Small Business Development Center rep addresses Linton-Stockton Chamber members

A representative of the Indiana Small Business Development Center explained to Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce members what their organization does for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

ISBDC Business Advisor Vicki Hollanders has become familiar with the Chamber office since she has begun working one-on-one with local entrepreneurs.

"We certainly are here for the start-up (of businesses), but we've got the tools for existing companies as well," Hollanders explained.

ISBDC hosts workshops, as well as one-on-one counseling sessions in order to set up a detailed business plan, or even to determine if an entrepreneur has a reasonable business venture.

Hollanders covers an eight-county area -- known as Radius Indiana -- so she is on the road a lot to provide local services.

"What I really want to do is bring services to my clients as close as I can. I don't want someone from Linton to have to drive to Bedford for a workshop," Hollanders noted.

ISBDC offers workshops pertaining to writing business plans, financial planning and taxes.

For more information about one-on-one counseling sessions, contact Hollanders at (317) 695-7261 or vhollanders@isbdc.org .

For more information about workshops in your area, or to take an online business assessment, visit www.isbdc.org .

In other business, Chamber Executive Director Lynette Shelton introduced Linton Freedom Festival (LFF) queen Gabrielle Pattison and runner-up Kanitra McDonald.

Shelton said the Linton Freedom Festival fundraising events have been successful so far.

Both girls will be in the LFF parade, and will receive scholarships.

Pattison said she will attend Vincennes University in the fall to study graphic design.

McDonald said she will join the Navy in the fall, and hopes to work with nuclear reactors.

The golf tournament at Phil Harris Golf Course on Saturday, June 9 had 20 pairs for the two-man flighted tournament.

Tim and Chris Taylor were the top golfing pair with a score of 99.

"Bart Beard did a great job," Shelton added, noting McDonalds presented the food.

The 5K Run and Fitness walk last weekend brought in 109 participants, and Shelton said some businesses sponsored their employees during the event.

She added so far the parade has 74 entrants signed up, and have about two weeks left to advertise their business or group in the parade.

If interested in participating the Linton Freedom Festival parade call the Chamber at 847-4846 or get a registration form at www.lintonfreedomfestival.org .