Introducing The Business Plan, a partnership between MCP and the Chamber

The Mason County Press has teamed up with the Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce to present feature stories that will focus on business topics that affect Mason County businesses. The topics of these stories will focus on a variety of issues facing businesses and the local economy. They will also spotlight chamber members and chamber programs, such as SCORE.

SCORE is a nonprofit association that is a source of free and confidential small business mentoring. “Our local chamber is fortunate to have a SCORE chapter available within this community,” said Kathy Maclean, president/CEO of the chamber. “We are even more fortunate to have 12 certified SCORE mentors, each with a diverse background of expertise who volunteer and are passionate about improving the quality of life within their communities. Many potential entrepreneurs count on SCORE each year for help with fulfilling their dream of starting a small business, as well as helping existing enterprises grow and become successful. Our SCORE  mentors offer small business owners the information and tools they need to start, grow and maintain their business.”

The Chamber recently announced hired Matt Larson as the regional business development consultant which was a significant goal for the chamber in striving toward its strategic plan, Maclean said.  This position was made possible by a partnership with West Shore Community College. “This new position will also help support job creation and prosperity by taking an active role in activities that attract new business and retain and grow existing businesses. Matt’s primary function will be working hand in hand with our SCORE mentors as well as facilitating entrepreneurial and small business trainings at the WSCC Business Opportunity Center,” Maclean said. 

Larson will also be facilitating the monthly West Shore Inventor/Entrepreneur Network meetings on the fourth Monday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. To make an appointment with SCORE or questions for Matt, contact the Chamber office at 231.845.0324.

In upcoming news, the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Business After Hours on a monthly basis as a networking opportunity for our members and non-members. Business After Hours events generally take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. Watch for an upcoming article on Mason County Press highlighting three local businesses that have taken advantage of the chamber’s membership benefits and/or SCORE services.  The three companies that are highlighted will be AM Galleries, Best Choice Market and Carlos Alvarado Law, PC; each are co-sponsoring Business After Hours held at AM Galleries on Wednesday, October 23.

Admission is $5 for Chamber members and $10 for non-members.