A business group in Shelby has formed called the Shelby Area Business Group (SABG) and they look to focus on community growth and involvement. The mission of this group is to focus on creating awareness about local businesses and what these businesses can offer to the community.
President of SABG, Carolyn Clarke, showed enthusiasm with the newly developed group. “This group is just starting and we are working with the Richland County Development Group. We are trying to focus on the Chili Cook Off that will be taking place on October 5. We have had really great reception from the community. They have been great about joining the organization,” said Clarke.
Clarke wanted to develop a group for the community by which to stay connected. “I went around and I introduced myself. I met Julie Britton and wanted to know if there were any service organizations for the community. She and I met and we decided to start something. It all started with us having a casual conversation,” said Clarke.
The leadership team for the SABG includes Clarke from Trent Insurance Group as the president, Julie Britton of the Coolest Shop in Town as the vice president, Jennifer Arms of Glen’s Surplus Sales as the secretary, and Connie Roub of Connie’s Place as the treasurer. Christina Thompson of the City of Shelby can also be reached to receive information on the group.
The SABG was formed at the beginning of summer in 2013. There is no membership fee in joining the SABG, it is free of charge. All money that is raised through events within the community stay within the community. “We ask for community service help with any projects that we do. We plan on raising money through fundraisers,” said Clarke.
The SABG will be hosting a Chili Cook Off on October 5 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This cook off is open to both businesses and the public. It will cost $20 to enter the Chili Cook Off and the first place prize will be $100. There will also be prizes awarded to the best table theme. The Chili Cook Off is for breast cancer awareness and proceeds will remain within the community and donated towards the Coolest Shop in Town’s Little Back Room.
“My focus is engaging the community and the business community together. We need each other in order to survive. If we can give back to the community, that is the most valuable reward,” said Clarke. “The Chili Cook Off is very casual and it gives the community to see what these businesses are all about. There is so much potential and it is such a wonderful community,” said Clarke.
Focusing on youth engagement is another factor that Clarke is focusing on. “Maybe if we inspire the younger generation, they will think about starting their own business. We want to make sure that the opportunity for jobs is here. These kids need to be empowered that they could have potential to start their own business,” said Clarke.
“You have to get involved in the community and you have to do service project. You don’t get unless you give. The community has to see that commitment and what virtues you stand for,” said Clarke.