By Larry Sparks
The Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce convened its monthly meeting on Dec. 4 at Grace Community Church in Falcon. The Chamber, which serves the local business community, meets on the first Wednesday of each month, weather allowing. Each gathering begins with breakfast and networking before the formal meeting.
The morning’s breakfast sponsor was Greg Plunkett of Christian Brothers Automotive in Falcon. For breakfast, all enjoyed coffee and juice along with Shipley’s Donuts and Kolaches. Greg shared tips on vehicle maintenance, winterization and service as winter is here. He spoke for about five minutes and took questions.
The main presentation came from the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center. Brandon Eldridge, the executive director, introduced the featured speaker, Lisa Gustafson. She is a SCORE volunteer and a Career Ownership Coach. Lisa shared her more than 35 years of success in corporate work at companies like Knight-Ridder Communications, Kinko’s, March of Dimes and Kroger. Her time at Kroger included being a district manager for Loaf ‘N Jug. She and her husband both worked for Loaf ‘N Jug; and, in 2017, had their positions eliminated. She felt secure, working for a company that was seventeen on the Fortune 500 list. She learned that the best security came from working for oneself. Through franchising, she found security and fueled her passion for the American economy. She is the current owner of The Entrepreneur’s Source.
Her presentation was on the great American economy and business ownership. She listed many ways to start a business, which included inventions, consultation, investments, startups, real estate sales, acquisition, practitioner, multi-level marketing and franchising.
The focus of her presentation was on the strength of franchising. Of the several benefits of being a franchise operator, she focused on these. First, a franchisee receives help from the licensing of trademarks and trade names. This lowers the bar and reduces legal fees for the business owner. Secondly, and perhaps the most beneficial, a franchisee enters a proven business system. If one seeks to offer service as a mechanic, restaurateur, baker, real estate agent or convenience store operator, there is a franchise model that will allow one to better succeed in business. A third benefit discussed was that, as a franchisee, one stands shoulder to shoulder in relationship with those that built the business, honed the model and are best equipped to help a franchisee succeed.
This presentation was both highly educational and engaging for all present. The Chamber was honored to host the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center and Lisa Gustafson. The Chamber encourages all members to reach out to make full use of their tremendous support.
The Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce meets monthly at 7 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will take place Feb. 5. Happy New Year to all!
The chamber meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Grace Community Church in Falcon. For more information, visit https://www.easternplainschamber.com/.
