October 1, 2007

Welcome to the e-newsletter for the Cedar Rapids chapter of SCORE. This communication shares news and information of interest to our counselors and clients.
 

Success Story

Czech Feather & Down
 

Her business is down, it’s always been down. . . and feathers. . . and much more. “Cookie” Vanous is the president of Czech Feather & Down Company in the historic Czech Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She is keeping alive a business established in 1885 that produces handcrafted feather and down pillows, comforters, feather beds, and cushions for furniture.  Cookie also provides a variety of custom-made products and renovations.  Czech Feather & Down Co. has been handed down through the family from generation to generation and is steeped in the traditional methods of pillow and comforter making.

 Full Article.

Committee Updates

The fundraising committee under Jerry Moore’s leadership is working to secure the required funding to accomplish our mission.

The September seminar was very well attended. The training committee under the direction of Co-chairs Kathy McArtor and Jim Burns is in the process of defining and revamping the training process and procedures.

Duffy Schamberger and Jerry Moore spoke to the Metro North Rotary Club at the Elmcrest Country Club on September 20. This was the third speaking engagement for this dynamic duo,  To arrange for a speaker presentation contact Steve West.

 Full Article.

SIFE Partnership

SCORE Partnering with Local College Organization
 

SCORE’s marketing committee is teaming with Mount Mercy’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) to work on creating new marketing initiatives for the organization. SIFE students have been working with advisor Anne King to evaluate SCORE’s needs within the organization and out in the wider community. They plan to present their marketing plan to the organization in the beginning of October.  

 Full Article.

Monster !

Chairman's Message
 

Has a monster eaten your ideas recently?

In August, I attended a New Chair Conference sponsored by the National SCORE Association. One of the speakers at the conference warned us that there is a monster residing in airlines’ overhead luggage compartments, and this monster eats our ideas. Like most conference attendees, I took notes. In fact I filled page after page with ideas for my term as Chapter Chair. Some of the ideas came from networking with chapter members from other cities and states and others came from listening to speakers on topics of particular interest. Evidence of this airline monster’s presence will materialize if my notes are unclear or if I fail to read my notes upon my return.

I am not going to let this monster be the victor so I would like to share some of the gems in my notes. Robert Blaney, SBA Director for Arizona, in his welcoming remarks, used the slow growth of a Saguaro, a tree-sized cactus, as a metaphor to describe the age and development of SCORE. It takes 75 years for the Saguaro to grow one branch. Having been in existence for only 43 years, SCORE already has over 11,000 volunteers in 389 chapters nationwide. Our success in providing free, confidential counseling to new and existing small businesses is something of which each of our SCORE volunteers can be proud.

Another idea that escaped this monster is that we should get rid of the paradigm that members must be retired and that all members must be counselors. Our chapter is a leader in thinking of ideas such as this – John Ruth, our marketing chair, thought of this long before I went to the conference in Arizona. Our marketing committee now includes volunteers from Mount Mercy’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).

So let’s continue to fight the idea-eating monster residing within all of us to help SCORE continue and grow successfully.

Jean Kruse,
SCORE Chairperson

Brought to you by the Cedar Rapids chapter of SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business," a nonprofit association and resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is dedicated to entrepreneurship and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 7.5 million entrepreneurs.

Copyright 2007. SCORE Chapter 227. All rights reserved.

SCORE® Ch. 227 c/o SBA, 2750 First Avenue NE, Ste. 350,
 Cedar Rapids IA 52402-4831
(319) 362-6405 Ext. 2005