Small Business Saturday 2019

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Small Business Saturday

NOVEMBER 30, 2019 A publication of The Examiner

Section E

Saturday, November 30, 2019

The Examiner

@EJC_Examiner

facebook.com/examiner.net

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Season’s Greetings!

Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 30, 2019

The best way to celebrate the Holidays is with

Nadler’s Gift Boxes Gifts for every holiday budget....

#7 - A Bit of Everything

1 – Original Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – Pepper Jack & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – 6.25 oz. Pkg. Original Beef Sticks 1 – 4 oz. Pkg. Honey BBQ Beef Sticks 1 – Pepper Jack Cheese 1 – Colby Cheese

#6 - Summer Sausage Sampler

1 – Original Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – Pepper Jack & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – Colby Jack Cheese 1 – Colby Cheese

#8 - Protein Pack

1 – Original Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – Pepper Jack & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – 6.25 oz. Pkg. Original Beef Sticks 1 – 4 oz. Pkg. Cheddar & Jalapeño Beef Snack Sticks

#3 - Slice and Serve 2 – Original Summer Sausage 1 – Smoked Cheddar Cheese 1 – Colby Cheese 2 – Pkg. Crackers

#9 - Cheese Lover

1 – Cheddar Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – Pepper Jack & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – Smoked Cheddar Cheese 1 – Pepper Jack Cheese 2 – Pkg. Crackers

#16 - Deluxe Protein Pack

1 – Box of Original Beef Sticks 1 – Box of Cheddar & Jalapeño Beef Snack Sticks 1 – Original Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar Summer Sausage 1 – Pepper Jack & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar & Jalapeño Summer Sausage

#17 - Snack Pack

1 - Boxes of Original Beef Sticks 1 - Boxes of Cheddar & Jalapeño Beef Snack Sticks 1 - Box Honey BBQ Beef Sticks 1 - Box Original Beef Strips

#14 - Office Party

1 – Large Cutting Board 1 – Small Knife 1 – Original Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar Summer Sausage 1 – Colby Cheese 1 – Pkg. Crackers

#20 - Large Frozen Meat 4 – 12 oz. Ribeye Steaks 2 – 16 oz. Sirloin Steaks 4 – 5 oz. Cube Steaks 9 – 1 lb. Pkg. Ground Beef 12 – 4 oz. Ground Beef Patties 1 – 2 lb. BBQ Beef Brisket 8 – 7 oz. Pork Chops 4 – 5 oz. Boneless Pork Tenderloins 1 – 2 lb. Pork Ribs 4 – 1 lb. Pkg. Pork Sausage 3 – 1 lb. Pkg. Cured Bacon 4 – 6 oz. Cured Boneless Ham Steaks

#19 - Small Frozen Meat 2 – 12 oz. Ribeye Steaks 5 – 1 lb. Pkg. Ground Beef 6 – 4 oz. Ground Beef Patties 1 – 2 lb. BBQ Beef Brisket 4 – 7 oz. Pork Chops 4 – 5 oz. Boneless Pork Tenderloins 2 – 1 lb. Pkg. Pork Sausage 2 – 1 lb. Cured Bacon 2 – 6 oz. Cured Boneless Ham Steaks

#18 - Meat Lovers Gift Basket 1 – 1 lb. BBQ Beef Brisket 1 – 1 lb. Cured Ham 1 – Pkg. Cured Bacon 1 – 2.5 lb. Original Summer Sausage 1 – 9 oz. Cheddar & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – 9 oz. Pepper Jack & Jalapeño Summer Sausage 1 – 6.25 oz. Pkg. Original Beef Sticks 1 – 4 oz. Pkg. Cheddar & Jalapeño Beef Snack Sticks 1 – Colby Cheese 1 – Pepper Jack Cheese

#10 - Sweet, Savory & Spicy 1 – Original Beef Summer Sausage 1 – Cheddar & Jalapeño Beef Summer Sausage 2 – 6.25 oz. Pkg. Original Beef Sticks 1 – Colby Cheese 1 – Pepper Jack Cheese 1 – 8 oz. Austin O Farms Honey Bear 1 – Half Pint Apple Butter

To place an order visit us at www.nadlersmeats.com or call us at (816) 240-8124 5527 MO-224, Wellington, MO 64097

#2 - Party Pack

1 – Original Summer Sausage 1 – 6.25 oz. Pkg. Original Beef Sticks 1 – Colby Cheese 1 – Pepper Jack Cheese 1 – Pkg. Keebler Crackers

#1 - Grab Bag

1 – Original Summer Sausage 1 – Colby Jack Cheese

#4 - Snack Size

4 – 1.25 oz. Original Beef Sticks 4 - 1 oz Cheddar & Jalapeño Beef Sticks 4 - 1 oz. Honey BBQ Beef Strips 4 - .75 oz. Original Beef Strips 4 – .75 oz Cheddar & Jalapeño Beef Strips

#11 - Combo Bag

6 – 1.25 oz Original Beef Sticks 4 – 1 oz Cheddar & Jalapeno Beef Sticks 4 – 1 oz Honey BBQ Beef Sticks 4 – 0.75 oz Original Beef Strips 4 – 0.75 oz Cheddar & Jalapeno Beef Strips 1 – 4 oz Original Beef Jerky 1 – 4 oz Sweet & Spicy Beef Jerky 1 – 3.25 oz Cracked Pepper & Garlic Jerky

#5 - Carnivore Cup

2 – 1.25 oz Original Beef Sticks 2 – 1 oz Cheddar & Jalapeno Beef Sticks 2 – 1 oz Honey BBQ Beef Sticks 2 – 0.75 oz Original Beef Strips 2 – 0.75 oz Cheddar & Jalapeno Beef Strips

#13 Snack Attack

Snack Sack 4 – 1.25 oz Original Beef Sticks 4 – 1 oz Cheddar & Jalapeno Beef Sticks 4 – 1 oz Honey BBQ Beef Sticks 4 – 0.75 oz Original Beef Strips 4 – 0.75 oz Cheddar & Jalapeno Beef Strips 1 – 16 oz Dots Pretzels 1 – 8 oz Original Blend Savory Addiction Nuts

#15 - Carnivore Can

6 – 1.25 oz Original Beef Sticks 4 – 1 oz Cheddar & Jalapeno Beef Sticks 4 – 1 oz Honey BBQ Beef Sticks 4 – 0.75 oz Original Beef Strips 4 – 0.75 oz Cheddar & Jalapeno Beef Strips 1 – 4 oz Original Beef Jerky 1 – 4 oz Sweet & Spicy Beef Jerky 1 – 3.25 oz Cracked Pepper & Garlic Jerky

#12 - Venison Protein Pack

9 oz – Original Venison Summer Sausage 9 oz – Cheddar Venison Summer Sausage 9 oz – Cheddar & Jalapeno Venison Summer Sausage 9 oz – Pepper Jack & Jalapeno Summer Sausage 1 – 6.25 oz Pkg. Venison Snack Sticks 1 – 4 oz Pkg. Cheddar & Jalapeno Venison Snack Sticks

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Small Business Saturday

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How LOCAL BUSINESSES give back to their communities

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mall businesses are booming. Information from the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs says that small businesses, or firms with fewer than 500 workers, accounted for 99.7 of businesses in 2016, the most recent year for data. Firms with fewer than 100 workers accounted for 98.2 percent of companies. In Canada, 97.9 percent of businesses were small as of 2017, with more than half concentrated in the Ontario and Quebec provinces.

Thanks to their influence and reach, small businesses have the potential to impact local communities in numerous ways.

• Small businesses employ local residents. The Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey indicates companies with fewer than 100 employees employed 69.7 of the population in 2017. According to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses accounted for 61.8 percent of net new jobs in the United States between 1993 and 2016.

• Small businesses are innovative. The SBA notes that small businesses represent about 96 percent of employer firms in high-patenting manufacturing industries. That suggests that small businesses are full of new ideas.

• Small businesses support local charities. Many local businesses give to charity, particularly local chari-

ties. Some donate money while others may offer their professional services or event spaces, each of which can be particularly helpful to local communities.

• Small businesses contribute to community identity. Small businesses contribute to the charm and character of a town or city. Many local businesses make up the fabric of Main Street, and towns are known and loved for the businesses that have endured.

• Small businesses help the environment. Shopping locally means consumers do not have to travel far to get their goods and services. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s research report on walkable downtown centers found

small businesses encourage walking and cycling, helping to reduce air pollution from vehicles.

• Small businesses keep money in communities. Local businesses keep disposable income and tax money within their communities. Business tax money remains local and can support schools, roads and municipal services.

Local small businesses are the life force that keeps cities and towns prosperous and humming along. Such establishments help build a sense of community and forge lasting relationships.

Metro Creative Connection # TF19C497

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Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 30, 2019

Building your

BRAND Steps to create this key to promoting your business or product

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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brand is what consumers know about you and your business.

“Branding your small business will take several steps,” said Justin Lavelle, chief communications officer for BeenVerified, a online source for background checks and contact information. “From defining your brand to identifying and getting to know your target audience to developing a marketing strategy, consistency and a clear vision of the values you want your brand to convey are key. It’s a journey of connecting with consumers who share your vision.”

Whether you’re a new business starting out or more established company looking to rebrand, follow these tips to make your brand resonate with customers.

Define your brand Accomplish this by answering several questions, Lavelle said.

These include: • What is the mission of your business?

• What do you offer and what are the benefits of using your products or services?

• Who is your target audience?

• What are the current perceptions of your business?

• Which qualities would you like consumers to link to your business?

• What makes your business unique and stand out from the competition?

“Once you have defined your brand, you can market it,” Lavelle said.

Know your audience “You must know your audience before you can develop a brand and anticipate success. Consider what will matter most to your audience – their complete profile.

What are their likes, dislikes, needs, habits and wants? What motivates them? Look at your brand as the perfect persona for your target audience,” Lavelle said.

Establish a brand strategy A great name and logo are a good start, but you’ll also need a brand strategy. This involves the aspects of communicating and delivering on your brand message.

It answers the questions of how you will communicate and advertise your brand, Lavelle said.

A great business blog can be an effective tool to market your brand. Eighty-one percent of U.S. online consumers trust information and advice from blogs, according to Small Business Trends, smallbiztrends.com.

Clarity matters “Be consistent in your brand strategy and you can establish a powerful brand equity,” Lavelle said. Brand equity is the commercial value people attach to your brand. As your brand’s value increases, so does the value of your product and its perceived worth to your consumers, Lavelle said.

Failure is learning “Don’t view a failure as the end of your business. A brand persona that fails is a lesson in where your business can be improved,” Lavelle said. “Perhaps you haven’t connected with your target audience. Perhaps your product isn’t satisfying the needs of your target audience. Perhaps you haven’t been consistent in your marketing strategy. There are

several parts that must fit together to create a successful brand, and every part poses a challenge.

“Reframe the word ‘failure’ and see it as a new opportunity.”

Use your resources The Small Business Administration, along with other nonprofit business advisory groups that can be found online, offer a multitude of resources that can help you successfully run your small business, Lavelle said. Find out more at SBA.gov, and look online for your state’s and city’s chapters.

“You must know your audience before you can develop a brand and anticipate success.

Consider what will matter most to your audience ...

What are their likes, dislikes, needs, habits and wants? ... Look at your brand as the perfect persona for your target audience.”

Justin Lavelle, BeenVerified

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Small Business Saturday

SHOP HERE TO WIN!

Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce

Win $500 in American Express gift cards!

Lara Vermillion, President n BACKGROUND

Your Chamber is dedicated to promoting, developing, and facilitating a strong economic environment in which the business community can grow and prosper. That is our mission and why many, including myself, volunteer and stay involved.

As the business environment evolves, so must your Chamber. Technology is changing the way we do business. Our website is now responsive and has been updated with current information. We also created a color coded membership guide to easily locate Chamber programs and resources to help businesses promote, connect, and learn.

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The Blue Springs Chamber is an energetic, dynamic, and progressive organization that welcomes new ideas. Together we will continue to make Blue Springs the place to be! n LOCATION

1000 W MAIN ST, BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64015 n CONTACT

(816) 229-8558 WWW.BLUESPRINGSCHAMBER.COM

Nadler’s Meats n

BACKGROUND

For over 73 years Nadler’s Meats has provided products which are simply good - 100% natural beef products with no artificial coloring or flavoring. Nadler’s Meats will continue to provide high quality products using only the finest beef.

All Nadler’s products are made by owner, Glen Nadler, ensuring that only the best products make it to your family’s dinner table. n LOCATION

5527 W HWY 224 WELLINGTON, MO 64097 n CONTACT

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Winning is as easy as 1-2-3!

n HOURS

MWF - 8AM TO 5PM, TTH - 8AM TO 7PM SAT 8AM TO 4 PM, SUN 10AM TO 2PM n 2019 DEER GUN SEASON HOURS:

NOV. 16, 17, 18, 23 & 24 - 8AM TO 8PM NOV. 19, 20, 21, 22, 25 & 26 - 8AM TO 7PM NOV. 28 - THANKSGIVING - CLOSED

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n 2019 HOLIDAY HOURS

DEC. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE: 8AM TO NOON DEC. 25 - CHRISTMAS: CLOSED DEC. 26: CLOSED DEC. 27 8AM TO 5PM DEC. 28: 8AM TO 4PM DEC. 29: CLOSED DEC. 30 8AM TO 5PM DEC. 31 - NEW YEAR’S EVE: 8AM – 2PM JAN. 1 – NEW YEAR’S DAY: CLOSED

3.

Buy Blue Springs from Nov. 1- Dec. 9 Bring your Blue Springs business receipts into the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, 1000 W Main Street, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fill out an entry form for each Blue Springs business receipt. Each receipt is an entry, unlimited entries for this contest!

For contest rules & regulations visit www.buybluesprings.com or call (816) 229-8558.

Contest winner announced on December 10, 2019.

Program presented by:

BlueSpringsChameber.com

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Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 30, 2019

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SECOND ACT Advice from boomers who’ve started their own businesses

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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tartups are often linked to millennials and kids just out of college. Overlooked is the growing number of small businesses created by boomers and seniors.

Here are some of their stories.

‘Success to significance’ Three veteran business professionals, Doug Lind, 78, Robert Morlot, 69, and Don Russell, 66, combined their 90-plus years of experience to start Clearwater Business Advisers, a national business consulting enterprise in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

“Startups can experience all kinds of false starts. Thankfully, we’ve all had enough business expertise to avoid the pitfalls that might impact others just starting up a company,” said Lind. “What we bring to our clients are decades of experience and knowing how to share those business lessons with senior executives, helping them perform better and succeed in today’s competitive business environment.”

Why take the plunge to start a new company?

“I still had the energy and

intellectual capacity to continue in my profession as a management consultant,” said Morlot. “I needed the challenge, and I considered my years of professional experience as an asset that could be leveraged.”

As people age better, more will continue to stay engaged and seek employment opportunities, said Russell.

“My advice to them is to do something that you are passionate about and gifted in doing,” he said. “By operating in your area of motivated giftedness the work that you do will not be a drain, but will actually fill each day and give you additional energy. It helps that you believe whatever you are doing will actually make a positive difference to society.

“This is definitely a time that we often think about moving from success to significance, and for us, we see it as continuing success as we are significant to those around us as well.”

“The boomer generation will continue to be a force in our economy,” Morlot said. “Traditional humanresource practices invest heavily in youth and tend to push out older workers. Employers are beginning to face labor shortages and skill deficits, which will require them to recruit and retain mature workers.

Otherwise, companies will find themselves running off a demographic cliff as baby boomers age and are forced to leave the workforce.”

Find your niche Retired as a consultant from the Chicago office of the McGladrey accounting firm in 2006, just shy of his 61st birthday, Paul A. Dillon reinvented himself by starting his own firm, which is devoted to helping veterans who want to start their own businesses. A former U.S. Army Reserve first lieutenant who fought in the Vietnam war, Dillon created the concept for an incubator in Chicago called The Bunker, recently rebranded as Bunker Labs.

“My business didn’t start out with the idea of helping veterans.

I started out thinking that I was going to provide project management and business development services to companies in the service industry, but that didn’t work out.

I had to pivot several times before I found a niche that worked,” said Dillon, president and CEO of Dillon Consulting Services in Durham, North Carolina, and Chicago.

“Here is what I learned from that challenge: Be flexible. And find an area or industry that is underserved

where you can add value, then go for it! Don’t take no for an answer.

If you meet with rejection, get up, brush yourself off and try again.

There is always more than one way to skin the proverbial cat,” he said.

Time and wisdom Maya Frost, 58, recently launched Compassionate Survivalist, a social enterprise selling emergency kits to women with a percentage of the profits going to local groups helping women and families in disaster-affected communities across the United States.

“When I was in my 30s and 40s, I was juggling kids, house, community projects and more along with my retail business. I was always rushing to get everything done. At this age, I have the time to really think about things, and to put my personal wisdom into it,” Frost said.

“I have a bigger network of people I can ask for advice. I have financial stability, so don’t have to worry as much about investing in my business. And there are just so many more wonderful tools available now to help business owners connect with customers and each other.”

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Small Business Saturday

Cindy B’s Cynthia Tebbe-Copenhaver, Owner

n BACKGROUND

Cindy B’s a locally owned unique, clothing, jewelry and accessory boutique for the unique woman! Sizes from X-Small to XXX-Large. We have incredible clothing brands available like Mark Jenkins, Lisa Lou, ENJEAN, C.C., accessories, hats, boots and so much more! New items weekly! Looking for a gift for the woman who has everything?

Come and check out our KIND SOAP COMPANY soaps, lotions, bath bombs, bath salts, lip balms and more. We are located in old downtown Blue Springs Missouri.

n LOCATION

THE SHOPPES ON MAIN, 710 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE R BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI n HOURS

TUES-SAT 10 AM - 6 PM THURS 10 AM - 8 PM n CONTACT

(844) 744-4700 EXT 701 CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK!

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT ITS BEST! • • • • •

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OPEN Monday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-5pm Closed Sundays Open Christmas Eve 9am-3pm

Call 816-350-6383 or email: classifieds@examiner.net

Closed Christmas Day

710 W. Main Street, Suite R Blue Springs, MO 64015 (844) 744-4700

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Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 30, 2019

SmallBUSINESS Saturday

2019

Consider how your business can help a community

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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ocial responsibility is not just a part of a business brand. More businesses are giving back. It makes good business sense, and it’s the right thing to do.

“It is not just about publicity opportunities. It is about reciprocity,” said Froswa Booker-Drew, a small-business consultant who works with many clients including Dallas, Texas, online retailer Soap Hope. “As a neighbor, it is important to make sure that you are investing into the success of your community. As a business owner, it is also a great way to demonstrate to your customers and local area your interest to be either a catalyst and/or contributor to community.”

‘For-purpose’ companies Soap Hope operates on a global scale with a purpose of ending poverty for women, said Salah Boukadoum, co-founder of the 10-person company that sells more than 4,500 natural, organic or sustainably made products.

Every dollar of profit made is turned into interest-free loans given to vetted and accredited

organizations that help women out of poverty in the United States and around the world, Boukadoum said. Soap Hope is a for-profit, “forpurpose company” that employs the Good Returns model, in which companies share their capital interest-free with sustainable-impact organizations that return the capital after one year.

“Women are able to use the capital created out of our business to grow their own businesses,” Boukadoum said. With a small loan (usually about $150) a woman is able to start her own business, which could be an ice cream shop, a handicrafts store, a sewing business or anything else, he said.

Often businesses are limited by how much they can donate, but there is no limit on how much you can lend, Boukadoum said.

tattoo removal company in Austin, Texas.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others — not my words but I like the meaning. We give back because it teaches us to find compassion within ourselves and to stay attached to values that are linked to the common good,” said Harris, who offers free tattoo removal services to human trafficking survivors, people who need tattoos removed to join the military, and people who have had a change of heart and would like to remove tattoos of racist or hateful speech.

“It is important for every business big and small to give back and create good karma for themselves and to bring good into the world, if they have the ability,” Harris said.

Service to others Focusing on a national or international audience may not be a possibility, but there are many ways a small business can engage with the local community, Booker-Drew said.

More small-business owners are using their businesses to provide pro bono services to people in need, and not just financial need, said Christopher Harris, owner of Clean Slate Ink, a laser

Start by partnering Big-time ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s was a pioneer of the socially responsible business model, and it was once a small business, too, said Gary C. Smith, president and chief executive officer of Galesburg, Illinois’ National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources, the largest gifts-in-kind organization in the United States.

“Small- and medium-sized companies can

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Small Business Saturday

ABOUT NATIONAL Small Business Saturday

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Saturday is Saturday, November 30th.

According to SBA.gov, According to the 2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, “ survey reported that more than 70% of consumers are now aware of the Small Business Saturday initiative. Based on this annual survey over the years, Small Business Saturday spending has now reached a reported estimate of $103 billion since the day began in 2010.”

make a commitment to be involved with the charitable organizations in their communities by building partnerships,” Smith said.

Taking your excess product, such as last season’s clothing, and donating it to those in need is a win-win situation, Smith said.

Not sure how to get started? Pledgeling is a tech solution — and a small Salah business based in Venice, California Boukadoum, — “providing an innovative technolco-founder of ogy solution for corporate giving proSoap Hope grams, making it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to give back and grow through giving,” said James Citron, Pledgeling CEO. Basically, Pledgeling provides the mobile-based tools for businesses, organizations or individuals to collect charitable donations and pair them with the nonprofits that need donations. Businesses that use Shopify can set up a donation option to allocate a portion of each transaction to a cause of their choice.

Christopher Harris, owner of Clean Slate Ink. [PHOTOS PROVIDED]

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Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 30, 2019

How LOCAL BUSINESSES improve the consumer experience

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mall business is big business. Though it’s easy and not necessarily inaccurate to associate small businesses with Main Street, small- and medium-size companies are players in the international trade arena as well.

A 2015 report from the U.S. Census Bureau found that smalland medium-sized companies comprised 97.6 percent of all identified exporters and 97.2 percent of all identified importers.

Small businesses can compete in both the domestic and international trade arenas for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the experience they provide for their customers. While they may not have the marketing muscle to compete with large corporations, many small businesses have perfected the art of providing top-notch experiences for their customers by embracing several strategies that

make consumers feel appreciated.

companies who field hundreds if not thousands of complaints per day.

Improved customer service Studies have shown that customers Nearly every consumer has had to appreciate responses from busicontact a retailer or service provider nesses they patronize. A 2018 online regarding a purchase at one point or reviews survey from Review Trackers another. Contacting a large corporafound that 53 percent of consumtion can be a difficult experience for ers expect a response to negative consumers, who often must answer reviews within a week of posting several telephone prompts before they their reviews and are disappointed can be connected to a human being. when they do not receive a response.

Small businesses typically do not Unfortunately, the same survey ask customers to clear such hurdles found that 63 percent of reviewers before they can get in touch with an have never received a response to actual person. That makes the proa review. Small businesses are in a cess of contacting customer service unique position to respond to online less time-consuming and aggravating reviews, and providing such responses and more enjoyable for customers. can turn a potentially negative consumer experience into a positive Responses one. What’s more, because online Small businesses are in better reviews and responses are public, position to respond to negative prospective customers can read a experiences or reviews, particucompany’s response and know that larly online reviews, because they owners want their customers to have have fewer customers than large as positive an experience as possible.

Personalization Many large companies won’t customize their products, as their financial success is typically rooted in how effectively they can scale to thousands of customers per day, if not more. So large companies have less incentive to work one-on-one with customers. Small businesses are not beholden to scale, which gives them the flexibility offer more unique products, including customized items.

The consumer experience is often more customer-friendly with small businesses than large corporations. That well-earned reputation is just one of many reasons why small businesses are thriving in today’s economy.

Metro Creative Connection #TF19C507

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Small Business Saturday

n LOCATION

1404 W. MAIN STREET, BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64015 (15TH & MAIN IN DOWNTOWN BLUE SPRINGS) n HOURS

Pam Wheeler, Owner n BACKGROUND

Voted “Best Gift Store” in Eastern Jackson County, Genevieve’s is the place to go for a unique gift for that special someone.

Genevieve’s offers an eclectic mix of vintage finds, gift items, home décor, women’s apparel/accessories, and handmade items from over 25 local artists.

Genevieve’s opened in 2012 and is named after the owner Pam’s grandmother. Pam enjoyed spending time on the farm with her grandmother Genevieve learning how to sew, knit and create. The owner Pam hopes you stop by to see what sets Genevieve’s apart from the big box stores. She appreciates your support and shopping local!

TUESDAY – FRIDAY 10AM-5:30PM SATURDAY 10AM-4PM CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY ALSO CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS

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OPEN 24-HOURS

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n CONTACT

The

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Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 30, 2019

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LOCATION,

LOCATION How to take advantage of new Opportunity Zones funding

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Small Business Saturday

SmallBUSINESS Saturday

2019

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

ABOUT NATIONAL Small Business Saturday

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Saturday is Saturday, November 30th.

According to SBA.gov, “Founded

by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2015, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of how many small businesses launch their busiest shopping season.

According to the 2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, total reported spending among U.S. consumers who said they shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on the day reached a record high of an estimated $17.8 billion.”

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mall-business owners are always on the lookout for their next economic opportunity, and here’s something that should grab their attention: Opportunity Zones.

Tucked into the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was a provision to steer funding toward distressed communities around the country, creating so-called Opportunity Zones.

Small-business owners who are in the right place and bought property at the right time can benefit from these federal incentives that can be found in rural, suburban and urban areas.

“Small business is crucial to both the economic and social well-being of communities, and Opportunity Zones have the potential to deliver a transformative amount of capital to growth-motivated small-business owners in distressed communities,” said Steve Waters, founder and chief executive officer of SMB Intelligence, a market intelligence firm based in New York City. Waters is a member of the national Opportunity Zones Coalition, led by Economic Innovation Group, a Washington, D.C., think tank.

“Economic opportunity zones identify areas that are underserved,” said Tom McHale, a senior vice president at New York Business Development Corp., a New York-state small-business lender and affiliate of Excelsior Growth Fund. Opportunity Zones are most often found in low-income areas that have often been overlooked for investment, McHale said.

What they are The program encourages long-term investments in economically distressed communities through a tax incentive that allows investors to re-invest unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds, which then invest in both real estate and business

ventures located in Opportunity Zones.

The U.S. Department of Treasury estimates that Opportunity Zones will spur $100 billion in private capital investment in low-income communities, fostering economic revitalization and job creation.

Opportunity Zones are located in every state and territory — 8,700 nationwide — are nominated by governors and certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Small businesses in economic development zones can receive incentives and get access to benefits simply for being located there, McHale said.

There are two key elements to qualify to receive an equity investment from an Opportunity Fund, and businesses must meet both: 1. The business must have a commercial location in an Opportunity Zone. Visit Economic Innovation Group’s Opportunity Zones map at bit.ly/2KujCvz, and type in the business address.

2. The property must have been acquired by the business after Dec. 31, 2017.

A business could also potentially qualify by choosing to relocate their firm into an Opportunity Zone.

If you qualify • Contact SMB Intelligence at smbintelligence.com/small-business-owner-contact to have your business included in the company’s prime growth briefing for Opportunity Funds, a database of small businesses likely to qualify for investment under the program, which is provided to national Opportunity Funds.

• Contact your city’s small-business services agency and ask if it has an existing program to help qualified businesses connect with Opportunity Funds.

• Google “opportunity zones” for your city/ region and search for local nonprofits that direct capital from the program to businesses.

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Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 30, 2019

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOU FROM YOUR COMPETITORS?

n

Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co. has been operating in Eastern Jackson County since 1958, helping its community grow and helping local families achieve their financial goals.

We do this by offering financial products and services that help our customers succeed. We believe in investing in the areas we serve and support local businesses. As a community bank, decisions are made locally and with real people in mind. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

n LOCATION

BLUE RIDGE BANK AND TRUST PROUDLY SERVES EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY WITH 9 LOCATIONS. n HOURS

HOURS VARY BY LOCATION. PLEASE VISIT BLUERIDGEBANK.COM/LOCATIONS.HTM

FOR MORE INFORMATION. n CONTACT

(816) 358-5000 WWW.BLUERIDGEBANK.COM VISIT A BRANCH TODAY!

The Annual Women of Distinction Awards Banquet began in 2016 to celebrate the important role of women and their contributions to the communities throughout Jackson County.

Annually, we celebrate some of the most distinctive women representing business, government, education, community and not-for-profit areas. These amazing women will be recognized at the March 5, 2020 awards ceremony with detailed biographies featured in the annual Women of Distinction publication, published by The Examiner.

Go to www.examiner.net to submit your nomination today!

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Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Small Business Saturday

15

Morefield’s

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MOREFIELDSSUPERSAVER.COM n

HOURS

MONDAY - SATURDAY 9 AM - 6 PM SUNDAY 10 AM - 4 PM n

LOCATIONS

3507 S NOLAND RD, INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055 (816) 350-3332 4601 COMMERCIAL PL, LEAVENWORTH, KS 66048 (913) 727-1051

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Independence Chamber of Commerce n BACKGROUND The Independence Chamber of Commerce has been serving local businesses since 1920. Our goal is to help increase the profitability of local businesses, support workforce development, and improve the prosperity of Independence. We are a membership organization that consists of small and large businesses who are committed to making a difference in the Independence community. We always welcome new members and are eager to assist them in expanding their leadership and vision. We take interest in our community very seriously and are proud of the partnerships that have been built with our members in providing job

While Supplies Last

opportunities, arts, culture, and other initiatives that help Independence continue to thrive. n LOCATION

210 W TRUMAN RD INDEPENDENCE, MO 64050 n HOURS

MON - FRI 8:30 AM - 5 PM n CONTACT

(816) 252-4745

Everything Christmas Groceries • Pet Supplies Diapers & Everything Baby Toys • Books Health & Beauty Aids • Candles Electronics Supplements • Organic Foods

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Monday thru Saturday 9am - 6pm; Sunday 10am - 4pm 3507 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64055 • (816) 350-3332

www.morefieldssupersaver.com

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Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 30, 2019

CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY:

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE ARROWHEAD STADIUM JANUARY 18, 2020 6:00-9:00 PM For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.iChamber.biz or call (816) 252-4745

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Featured Speaker

DAVID KOECHNER 816.252.4745