Home | Site Map | Contact Us Business Directory Search: Site Search: In this section: Small Business Programs Small Business Council The Chamber's Small Business Council champions the growth and development of small business by providing education resources, advocating for small business in the region, and fostering business development through relationships and networking. 12 @ 12: A Mentoring Lunch 12 @ 12 is an opportunity for small business executives to network with other area business leaders over a casual lunch. AM/PM Business Connection A unique "speed networking" event that allows participants the opportunity to polish their presentation skills while building their contacts. Business Growth Series Learn the essentials of managing a growing business with these workshops led by fellow Chamber members. Future 50 Awards Annual recognition program of the 50 fastest-growing, privately held companies headquartered in Middle Tennessee. Roundtables Confidential forums of Chamber-member business leaders that regularly meet to share practical knowledge and counsel on the challenges and opportunities facing today's businesses. Small Business Council Middle Tennessee's economy depends on the health of its small and entrepreneurial businesses. The Nashville region has a vibrant and diverse entrepreneurial business community; approximately 90 percent of the Chamber's membership is comprised of small businesses (defined as companies with 100 or fewer employees). Small business owners who are members of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce are encouraged to join the Small Business Council (SBC) at no additional membership fee. SBC Mission: The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Council champions the growth and development of small business by providing education resources, advocating for small business in the region, and fostering business development through relationships and networking. Strategies: Providing education resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses: Highlighting and communicating the "best picks" for education opportunities offered through the Chamber and other organizations. Business Growth Series Advocating for small business in the region: SBC will serve as a voice and resource for Chamber activities/issues that impact small business. Fostering business development through relationships and networking: 12 @ 12: A Mentoring Lunch AM Business Connection Informed & Inspired Speaker Series Roundtables Regional Business After Hours SBC Subcommittees: Small Business Issues Connects small business members with the Chamber's government advocacy process, which educates members on how to be heard on key issues. Members of this committee also serve on the Chamber's Policy Advisory Committee and help identify local and state business issues that may affect the growth and development of the Chamber's small business members. Member Education Supports new and existing small business educational programs by serving as an advisory group for educational initiatives. Supports educational activities by encouraging increased participation and serving as program volunteers. Business Development Serves as a program advisory group for new networking events and activities for small business members to generate new business opportunities. Supports programming and activities by encouraging increased participation and serving as program volunteers. SBC Advisory Committee: Chair: Charles Sueing, president, Nationwide Insurance/The Sueing Agency Chair, Member Education Subcommittee: Andrew Duthie, president, Duthie Learning Inc. Chair, Issues Subcommittee: Greg Bailey, partner, KVBPR Chair, Business Development Subcommittee: Kathryn Collins, president, Kathryn Collins & Associates Ben Burns, broker, Colliers Turley Martin Tucker Marissa Benchea, director of small business programs, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Michael Carter, president/CEO, Athena Health Club & Day Spa Pam Daly, partner, DK & Associates Chip Higgins, vice president, First Tennessee Michelle Lane, special assistant, minority & small business development, Mayor's Office Donna Mattick, chief investor relations officer, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Wisty Pender, BERO enterprise specialist, TN Department of Economic and Community Development Frank Platt, vice president, The Nexus Group Wendy Stoneberger, VP of programs & events, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce SBC "Informed and Inspired" Speaker Series: All events in this series will be held in the following format: 7:30-8 a.m. - Networking 8-8:15 a.m. - Welcome and introductions 8:15-8:45 a.m. - Speaker presentation 8:45-9 a.m. - Q&A and closing remarks Next events: Wednesday, Feb. 25 Wednesday, April 29 Wednesday, June 24 For more information, contact Marissa Benchea at 615-743-3114 or mbenchea@nashvillechamber.com.
© 2008-2009 Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce -- All Rights Reserved -- Site design & hosting by ATIBA Software & Consulting