Business Of The Year
THE LEARNING TREE W
BY | REGINA BUTLER
hen Melissa Chavers, owner and operator of the Learning Tree Children’s Academy learned that her business was voted Business of the Year, “I was shocked, but thankful. I’m glad people feel that way. I’m grateful they think we work hard to help them.” Chavers has been in charge of her second home since 2013 and it didn’t take long for the public to put their trust in her day care capabilities. The Learning Tree Children’s Academy offers full time child care and after school for children from birth to 10 years old. And since she took the helm it has undergone renovations and additions to the site to accommodate more children and keep the environment immediately around them safe and secure. “I am very picky about who is with my children,” she said and grinned broadly. “And I am also particular about who comes on the premises by making sure every child is as safe and secure as I can manage it, which is why I have cameras and a security system.” She said her greatest challenge is keeping good people that meet her standards. “In my baby room I have a mother and a grandmother working together. It makes it like family.” Chavers was also voted woman of the year, but she said she was more proud of having the business of the year, because she has worked so hard to make it become something that people in the community would be glad to send their children to every day. “When we first bought this, I was concerned about it being in a neighborhood, but now I like it. We have people who look after us and let us know if they see anything going on here that shouldn’t.” And what has surprised her the most is how the community has come together to love and support her business. “The whole community has wrapped their arms around this and whatever we have needed they have been here to help. It means a lot to me. I moved here from California and you just don’t get this sense of community.” And that includes those people who are here for safety and security. “The police. Let me tell you when I say they take care of us. They do. If we call they are right here to help us take care of these babies. They are wonderful! They regularly patrol and let us know they are keeping an eye on us,” she exuded. “If the electricity goes out or a problem comes up with the water those folks are right here to clear up the problem as well.”
22 | Best of Pontotoc 2021
