Maximum Business Oct/Nov 2014

business MAXIMUM

The Voice of Business in the Whitewater Valley

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014 Also posted at Pal-Item.com

The ART of

BUSINESS Toys, baby clothes, cards made locally, sold online. 4

MORE INSIDE

SUCCESSFUL WOMAN Judy Coe uses her noodle to develop product. 3

SHOP LOCAL

Chamber urges support for Small Business Saturday. 2

www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

SHOP LOCAL

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LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

This billboard urged shoppers to patronize local businesses during last year’s holiday season.

Think big, shop small Support the local economy by taking part in Small Business Saturday movement

No time of the year offers the opportunity to capture the unique spirit of Richmond and Wayne County more than the holiday season.

While Black Friday and big retail might get the headlines, the burgeoning Small Business Saturday movement is gaining traction.

To persuade you to consider buying local this year, here are the top five reasons to supTREVOR port small businesses in OAKERSON Richmond and Wayne County. » Small businesses increase local product diversity. Ply Fiber Arts, for example, selects products based on the direct needs of its customers. In contrast, a large retail store might select products based on national marketing strategies that do not nec2 essarily reflect Richmond and Wayne

County. Local businesses make decisions locally, so they are responsive to the needs of the community around them. » Small businesses offer unique experiences and better customer service to the community. Veach’s Toy Station, for example, offers great local service all year because everyone making decisions is a part of the community. The experience of shopping there is more personable than shopping at a competitor that operates all over the country. Local businesses work hard to develop a customer base, so they also work hard to maintain it.

» Small businesses are more likely to recycle money spent back into the local community. Galo’s Italian Grill, for example, does not spend any money maintaining a franchise agreement.

Small businesses also tend to make better use of local resources and business partnerships.

Local businesses retain leadership locally, so most of the money from the top down goes back into the Wayne County economy. » Small businesses contribute more deeply to the local community. The Secret Ingredient, for example, is able to participate in the community in very meaningful ways because it is built around a local network and customer base. The business decisions that are made are done so with that in mind. Local businesses make decisions locally, so owners and employees also take more ownership of the community.

» Small businesses and entrepreneurship fuel the American dream.

The Richmond Furniture Gallery, for example, has been in business for 60 years and operates across three generations. Shopping locally supports local families and local dreams. This is a key element of our local economy and our nation. Local businesses are local families, so the people who benefit most are your friends and neighbors.

With all of these benefits, you can kick off your holiday season with Small Business Saturday.

The Richmond celebration, organized by Porter Advertising, takes place on Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richmond Municipal Building.

Shopping locally, however, can be done at any time and always supports the local community.

Trevor Oakerson is director of marketing and membership at the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.

SUCCESSFUL WOMAN

Using her noodle Business began to send girls to Christian school LYNN, Ind. — Judy Coe wasn’t planning to launch a business when she started making noodles in her kitchen three decades ago.

Her leap into noodle-making was a way her family hoped to send their three daughters to a Christian school.

Now a grandmother, Coe’s homebased business produces at least 1,200 pounds of award-winning noodles a week, with Thanksgiving the company’s busiest time. Many groceries stock Coe’s Homemade Noodles and they’re also available online.

It’s an enterprise that got its start at the Richmond Farmers Market.

How did you decide on selling noodles? My daughter and I were shopping in Richmond and we saw a commotion in a parking lot and we wondered what it was. It was the Richmond Farmers’ Market and they were selling pies and cakes and vegetables.

I asked my daughter if she thought people would buy my noodles. We’d been looking for a way to make extra money to send the girls to Christian school at Hillcrest Baptist.

We worked all week making noodles, 52 pounds of them, all by hand. We had noodles drying in every room in the house. We sold 43 pounds that day from our old red station wagon and our next-door neighbor bought the rest.

 Marsh supermarkets in Richmond, Connersville and Union City, Ind.; Radford’s Meat Market & Deli in Richmond; Cutshaw’s in Cambridge City; Fountain Acres in Fountain City; Hagerstown IGA; Woodruff’s in Liberty; Rosenberger’s in Brookville; and Walmart in Winchester.  Also served at Willie & Red’s in Hagerstown, The Pour House in Cambridge City, A&B Cafe in Winchester and The Pit Stop in Union City, Ind.  More information online at www.coesnoodles.com.

Coe Homemade Noodles now are available in grocery stores and are served at area restaurants. How were you able to expand the business? People started asking how they could get noodles when the farmers’ market season ended. Marilyn Love, who was the deli manager for all four Cox stores, agreed to stock our noodles and so did Joyce Thornburg for Thornburg’s. If you can get to a reputable person and they buy your product, you’ve got it made. We had two of the most reputable people in Richmond selling our noodles. We also had to believe in our own product.

You’ve got to believe in it more than anyone else.

Has the noodle recipe changed over the years? I needed a different recipe to sell the noodles in stores.

www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

By Pam Tharp

WHERE TO FIND COE’S HOMEMADE NOODLES

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

Judy Coe of Coe’s Homemade Noodles in Lynn, right, talks about her product with a customer at the Depot District Oktoberfest in Richmond.

The original noodles were too fragile.

I tried 350 different flours before I got the right one. I use Piqua Milling Company’s flour, a soft wheat flour.

There was a lot of trial and error until I got the recipe right.

We use no preservatives and there’s no expiration date. We still put the label inside the package. It’s not beautiful, but it’s ours. It would be easier to print it on the package, but beauty isn’t the issue. Taste is the issue.

Did you grow up making noodles? I watched my grandma make noodles. My parents had a ‘truck’ farm and sold produce. We grew vegetables and we didn’t buy a lot of food in the store. We’d go to the orchard for fruit and we canned it. We

tried to have 52 jars of everything we canned, one for each week. We were pretty self-sufficient.

What business experiences did you have before you began noodlemaking? A friend’s mother sold Stanley products and I sold 12 bottles of soap for her. I got a watch to wear around my neck. That was my first sales experience, selling all 12 of those bottles. I felt wonderful after every sale I made. When I was 15, I got a job as a waitress in a local restaurant. I thought about being a teacher, but that wasn’t really in my plan at all. Sales and marketing is my thing. My husband’s encouragement is why I am where I am today. If I believe in something, I can sell it. If you use ideas, more will come.

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SHOP LOCAL

Marketing plans crafted www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

From farmers’ markets and fairs to Facebook, Instagram and Etsy, local entrepreneurs find customers for their wares

By Louise Ronald

T

here are a lot of different ways to shop local.

Any local store pays local taxes and employs local people. That includes national and regional chains and franchises.

Locally owned independent stores — regardless of where their products are made — make an even bigger financial impact on the community.

But it’s hard to get more local than something handmade in a local home.

All over the area, people are creating crafts and works of art. How do they go about selling their wares?

One way is through farmers’ markets and crafts fairs.

Sarah Morris recently moved to Richmond and brought her business — Snuggly Baby Stuff — with her.

Morris took a selection of her booties, blankets and baby accessories to Oktoberfest in the Depot District, her first local festival.

Sales were modest, but Morris said she enjoyed meeting people. One of those people was Tomi Chomel, co-owner of Teenie Greenies on Fort Wayne Avenue, which now carries some of Morris’ baby items.

Festivals and fairs offer an opportunity to meet not only customers but also other crafters. “You get to talk to people,� said Katie Seitz of Richmond, who sews stuffed toys in her Richmond home

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Some of Mandy Ford’s artwork with This Girl’s Doodles.

SUPPLIED

Some of the items available from Emily Kendall’s June Cat Cards.

and sells them as Ribbons & Robots. “It’s a good chance to meet other makers. It’s just fun.�

But not every product is suited for that kind of sales.

Ali Rivera of Richmond decided early on that it wasn’t worth her while to invest in booth space. Rivera creates organic cotton T-shirts with natural dye graphics for babies and

toddlers.

Her marketing research showed that only 35 to 40 percent of buyers of children’s products were interested in organic items — and that percentage was even lower for Indiana. “I knew that online was the route I SUPPLIED

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www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

This Girl’s Doodles — artwork and cards by Mandy Ford of Richmond — also has an Etsy shop, but Ford finds Continued from Page 4 herself having more success with other online options. was going to have to go,” Rivera said.

“Etsy’s real hard these days beEmily Kendall of Richmond makes cause it’s so full,” said Ford. “You cards, stationery and party supplies have to do a lot of marketing.” as June Cat Cards and enjoys meetFord said she’s had more luck with ing customers at fairs. But she found blogging, Twitter and Instagram. she was always being asked the same “Instagram has been huge for question. me,” she said. The mobile app is pho“Seventy-five percent of the peotograph-based, well suited to Ford’s ple would ask, ‘Do you have an Etsy product. shop?’” Kendall said.

Whenever she designs a new card So she started one. or poster, Ford posts it on Twitter and Etsy is a website (www.etsy.com) Instagram with her hashtag featuring unique handmade, vintage #thisgirlsdoodles. The response is and manufactured items. People can instant, she said, with retweets and set up shops on the site and reach shares. With each new post, she buyers all over the world. reaches new potential customers.

Kendall said getting started on With social media, Ford said, Etsy isn’t difficult, but it is a bit time “there aren’t any barriers anymore consuming. To make the shop worth- between you and the world you want while, it’s necessary to have a fair to be a part of.” amount of stock on hand, she said.

Trista Crane of Eaton, Ohio, has Items must be priced, photographed found a national market for her TrisLOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE and uploaded. ta’s Crochet hats, scarves and other Some of the products available from Ribbons & Robots, creations of Katie Seitz of “At first, it was a little intimidatSee MARKETING, Page 6 Richmond. ing,” Kendall admitted.

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Marketing

www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Continued from Page 5

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items through eBay, an online consumer-to-consumer sales site.

“That’s how I got into other states,” she said. “My goal is to have all the states.”

After about a year using eBay, Crane has sold to customers in 22 states. She was particularly excited

to make a sale in Rhode Island.

But for Crane, the biggest online resource has been Facebook. In fact, that’s how her business got started five years ago.

“I posted a picture of (my daughter) wearing a hat on Facebook,” she said. “One person said, ‘Can you make one for me?’ ... It just kind of went from there.”

Rivera also has found Facebook a great way to get the word out. “I’m probably getting more sales off so-

cial media — Facebook, Twitter and mom blogs — than from my website,” she said.

For Morris, Facebook has proven to be not only a way to reach customers but also an inspiration for new products.

One of her Facebook friends had a baby son who needed a heart transplant. The mother asked Morris if she could figure out how to make a cover for the baby’s gastronomy tube. Morris now sells covers for

g-tube wearers of all ages.

“I guess you could say I get a lot of inspiration from my online friends — just from their needs,” said Morris.

Another need was for baby carrier accessories. Teething infants were chewing on and damaging carrier straps. Morris came up with a strap protector that is selling well.

“So my business might be turning into a lot more of those,” she said.

See MARKETING, Page 7

SNUGGLY BABY STUFF Sarah Morris’ grandmother taught her to sew by hand, but “it didn’t look very good when I was younger,” she said.

She picked up sewing again a few years ago when her oldest son asked for a baby blanket. Morris still has the tattered blanket from her own childhood. “He loved that thing,” she said. “I was determined to make one for him.”

Once Morris started sewing, she couldn’t stop. She found a pattern for booties and “I just kept making them and making them,” she said.

When she was pregnant with her second child, Morris started selling items for babies. Now the mother of three, ages 4, 2 and 7 months, the stay-at-home mom is lucky to squeeze in even an hour or two a day of sewing.

Morris enjoys experimenting with her sewing machine and different fabrics. She often can study an item and create her own pattern for it.

Her dream is to be able to dedicate three or four hours a day to her craft once at least two of her children are in school. “I’d love getting to that point,” she said.

SUPPLIED

Emily Kendall creates June Cat Cards at her home.

JUNE CAT CARDS Emily Kendall named June Cat Cards after two beloved pets — one born in June and one adopted that month. She makes cards, invitations and party supplies, including custom confetti.

“I’ve been crafting my whole life,” she said. Kendall began making cards about 11 years ago, but has only been selling them for about a year.

A preschool teacher by day, Kendall works on her craft nights and weekends, putting in 20 to 25 hours a week. “I’m hoping that eventually it will blossom into much more,” she said. Her dream is to be able to work from home when she has children in the future.

Kendall does make a profit on her materials from June Cat sales, but doubts that she will ever be able to charge enough to pay for her time. “That doesn’t really matter to me,” she said because she loves making her products.

“It makes me feel good to know that (they) might be adored by someone else,” said Kendall.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

Sarah Morris and her 7-month-old work a booth at Oktoberfest in the Depot District.

SHOP LOCAL

Marketing Continued from Page 6

But not everyone has found that the Internet is the best way to sell their wares. Seitz has found her mer-

maids, unicorns and other homemade toys doing better in person than online. “I was surprised to move away from online sales,� she said. “I’m See MARKETING, Page 8

 June Cat Cards: www.facebook.com/JuneCatCards or http://junecatcards.blogspot.com/ Selections of cards also are available at The Two Sisters: Books and More and Warm Glow Candle Outlet.  Ribbons & Robots: www.facebook.com/Ribbons andRobots. Some items available at Depot District Market and Veach’s Toy Station.  Shanie and Sallie: www. facebook.com/pages/Shanie-andSallie or www.shanieandsallie.com.

Some items at Veach’s Toy Station.  Snuggly Baby Stuff: www.facebook.com/ArtByArnolds.

Some items at Teenie Greenies.  This Girl’s Doodles: www. etsy.com/shop/thisgirls doodles. Some cards are available at Roscoe’s Coffee Bar and Tap Room.  Trista Crochet: www.facebook.com/trista.crane and at Stitches & Stuff.

www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

Katie Seitz of Ribbons & Robots works on putting together a mermaid toy at her dining room table.

FIND THE BUSINESSES

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

A creation by Mandy Ford of This Girl’s Doodles.

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SHOP LOCAL

www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

THIS GIRL’S DOODLES When Mandy Ford was a little girl, she loved to draw, but for some reason she grew out of the habit until she took a writing class at Earlham School of Religion, where she works.

One of the exercises in the class was to doodle.

Ford had so much fun she began incorporating doodles into her online blog called This Girl’s Life.

The doodles grew into drawings with inspirational quotes and illustrations for greeting cards, all of which she posted online. The name This Girl’s Doodles was a natural outgrowth of her blog’s title.

About a year ago, Ford was contacted by an art licensing company in Oklahoma City. She signed with them in January. In November or early December, some of her drawings will be available as art on canvas at stores around the country.

“With social media the way it is, you can get discovered,” said Ford.

Her dream is to have her own line of greeting cards.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Mandy Ford poses with some of the samples of her artwork that will be available for sale around the country in November or December

Marketing Continued from Page 7

surprised how much of a local market there’s been and how much interest there is. ... You’d think there would be a wider interest in the bigger market, but it’s turned out to be just the opposite.”

Seitz has some of her toys on dis-

play at the Depot District Market and finds it hard to keep her shelf there stocked.

The display has led to custom orders, which occupy most of her time. She was thrilled to contribute to the locally made items area at Veach’s Toy Station.

Rivera’s shirts also are sold at Veach’s. “That was huge for me to be someplace local,” she said.

“I do think people notice that display and appreciate knowing that

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there are so many talented people making things locally,” said co-owner Shari Veach. “I’d like to build on that.”

The Depot District Market and Veach’s are part of a growing number of stores adding locally made items to their shelves.

“I love having the local artisans,” said Jackie Carberry, co-owner of Warm Glow Candle Outlet in Centerville. “That’s something that people look for now.”

IN ADDITION TO DEDICATED SHOPS, SELECTIONS OF LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT: » The Courtyard Studio, in the courtyard of the Lehman House Bed and Breakfast, 130 W. Main St., Cambridge City » Depot District Market, 923 N. E St., Richmond » High Hats Antique Mall & Gallery, 421 N. Eighth St., Richmond » Old National Road Welcome Center, 5701 National Road E., Richmond » Ply Fiber Arts, 921 E. Main St., Richmond » Roscoe’s Coffee Bar and Tap Room, 185 Fort Wayne Ave., Richmond » Serendipity at Russo Studios, 105 W. Main St., Cambridge City » Teenie Greenies, 183 Fort Wayne Ave., Richmond » The Shoppes of East Main, 18 E. Main St., Hagerstown » The Two Sisters: Books and More, 193 Fort Wayne Ave., Richmond » Veach’s Toy Station, 715 E. Main St., Richmond » Warm Glow Candle Outlet, 2131 N. Centerville Road, Centerville » Wayne County Historical Museum, 1150 N. A St., Richmond If you know of a store that should be added to this list, please send contact information to palitem@pal-item.com with Locally Made in the subject line.

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Experts: Holiday sales jump 4.1% www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Highest forecast in 3 years comes with caveat, however

ation said recently.

“It goes without saying there still remains some uneasiness and anxiety among consumers when it comes to their purchase decisions,” federation President Matthew Shay said. “The

By Wendy Koch lagging economic recovery, though Gannett improving, is still top of mind for many Americans.”

U.S. holiday sales are expected to Shay said he expects shoppers will jump 4.1 percent, the highest inremain “extremely price sensitive” crease in three years, according to a and retailers will need to respond by forecast by the largest industry retail offering bargains. group.

His group expects holiday sales, Consumer confidence, which has which typically account for about a been sluggish much of the year, will fifth of annual ones, could total likely pick up in November and De$616.9 billion this year, up a percentCHARLIE RIEDEL/AP FILE cember as Americans cautiously age point from 2013 and the highest A retail tracker, PwC and Strategy — formerly Booz & Co. — expects overall holiday open their wallets and look for steep See SALES, Page 13 spending will fall to $684 a household, from $735 last year. discounts, the National Retail Feder-

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www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

SHOP LOCAL

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Timing right for Trista to open store Stitches & Stuff boutique opening soon in Eaton, Ohio

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By Louise Ronald

ATON, Ohio — Trista Crane is

ready to take her business to the next level.

Crane has been selling crocheted hats, scarves, gloves and stuffed animals online and at craft fairs as Trista Crochet for about five years.

On Nov. 2, she hopes to open Stitches & Stuff, a small shop carrying her own things as well as items made by friends from Richmond, Hamilton, Ohio, and Middletown, Ohio.

“I always wanted a boutique,” Crane said recently at her home a short distance across the state line from Richmond.

Crane and her husband, Brandon, have two daughters. The younger one just started school.

“That’s why I decided to make (my crafting) more of a business thing,” said Crane.

With the kids in school, she now can dedicate more time to her creations.

And they’re selling. Orders usually pick up in September, Crane said, but this year that happened in July — even though most of her wearable products are for winter.

At last year’s Black Walnut Festival in Camden, Ohio, Crane made $1,300 in two days.

She weighed that against the idea of trying to find a minimum-wage job and the decision was easy. “I would be making more staying at home — so 10 why not?” she said.

STITCHES & STUFF » Address: 4741 Wolverton Road, Eaton, OH 45320 » Phone: (513) 594-9239 » Online: facebook.com/pages/Stitches-Stuff/ » Hours: Please check Facebook page

But Crane and her husband were cautious. “We don’t want too much risk,” she said.

They looked into renting, leasing and purchasing and were discouraged. Then they had the idea of putting up a prefabricated shed on their country property. The price was right and because the building isn’t permanent, there were no zoning hassles.

“We’re doing what we can afford,” said Crane.

The result is a modest but workable shop. As an advantage, she can just cross the driveway if she needs to get home for some reason — and she will be there when the school bus drops off the girls.

Crane estimates she works 20 to 30 hours on crocheting most weeks. In the month before Christmas, the hours grow to more than 40. But the work can be done in the shop as well as at home.

She uses a simple formula for pricing her items. She doubles the cost of the materials, adds up the minutes required to make the item See STORE, Page 11

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Trista Crane in the future home of Stitches & Stuff, the “bricks and mortar” version of her online business, Trista Crochet. She plans to open the shop in November.

SUPPLIED

Trista Crane enjoys making whimsical hats, such as these owl caps for kiddies.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Trista Crane models her handmade hand-warmers, a popular item.

SHOP LOCAL

Store Continued from Page 10

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and figures the proportion of her hourly rate.

Inexpensive yarn can be made into a plain hat in as little as 15 minutes, keeping the price low. For more complicated items, Crane might raise her hourly rate to reflect the difficulty.

But, she said, you have to know you have the right customer base before you start creating high-end products.

Crane admits she’s fortunate not to have to depend on her crafts for her livelihood. Her husband has a good job. But she’s happy to be working and happy to be contributing to the household.

“And I’m doing what I want to do,” she said.

SUPPLIED

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LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

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SHOP LOCAL

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LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Handmade crafts are available at Senior Opportunities Services’ Craft Shop, 401 S. Fourth St. in Richmond. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Seniors keeping skills sharp Senior Opportunities Services sells creations, offers homemaker assistance

By Ron Greeson

Vicki Brim has a long personal history of helping area people, particularly senior citizens.

She continues that work today as executive director of Senior Opportunities Services and its signature location of the SOS Craft Shop in Old Richmond.

Situated on Cutter’s Corner at 401 S. Fourth St., the organization was begun by the Richmond business group the Committee of 100.

Brim came to SOS in 1993 from the local 12 chapter of the Salvation Army and brought

a homemaker program of services with her. Brim has been in her current position since 1999.

Homemakers and handymen are available to help seniors live independently in their homes as long as possible.

“We help qualified clients with services such as light cleaning, shopping and many other services (in the homemaker program). We just try to help those who need us,” Brim explained.

Seniors can supplement their personal income by doing companion sitting, yard See SOS, Page 13

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Vicki Brim, executive director of Senior Opportunities Services, shows a hat made by board member Ann Markley for sale at the organization's craft shop.

SHOP LOCAL

Sales

Continued from Page 12

Continued from Page 9

work, cooking or other chores.

This aspect of the SOS mission was recently bolstered considerably when Reid Hospital awarded the group a grant of $20,000, which will be spread out to make a significant contribution of help for 60 SOS clients.

SOS continually seeks grants and income from a variety of sources, including its shop, to keep operating.

The Craft Shop location offers wares made by local seniors called “crafters,” and the store is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

“The store gives the older person the opportunity to show their creativity, provide some money as well, just a place to take something you have created,” Barbara Limburg said.

She has been a crafter for SOS since 2004, and has served the group in other roles since 1995.

Another crafter is Ann Markley.

“People bring in a made item, often with a consignment percentage for them. Sometimes there are people who just donate items,” Markley said on a recent morning.

She knits items for the store, and also has provided mannequin heads on which to display hats for the retail location.

She said some crafters have commented that “making clothes for SOS has saved their lives, providing the personal importance of being needed at a time when that was critical,” adding the sentiment that SOS needs its crafters just as much.

Markley also said knitting “helps make your hands more nimble, so there can be that physical benefit.”

since 2011 when they rose 4.8 percent.

The forecast reflects some recent positive economic news — a rising stock market and a surge in hiring last month that helped push down the nation’s unemployment rate to a six-year low of 5.9 percent. Still, wages aren’t rising, and the housing market has seen a slowdown.

Given this mixed picture, PwC and Strategy — formerly Booz & Co. — released a less rosy holiday forecast Tuesday. It expects overall holiday spending will fall to $684 a household, from $735 last year.

Based on a survey of 2,500 shoppers, it says those who make under $50,000 plan to spend $377 for the holidays, down from $435 last year. Those who earn $50,000 or more plan to spend about the same amount as last year — about $978.

“The spending divide among shoppers is widening, creating two distinct groups that we are tracking — survivalists and selectionists — and retailers must cater to both segments,” said Steven Barr of PwC’s U.S. retail and consumer practice.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Bernice Snyder of Economy makes clothes for Barbie and Ken for sale at the Senior Opportunities Services Craft Shop in Richmond. “That's probably one of our biggest sellers,” said SOS executive director Vicki Brim.

Limburg added, “We believe that a busy senior is a more healthy senior.”

Another crafter on hand at SOS on a recent morning was Barbara Goebel, who sews, knits and crochets items for the shop.

“I like to make things my own way,” Goebel said.

But Brim, and all three of the crafters report that customers sometimes bring requests for various items in the store that could be made with a different material or in a different color.

And there are men who serve as crafters, estimated as about 10 percent of the total group.

Brim said that men typically make some wood crafts, walking sticks, birdhouses and even hum-

mingbird swings.

“We get requests for some very different items, and even produce items that are uniquely helpful for residents of nursing homes and rehab facilities,” she added.

Brim said the number of area seniors is increasing as life expectancy rises, along with a better quality of life.

“I want to continue to help as many seniors as we can, in any way possible, with our organization,” she said.

The crafters added that all items are proudly American made by local people, and custom made here in the area.

Learn more at (765) 962-1010 or http://sos-richmond.com/

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SHOP LOCAL

Technology helps sell art in south Florida, South Africa Ron Deane returns home, opens gallery

By Ron Greeson

Richmond native Ron Deane says he’s always been interested in art.

His interest has become his job, which is currently being realized in his business the RDNA Art & Design Studio Gallery, located on the second floor of the former Odd Fellows building in downtown Richmond.

Situated at 8 S. Eighth St., Suite 14, Deane’s business reflects his longtime passion, which was nurtured early in his life from family members who were artists.

“I had inspiration from Albert Watkins and my Uncle Merritt (Gordon), and I spent time with family while they were working,” Deane remembered one recent afternoon.

“Then I learned more about art from my time at the Boys & Girls Clubs here, and with art classes each school year at Richmond High School with (former teacher) Pauline Ronald.”

Deane credits Ronald with encouraging him to pursue art after his graduation and helping him explore college possibilities, a quest that ended with a tuition scholarship to the Columbus (Ohio) College of Art and Design.

He graduated from there with a bachelor of fine arts degree in 1994 while majoring in fine art illustration and graphic design.

Deane became part of the Indy Indie Artist Colony in Indianapolis after college, pursuing artistic opportunities while maintaining a regular graphics job with the Indianapolis Recorder publication.

JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM

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14

See GALLERY, Page 15

Ron Deane sketches a caricature of Vanessa Ferguson during the Fourth Street Fair. Deane has a gallery at 8 S. Eighth St. in Richmond.

SHOP LOCAL

Gallery Continued from Page 14

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He presented his first exhibit in the state’s capital city while working there, with some of his works featured in three Indianapolis publications.

Ultimately, Deane began doing more freelance graphics work and purely artistic work in painting, photography, murals and caricatures, the latter of which is now a growing part of his business.

Because of increased social media interest, and word of mouth, Deane made a crucial decision.

“I wanted to live in my hometown (Richmond), and I hoped to sustain myself with art only,” he explained.

So, since December of last year, he has done exactly that at his downtown base of operation, with clients both near and far.

“It’s not where (geographically) you’re at that makes you successful, it’s what you carry within you,” Deane said about basing his business in Richmond.

And he doesn’t plan on changing that.

“I expect to stay in Richmond, but expand myself into different locations,” he added.

The first location he has in mind is the Miami, Dade County area in the southern portion of Florida.

“My goal is to set up a satellite operation in south Florida, hire other artists to give them more experience, and take advantage of the large, artistic culture in that area. It is great down there. I’ve visited many times,” Deane said.

He has remained close to many of his college classmates.

“I have friends from there that have jobs like as an animator at Disney, a toy designer, and art director,” Deane said. “The importance of the well-rounded education I received in college continues to make it a wonderful experience.”

His clients range from local private collectors, to the general public at local festivals, to collectors from as far away as south Florida and even South Africa.

“Through Google Plus, Facebook and Twitter, plus UPS and FedEx Express, I can work for anyone, anywhere in the world, produce the work, and send it to them,” he explained.

“Now, I do a lot of caricatures. I

SUPPLIED

Some of the artwork on display at RDNA Art & Design Studio Gallery in downtown Richmond.

recently did about 70 in one day at the Oktoberfest in the Depot District,” Deane said.

He said he charges $10 per person to do that type of work, and continues to see great interest in that form.

Deane has done several large murals in the area, including the prehistoric-themed mural under the

Lamar Lundy Bridge in Richmond.

He is conducting art classes on most Saturdays in his studio, and hopes to expand those.

For those interested in classes, and/or other information about Deane’s gallery, contact him at rdnastudiogallery@gmail.com, www.rdnastudiogallery.com or (765) 373-8501.

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Ron Deane stands at the entrance to RDNA Art & Design Studio Gallery at 8 S. Eighth 15 St. in Richmond. .

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SHOP LOCAL

Shop moves beyond baby steps Teenie Greenies offers natural wares for little ones, parents

By Louise Ronald

Two years ago, when Tomi Chomel bought the former Country Classics store at 183 Fort Wayne Ave., she saw it as a place where local crafters and artists — including herself — could sell their wares.

“I was wanting to do some more of my artwork and crafts, and the store was a way to do that,” Chomel recently recalled.

But instead of becoming more involved in her woodwork and metal fabrication, Chomel has found herself going in a different direction.

Her attention has turned to the earth-friendly baby products at Teenie Greenies.

The enterprise that started as a sideline at the back of the shop now has taken over everything. Country Classics has moved into booth space at High Hats Antique Mall & Gift

TEENIE GREENIES » Address: 183 Fort Wayne Ave., Richmond » Phone: (765) 960-6033 » Online: facebook.com/shopteeniegreenies » Hours: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday. Yoga classes are scheduled for Tuesdays. Call or check the Facebook page for exact times.

Gallery at 421 N. Eighth St. “The whole idea of being able to provide natural, organic and environmentally friendly things for babies ... has kind of become my passion right See TEENIE, Page 17

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

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16

This rocking work horse crafted by Francis Chomel of Connersville is available at Teenie Greenies. "That's my favorite," said store co-owner Tomi Chomel.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

A selection of items available at Teenie Greenies at 183 Fort Wayne Ave. in Richmond.

SHOP LOCAL

Teenie Continued from Page 16

www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

now,” Chomel said.

Teenie Greenies sells biodegradable disposable diapers and — Chomel’s preference — cloth diapers.

“Just the fact that you reuse them,” she said, “is economical and earth-friendly.”

Baby clothes, carriers and other accessories are available, in addition to supplies for mothers.

And Chomel hasn’t forgotten those local crafters.

Soap and skincare products

by Julie Shank of Richmond and wooden toys created by Francis Chomel of Connersville are featured in the shop.

Sarah Morris of Richmond also is selling some of her Snuggly Baby Stuff at the store.

Morris’ products are not only local, they’re made by a mom of three pre-schoolers catching what time she can to craft her wares.

“We’re going to do our best to support work-at-home moms,” said Chomel.

Her dream is to “provide everything you need from the moment you find out you’re pregnant until your baby is about 3.”

With that in mind, Chomel has arranged pre-natal, adult/ infant and adult/toddler yoga classes in the store’s back room, led by instructors from Beatree Yoga.

“We’re going to build a play area ... and a mom sitting area,” said Chomel.

Chomel’s grandson is at the store much of the time with his mother and store co-owner, who prefers to stay out of the limelight. But the family atmosphere created by their presence is unmistakable.

It’s what Chomel wants to expand on to make Teenie Greenies a place where babies and their companions are welcome.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM And as for herself, she still hopes maybe one of these days Teenie Greenies co-owner Tomi Chomel shares a laugh with her 11-month-old grandson. The store is at 183 Fort Wayne Ave. in Richmond. she’ll get back to her artwork.

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LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Francis Chomel of Connersville makes wood crafts for sale at Teenie Greenies.

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SMALL BUSINESSES

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Learn, develop, grow

.

Running a business is a fulfilling endeavor, but it often leaves very little room for self-development and on-the-job training.

In fact, finding the time to develop and hone your business skills is probably not top of your list of priorities, but it should be.

One of the best, and simplest, pieces of advice I’ve been given as a business owner is CARON to make a habit of atBEESLEY tending at least one relevant webinar or online learning course per month.

Whether it’s tips on how to do a better job of marketing my business or staying on top of the changes to tax law — free online classes are a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of your industry and business.

But where do you start, and how do you find free courses that are relevant to your needs?

Check out the SBA Learning Center

Research proves that small businesses want fast access to relevant and trusted information that can help them make informed decisions about starting, running and growing their businesses. With a goal of providing small business owners with fingertip access to free, helpful and reliable training opportunities, in 2012, SBA

launched its Learning Center.

Since going live, the site has grown to feature nearly 150 self-paced online courses, videos and web chats hosted by industry and government experts.

Topics include starting and managing a business, financing, marketing, taxes, government contracting and more.

Content is filtered by topic, so no matter the stage of your business, or the kind of insight you need, you can quickly get answers.

For example, if you’re wondering how SBA loan programs work or just need a primer in accounting or small business taxes, check out these selfpaced online financing courses and short videos. Or explore tips from the pros in these archived SBA Web Chats.

New courses are added all the time, including how to establish values for your business and what is intellectual property and how do you protect your ideas?

More trusted online training options

The Learning Center isn’t the only hub of learning. Here are a few other

useful resources to explore: » SBA YouTube Channel — Here you’ll find SBA’s archived how-to webinars from its regular webinar schedule as well as online courses from National Small Business Week.

Sign up for the SBA Weekly Updates to learn about upcoming webinars. » SCORE — Sponsored by the SBA, SCORE is a small business mentoring organization and you’ll find many interesting webinars on their calendar featuring real-life business use cases and practical tips. SCORE also offers a free email advice line. Simply type in your question and a SCORE mentor will contact you directly to see how they can assist. This is a great option for getting answers to those one-off questions that perplex you. » Business USA — Bookmark BusinessUSA.gov’s events page. This site filters online and in-person small business webinars and trade events taking place across the country. It also offers access to online training seminars from the IRS and other agencies.

Get training and help offline

Your personal and business development doesn’t have to stop at your desktop. SBA also offers in-person training, counseling and access to business development specialists through its SBA District Offices. In fact, SBA’s Local Assistance programs also include targeted help for women business owners, veterans and businesses interested in exporting.

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION INDIANA DISTRICT OFFICE » Address: 8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 400, Indianapolis, IN 46240 » Phone: (317) 226-7272 » Website: sba.gov/offices/district/in/indianapolis

EAST CENTRAL INDIANA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER » Address: 1208 W. White Water Blvd., Suite 126, Muncie, IN 47303 » Satellite office: 2327 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN 47374 » Phone: (866) 596-7232 » Website: isbdc.org/locations/east-central-isbdc/ » Email: eastcentral@isbdc.org

Local Small Business Development Centers are located in hundreds of cities and towns across the U.S. and are another valuable source of counseling and in-person seminars.

Caron Beesley is a small business owner, a writer, and marketing communications consultant. Caron works with the SBA.gov team to promote essential government resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners start-up, grow and succeed.

Follow Caron on Twitter: @caronbeesley.

National Small Business Week award nominations being accepted

The U.S. Small Business Administration Indiana District Office has announced that SBA’s online portal is ready to accept nominations for its 2015 National Small Business Week Awards, including the annual Small Business Person of the Year award.

This is now the third year SBA has been using the online portal submission process at http://awards.sba.gov Since 1963, National Small Business Week has recognized the outstanding achievements of America’s small businesses for their contributions to their local communities and 18 to the nation’s economy. The SBA

estimates there are some 28 million small businesses around the country.

SBA Awards include: » National Small Business Person of the Year (chosen from among state award winners from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam) » Phoenix Awards (recognizing outstanding accomplishments during disaster recovery) » Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year » Small Business Subcontractor » The Dwight D. Eisenhower

Award for Excellence (recognizes large prime contractors who have used small businesses as suppliers and contractors) » SBA 8(a) Graduate of the Year (for recent graduates of the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program) » Exporter of the Year » Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Award (nominations of SBA-funded SBDC Service Centers) » Women’s Business Center (WBCs) of Excellence Award (nominations of SBA-funded WBCs) » Veterans Business Outreach

Center Excellence in Service Award (nominations of SBA-funded Veterans Business Outreach Centers) » Small Business Investment Company of the Year All nominations must be submitted online, postmarked or hand-delivered to the SBA no later than 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Jan. 5, 2015.

In addition to the portal, nominations also may be sent directly to SBA’s Indiana District Office.

Learn more at sba.gov/in, call Sharon Harvey (317) 226-7272 ext.

123 or visit 8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 400, Indianapolis.

LOCAL EVENTS

Some business opportunities www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

» Open House at Rebecca’s Creative Designs, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 27-Nov. 1, 3457 Sugar Grove Road, Greens Fork, Ind. » Arts and Crafts Show, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 31 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1, Golay Community Center, 1007 E. Main St., Cambridge City, Ind. Free admission. » Launch Your Own Business: A Sound and Proven Path, 6-9 p.m.

Nov. 4, Innovation Center, 814 E. Main St., Richmond. Presented by the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center. Cost: $25. To register, go to isbdc.org and click on Workshops and Events. » Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce New Member Breakfast, 8-9 a.m. Nov. 6, chamber board room, 33 S. Seventh St., Richmond.

Free. Register by Nov. 3 at wcacc-nmb.eventbright.com. » Social Media: What Your Small Business Needs to Know Today, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Nov. 7, Innovation Center, 814 E. Main St., Richmond.

Presented by the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center. Free. To register, go to isbdc.org and click on Workshops and Events. » Power Lunch Series for Next Generation Leaders on Work-Life Integration, 12:10 p.m.-12:50 p.m., Nov. 7, Room 912, 912 E. Main St., Richmond. Theme is Giving. Offered

by Indiana University East. Free 40-minute sessions. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact www.iue.edu/business/ leadership/programs/work-life-series » Hot Topics Koffee Talk for Women, 8-9:30 a.m. Nov. 7, Reflections@PMG, 3377 U.S. 35 E., West Alexandria, Ohio. Melissa Cutcher will speak on “Do You Consider Your True Value When Asked What You’re Worth?” Free. Register at www.wibn.org. » Christmas Village, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Nov. 7 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 8, Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond. Offered by YWCA of Richmond. $2 admission; free for ages 12 and younger. » Bazaar & Bake Sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 8, Middleboro United Methodist Church, Indiana 227 North, 2.5 miles north of I-70, Middleboro. Find unique craft items and

JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

People browse vendors’ items during the YWCA’s Christmas Village Craft Show in Kuhlman Center. This year’s event is Nov. 7-8.

gently used /like new items for sale.

(765) 962-2653 » Digital Devices (new class), 10 a.m.-noon, Nov. 8, Centerville-Center Township Public Library, 126 E. Main St., Centerville. Free. Call (765) 8555223 to sign up. » Digital Fix Open Lab, 1-5 p.m., Nov. 8, library, 126 E. Main St., Centerville. Free help with electronics. Call (765) 855-5223 to register. » IU East Management Series: Managing Across the Generations, 1-4 p.m. Nov. 12, Stephen Belding, presenter. Learn about the four generations working side by side, differences among them and strategies for managing each group. Cost: $75 per person; $50 each for three or more people from the same organization.

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact iue.edu/leadership. » Leaving in Style: Preparing Your Business for Transition, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13, DeFur Voran, 400 S. Walnut St., Muncie.

Presented by the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center. Free. To register, go to isbdc.org and click on Workshops and Events. » Veterans Resource Fair, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 13, Kuhlman Center,

Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond. Free admission. Free health screenings, employment options, education information, other community services. Free lunch for veterans. For more information, call Brian Rea, WorkOne Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialist, (765) 962-8591 ext. 2711. » QuickBooks Pro for Small Business, 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 15, 6626 E. 75th St., Suite 150, Indianapolis. Presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Cost: $50. To register, go to http://www.sba. gov/offices/district/in/indianapolis and click on Events. » Business Outlook Panel presented by the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, 7:30 a.m.

Nov. 18, Whitewater Hall, Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Information: Terry Wiesehan, (765) 973-8221. » Read to Lead: “Contagious: Why Things Catch On,” by Jonah Berger, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Nov. 19, Whitewater Hall’s Community Room, Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Free. Register at iue.edu/leadership. » Find Customers and Competitors, 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Central

Library first floor computer lab, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. Presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Free. To register, go to http://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ in/indianapolis and click on Events. » Deadline for entries for Richmond Holiday Parade, Nov. 21. Parade will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Theme is Celebrating Milestones. Free to spectators and participants. Contact Dawnn Pool at Center City Development Corp., (765) 962-8151 or dawnnb@mycentercity.com. » Union County Extension Homemakers Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Nov. 22, Union County Middle School, 488 E. Indiana 44, Liberty. Free admission. Handicap accessible. » IU East Management Series: Managing Teams, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 9.

Tools to increase participation of team members and strategies for working effectively with teams. Cost: $75 per person; $50 each for three or more people from the same organization. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact iue.edu/ leadership.

Send upcoming events to palitem @pal-item.com or 1175 N. A St., Richmond, IN 47374. Listings are free and 19 run as space permits. .

SMALL BUSINESSES

www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Internet offers new markets I can recall from an early age having the entrepreneurial spirit.

When I was young, my grandfather would cut shapes out of wood and my mom would spend months painting scenes on these cutouts, assembling an inventory that she would eventually sell at the YWCA holiday craft bazaar.

I would always have my grandpa cut out a few shapes for me as well and I would paint them and set them up JASON at our booth. I would WHITNEY eagerly await customers and attempt to sell them what I had made.

It was always exciting to see what I could sell each year and I would always learn a lesson about what

sorts of items were sellable, and how I could have better interacted with the customers.

That same spirit and activity takes place all over the world in one form or another.

The interesting thing in 2014 is that you no longer have to set up a booth, build an inventory, or even interact with your customers. The emerging Internet marketplace has taken over.

Sites like Etsy, Dawanda and Bonanza make it possible to sell any

number of things to customers all over the world without having to leave your basement.

One really nice thing about this is that vendors don’t have to have any inventory on hand and can customize everything they sell because there isn’t a customer standing at their table expecting to walk away with something when they hand over their cash. It makes it possible for the artsy mom or the disabled vet to create items and ship them all over the world with the click of a mouse

while still doing the important things that they need to do in their lives.

These sites have become so popular now that if you enter some common searched for words into Etsy, there are so many vendors that it can almost be overwhelming.

It is estimated that more than $200 million in goods change hands on Etsy each MONTH. This makes it one of the most popular and most visited websites in the world.

The bottom line is if you are a home-based vendor, think about your community being much larger than the roads that you travel every day.

Check into becoming a vendor on some of these popular sites and see if your new community can take you around the world.

Jason Whitney is executive director of Center City Development Corp.

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A Snuggly Baby Stuff bib by Sarah Morris.

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A selection of gift cards from June Cat Cards by Emily Kendall.

SMALL BUSINESSES

www.pal-item.com § Maximum Business §Palladium-Item Media Group, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Hacking poses big danger Small businesses also vulnerable for revenue losses

By Joyce M. Rosenberg Associated Press

NEW YORK — It’s not just big businesses like JPMorgan Chase, Target and Home Depot that get hacked.

Small companies suffer from intrusions into their computer systems, too.

The costs associated with computer and website attacks can run well into the thousands and even millions of dollars for a small company. Many

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Scott Schober, owner of Berkeley Varitronics Systems in Metuchen, N.J., says the company’s bank account was hacked earlier this year and $50,000 was taken.

small businesses have been attacked — 44 percent, according to a 2013 survey by the National Small Business Association, an advocacy group.

Typically, businesses must have a computer expert find the source of the attack, and systems have to be purged of harmful software like viruses. When websites are shut down, revenue can be lost.

Making matters worse, if customer data was breached, companies often must pay to notify each person or business affected. In some states, they’re required to pay for credit report monitoring for customers, said Matt Donovan, head of technology insurance underwriting for the insurer Hiscox USA. In almost every state, companies must notify people when information has been breached, said Samuel Cornish, a commercial law attorney with Genova Burns Giantomasi Webster in Newark, New Jersey. Companies can also be liable for damages in lawsuits brought by customers, he said.

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to attacks because many owners believe they don’t have the

time or money to invest in software or consulting services to make systems more secure.

Many businesses are ignorant of risks they face or possible solutions, said Jeff Foresman, a consultant with Rook Security, an Indianapolis-based computer security company. They might not realize an attack can happen from a seemingly harmless source. For example, a perfectly normal-looking email from a friend’s computer that was attacked without the owner’s knowledge could lead to trouble.

Berkeley Varitronic Systems’ bank account was hacked earlier this year and $50,000 was taken, CEO Scott Schober said. He got the money back but considers the incident a lesson. He had already invested $50,000 in security for his own systems and plans to add an additional $20,000.

No system is hackerproof, but there are steps, some of them inexpensive, that businesses can take to shore up defenses and mitigate damage from attacks: Âť Hire computer security consult-

ants to evaluate computers and websites and suggest ways to protect them. Âť Buy insurance to cover financial losses. Premiums can be as low as $1,000 a year for $1 million in coverage. Âť Install free antivirus and antimalware software available online.

Also add firewalls, which block attempts to access, said Joe Caruso, CEO of Global Digital Forensics, a computer security company based in New York.  Make sure email is secure by using an email provider that has proper security systems, Caruso said.  Avoid having customers’ credit card information stolen by using a separate company to process orders.

The company should guarantee that its systems are secure. Âť Use a service that helps weed out fraudulent credit card transactions, said Jason Opdyke, director of online commerce for Berkeley, California-based BearExtender, which sells Wi-Fi equipment. It uses such a service to try to avoid becom21 ing a victim of attempted fraud. .

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Student tellers from We R Savers program at Fairview, Westview and Crestdale elementary schools visit the east-side office of West End Bank on Oct. 14. The bank’s partnership with Richmond Community Schools encourages savings and promotes financial literacy. Student tellers accept deposits and open new accounts once a month.

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Representatives of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce join Richmond Furniture Gallery staff at an Oct. 18 open house in celebration of 60 years of business for the Richert family.

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Senior Opportunities Services received a $20,000 donation from Reid Hospital and Health Care Services for its programs to help seniors stay independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Aman Bakshi, left, and Angela Cline, who are community benefit specialists with Reid, present the check to Vicki Brim, SOS director; and SOS board members Ann Markley, Bill Pendley and Mike Gibbs.

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From left, pharmacists Dave and Peggy Rokosz, Dr. James Bertsch, Craig Towns, Brad Hester, Ben Austerman, pharmacist Ken Newton and Dr. Scott Marsteller celebrate the open house at the new MediCenter Pharmacy inside Cutshaw’s Market in Cambridge City.

MediCenter Pharmacies have two locations in partnership with Reid Hospital. The second location is inside Woodruff’s Supermarket in Liberty.

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Staff and residents celebrate Arbor Trace Assisted Living Week with representatives of the

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Staff and students at Richmond Friends School and representatives of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce cut a ribbon for the school’s new outdoor learning lab on Sept. 18.

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