and skills for starting and operating a business. The Business University launched in 2010 and partners with Small Business Development Center, South Georgia Employer Committee, South Georgia Regional Library and The City Of Valdosta to share a wealth of knowledge with business around Valdosta. The SEEDS Center works with approximately 500 entrepreneurs and business owners yearly. Since its start in 2004, the center has served a total of 6,834 clients. In addition to a variety of services, the SEEDS Center hosts The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a national program that teaches middle schoolers and high schoolers the ropes of starting a business. Betty Morgan, director of SEEDS and Vice President of Business Development at the Chamber strongly encourages local businesses in the community to take advantage of the summer months and implement the available resources to work on their business. “The summer is a great time to take some time out to work on your business,” Morgan said. The SEEDS Center is open and available for assistance from 8:30 to 5 and provides free service regardless of Chamber membership status. For more information and inquires visit the SEEDS Center at 416 N. Ashley St. or contact Betty Morgan, at 229-247-8100 ex. 234 or bmorgan@valdostachamber.com.  The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, SEEDS Business Resource Center, and the Valdosta HubSpot User Group will host a free workshop titled “How To Build an Actionable Sales Plan to Reach Revenue and Profitability Goals” at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 14, at the South Georgia Regional Library. There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided. However, attendees must register in advance by visitingvaldostachamber.com .
The workshop will be presented by Anne Shenton, Agency Director of Ascend Inbound Marketing. Major learning objectives include how to: · Begin with the end in mind: How to set SMART goals · Identify which products, services and customers to focus on (and which ones to cut) · Build momentum with quick wins · Create an action plan · Define and measure your metrics for success Shenton founded Ascend Inbound Marketing, a division of Nexxtep, in late 2015. Since then, Ascend has achieved triple digit revenue growth year-over-year and hired several full-time employees. How did they get there? With the right plan. In this workshop, Anne will share how they did it. “It’s no secret that the way prospects buy has changed. We’re excited to have Anne share her sales expertise with our local business community,” said Betty Morgan, VP for Business Development, Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Advanced registration is required by March 11. For more information and to register for the event, visit http://bit.ly/buildsalesplan or call the Chamber of Commerce at 229-247-8100. Ascend Inbound Marketing is a growth agency focused on fostering long-term inbound marketing and web design partnerships with businesses throughout the Southeastern United States. Ascend values client relationships and thrives on solving marketing challenges by providing lead generation and customer acquisition. Founded in 2015, Ascend is a division of Nexxtep Technology Services, Inc. and is headquartered in Valdosta, Georgia. Learn more at ascendinbound.com. Valdosta HubSpot User Group is a dynamic group of inbound marketers and communication professionals from South Georgia who meet up to educate and inspire others on how to market, sell and grow their business or organization using inbound. HubSpot is an inbound marketing and sales platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers. Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce was established in 1912 and serves as the unifying force for enhancing the economic, social and cultural advancement of South Georgia. It is comprised of more than 1,200 members and is home to 16 major committees and programs, with more than 200 volunteers. Learn more at valdostachamber.com. SEEDS Business Resource Center (Sowing Entrepreneur and Economic Development Success) is an entrepreneur resource center specializing in customized research and data. SEEDS provides up-to-date information for new and existing businesses searching for custom market data and more. Learn more at seedsbusinessresourcecenter.com. |
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