“The beginning is mostly luck. The end is mostly choices.” ~ James Clear.
I think that fits how most businesses start. Luck and grit to start. But in the end, it’s all the choices that one makes that can either make the business successful or not. Part of those choices is to continue to evolve, being open to changing hours, how one does things or investing in new technology. So many choices happen. The Chamber of Commerce is here to help those businesses with making choices. Our educational lectures are a way to encourage people to think about different ways of growing their businesses, our sponsorship and advertisement opportunities allow businesses to market themselves to new clients and our resources are here to help give solid foundations for those businesses to make the right choices.
Our June worked to provide our local businesses with ways to explore new options with our SWAM and eVA training. Registering with the state can be a new opportunity for many businesses looking to grow beyond our county borders. We will be taking a summer break in offering educational classes in July and August, but starting back in September we are partnering with Patrick & Henry Community College to provide some quick entrepreneurial workshops. These one- or two-hour classes will cover Excel for Business, Smartphone Video Advertisement, Taking your Social Media to the Next Level, How to Establish Business Credit, and Billing Customers. These classes will be offered at the Patrick County site for anyone. Chamber members will be eligible for reimbursement…this is one of the perks for being a chamber member!
We also attended a meeting this month with our Regional Director for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This was a great time to meet her in person and discuss how the program is going for Patrick County. Helping to get kids interested and continue to read is fundamental to their success in life and as part of our local future workforce. I encourage everyone to take the time to read with your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews.
In between the festivals and events happening throughout the month, we also attended the Patrick County leadership graduation at the Reynolds Homestead. We applaud these participants for taking time to learn about our county and look for ways to help and lead. Another meeting this month was the healthcare meeting at The Landmark Center. Thanks to Lisa Martin for hosting this meeting where area providers of home health, VA benefits, hospice and other supportive services were in attendance.
We encourage everyone to make a choice this month and get out to support local events, fundraisers and businesses. The “Fourth of July” is just around the corner and there are several events happening this weekend. Kick off the 4th of July at the Stuart Farmers’ Market for finding great locally grown food to use on your grill. Head up to Vesta for their Old Time Fourth Celebration and then back to Stuart that evening for fireworks at Dehart Park. Saturday will be full of trips to Fairy Stone State Park or Philpott for cooling off, followed by the Star-Spangled Saturday music concert at the Stuart Farmers’ Market starting at 4 p.m. Enjoy two bands, food truck and beverages.
For more information on events, the entrepreneurial classes, and business resources in general, contact the chamber office at (276) 694-6012 or email me at director@patrickchamber.com.
Welcome to new business joining the Chamber in June 2025: Janice’s Junk Joint.
(Adcock is the director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce)
