Those of you who know me, likely know my background. What makes me tick. Where I come from.
Pictured above is a young Doug. Eager and ready to cut his teeth in the Chamber business in the small business department in what was then the nation’s third-largest Chamber of Commerce. I learned early on how tough it is to sweat payroll. To find answers to lingering questions. To escape the regulatory burden of government and how to juggle tax burden while still having the ability to operate. The ugly side of small business and entrepreneurship can break the best of them.
So, it comes as no surprise that I get excited about one week in particular each year. National Small Business Week. And this year it’s May 6-10. And folks, that’s when we get our party on.
We get really busy working for our members, and we don’t often take the time to say “thank you” for the daily heavy lift. We don’t always celebrate the contribution of our small businesses – the men and women who drive our local and national economy.
But during Small Business Week, we set aside the time to do exactly that. It’s our week to celebrate you.
And although we know it’s hard to step outside your business, I hope you’ll peel yourself away for a short while and come celebrate with us.
Here’s what’s in store:
Monday, May 6 at 3:30 pm – we’ll officially declare the week Small Business Week with a kickoff event at Star Dodge Auto Group showroom. We’ll pay tribute to those micro businesses without a “storefront” and celebrate the kickoff to a great week. Interested in participating? Reach out to us.
Tuesday, May 7 at 11:30 am - The Chamber’s annual Small Business Celebration and Awards Luncheon, in partnership with America’s SBDC at Texas Tech. Join us as we present several awards to those individuals who, through their independent, entrepreneurial spirit, have risen to the top of the game. It’ll be a blast. The luncheon is made possible with generous support from America’s SBDC at Texas Tech, First Financial Bank, and Star Dodge Auto Group.
Wednesday, May 8 – is social media day! We’ll be paying tribute online to the small businesses. It’s your opportunity to engage with the Chamber on social media as we pay tribute to, honor, and share fun facts about why small businesses are so important to Abilene and our economy.
Thursday, May 9 – join the Chamber’s Regional Growth Alliance, America’s SBDC at Texas Tech, and McMahon Surovik Suttle, P.C. for a seminar where employers can learn about navigating the choice between hiring an independent contractor and an employee. This presentation will address the differences in the classifications between these two options and help employers determine how to classify workers when looking to hire help. The best part? It’s FREE to attend!
Friday, May 10 – we’ll wrap up what is sure to be an exceptional week with our Morning Edge with a twist. This final event of our Salute to Small Business Week will be located at El Fenix Cafe. Hear sponsor presentations from this week's sponsors, America's SBDC at Texas Tech, First Financial Bank, and Star Auto Group.
And so, we all need to take a step back now and then and say thank you to the risk-takers, the job providers, and heavy lifters. They make this community tick.
I hope you’ll engage with us. I bet you’ll be glad you did.