On July 30th the graduates of the Spring Training Camp graduated in front of friends, family, and county officials. The event marked the successful completion of a 10-week small business course put together by the Allegany Business Center, a division of the ACCORD Corporation. Eleven graduates received their diplomas on the night. Among them was the winner of the Business Plan Competition sponsored by Steuben Trust and the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce. Mark and Carrie Pecone, owners of MMR Vending, were awarded a $500 grant presented by Carolyn Francis and a paid membership to the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce by Steve Havey.

Also attending the graduation was Trina Allen, owner of TLA Designs; Rick Chaffee, owner of The Singing Trout; Larry Short, owner of the Six-S Golf Course; Bridgette Tojek, owner of I-Tang-O; and Jamie Forness, partner with her husband of Riverside Builders. Speaking at the event were Charlie Kalthoff, Executive Director of ACCORD Corporation and Gretchen Hanchett, Director of the Allegany Business Center and ACDSI. The Keynote speaker was Curtis Crandall, Chairman of the County Legislature.

The business course covers every area of starting or expanding a small business. Topics covered in the class include: Marketing, Financial Considerations, Legal Issues, Taxes, Bookkeeping, Human Resources, Website Development, and more. The Allegany Business Center is currently enrolling students for the Fall Training Camp, set to begin September 2. Click here for more information.

Big Green Idea Business Plan
Winner Announced

At long last, the winner of the Big Green Idea Business Plan Competition has been announced. Bridget and Denis Reynolds of Quest Farms in Almond, NY were presented the $1,500 winner's check on July 25th. Their entry was chosen the winner from a strong crop of 7 business plans representing many different areas of Green Business. The seven entrants were Roger Ramsey from Computer Clinic, Mark and Connie Guildford from CMC Energy, Bridget and Denis Reynolds from Quest Farms, John Casperson from The Crow's Nest, Bridgette Tojek from I-Tang-O, Mark and Carrie Pecone from MMR Vending, and Dooder Luce and John Davies from Seedsqueeze Biodiesel.

The business plans were rated by a panel of judges on 8 different categories including: Management Team, Product/Service Plan, Feasability, Marketability, Financial Viability, Fundability, Need of Technical Assistance, and Growth Plan. Thanks to all who participated and to the many sponsors.