Chamber and Community Ventures Corporation Host Small Business Expo

Contact:
Jessica M.L. Thompson, Communications Director
270-781-3200; jessica@bgchamber.com

BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsor Community Ventures Corporation hosted a successful Small Business Expo today at Sloan Convention Center. The event, which was free to the public, was the kick-off to the Chamber's Small Business Appreciation Week.

"The Expo was all about supporting our small businesses in Bowling Green," said Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Rodney Rogers. "The majority of businesses in our city are 'small businesses,' and my theme for the year: Aligning Business with Opportunity focuses on bringing recognition to these businesses and supporting their contributions to Bowling Green."

The Expo including booths at which more than 20 Chamber partners showcased their products and resources to attendees. Following the three-hour Expo, there were two seminars: 1) Starting your small business and 2) Improving your business. Local business leaders spoke to seminar attendees about the processes needed to create a successful small business, including business planning, marketing tactics and funding options.

"Community Ventures Corporation is proud to have been the sponsor of the Small Business Expo," said Jason Nuetzman, executive vice president. "We are a resource for anyone looking to start or expand a business or purchase a home, and we encourage people to contact us for any of their needs."

Community Ventures Corporation (CVC) is a resource to individuals and communities seeking to increase personal and business wealth through affordable housing, job creation and entrepreneurial activities.  With offices in Lexington (Headquarters), Bowling Green, Campbellsville, Frankfort, Henderson, Louisville and Paris, CVC offers small and large business loans, and has a full range of homeownership products. Some of CVC's services include small business financing, business expansion financing, business education and homeownership financing, buyer education and buyer counseling. The Bowling Green office is located at 923 College Street.

The Bowling Green Hot Rods, who sponsor weekly luncheons at the Chamber for small businesses and Chamber partner prospects, also participated in the Expo to show their support for the local business community. Team President Brad Taylor spoke to the crowd, saying, "The entire South Central Kentucky region has embraced our team, and our goal is to give back to local businesses by participating in many activities and providing resources that help the Chamber reach out to the business community."

Small Business Appreciation Week begins on Monday, May 2, with the Allied Energy Chamber Golf Challenge at Crosswinds Golf Course. Other events include

• The Women in Business Breakfast on May 4 at The Medical Center Auditorium, sponsored by The Medical Center and Harned, Bachert & McGehee, PSC
• The Small Business Appreciation Luncheon on May 5 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center, honoring 2011 Small Business Person of the Year Regina Webb, president and founder of Regina Webb Salon & Spa and Regina Webb Academy, LLC and owner of Regina Webb Hair Products & Cosmetics

For more information about these events, visit www.bgchamber.com. Information about Community Ventures Corporation and its services can be found at www.cvcky.org.

The Chamber thanks all booth sponsors and seminar speakers who provided insight and support, as well as all who attended the event, for participating in the Expo today.

About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce:
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was named the 2009 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.

Visit www.bgchamber.com to learn more about the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.